Duration: 11 days
Date: June – September
Group size: a minimum 8 persons
Contact us for smaller group, or private tour prices.
SEE LOCATION ON MAP
PROGRAMME:
Ascent of the mountain Süphan (4.058 m).
Ascent of Ararat, (5.165 m), the highest mountain in Turkey. The ascent, graded technically as fairly easy for a 5.000 m high mountain, will take place, along the only permitted route including two camps.
Sightseeing of the Ishak Pasha Palace, which was built high above a plateau at Dogubayazit in the 17th century. It controlled for centuries the caravan traffic of the Silk Route, which it overlooks.
Sightseeing of the hot water springs of Diyadin, which are compared favourably with the springs of Pamukkale and which are a wonderful photo motif.
The historic centre of Van has an eventful history and was influenced by many cultures. We will show you the most beautiful sights of Van.
The hospitality of a Kurdish nomad family during a relaxing evening meal will add many unforgettable moments.
ITINERARY:
Day 1
Arrival to Van, transfer to hotel, dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
Day 2
Breakfest. If desired you can enjoy a bathe in Lake Van. Packed lunch. In the afternoon sightseeing of the old castle complex Van Kalesi (Van Castle). Dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3
Breakfast. Transfer to Süphan up to 2.500 m and set up the camp; possible ascent up to 3.100 m (3,5 hours) to get used to the height. Packed lunch. Dinner, overnight stay in tents.
Day 4
Breakfast. Still in the dark (about 4 a.m.) we will start the ascent to the Süphan summit (4.058 m), which is reached in about 6 hours. Depending on the season there might be snow in the summit area, in the upper regions boulders and rocks. Complete descent with rest at the camp. Packed lunch. Departure from camp to Dogubayazit (1.950 m, about 3 hours) with a stop at a waterfall Muradiye. Collective dinner. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 5
Breakfast. In the morning sightseeing of the place where legend says that Noah´s Ark landed. In the afternoon drive up to one of the most beautiful palaces, the Ishak Pasha Palace, located above the city. Sightseeing tour. From a cafe located on the top you have a good view over the plateau and the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon drive to the source of the river Euphrates with plenty of time for bathing in the hot sulphur springs. Picnic in the evening; return journey and overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 6
Breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the starting point of our ascent (2.200 m). Ascent (about 4 hours) to Base Camp 1 (3.200 m). Packed lunches. Luggage will be transported by horses. Dinner, overnight stay in tents.
Day 7
Breakfast, ascent for acclimatization (5 hours) without baggage. During the walking tour you can admire spectacular views of Little Ararat and views to Iran. Packed lunch. Descent to Base Camp 1, free time to relax, dinner, overnight stay in tents.
Day 8
Breakfast, packing of tents and climb to Camp 2 (4.200 m, 5 hours). Luggage will be transported by horses. Packed lunch. Dinner. It will only be a short overnight stay in tents. The tents are protected from the wind behind a wall of stones.
Day 9
Up to the peak 5.165m (about 4 – 5 hours). Start at 3 a.m. First you will have to climb over boulders and small rocks to the snow and ice cap in the summit area where, depending on the conditions, you may have to use crampons. If the weather is fine there will be time for an extensive rest at the summit. You´ll enjoy magnificent views to Armenia, Iran, Doğubayazit and Süphan. Packed lunch. Descent to Camp 2 and then a further descent to Base Camp 1 (descent takes 5 – 6 hours). Dinner and celebration of your successful climb to the top of the mountain Ararat. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 10
Breakfast, descent from the Base Camp 1 to Eli, way back to Doğubayazit, free time, hamam, dinner with a Kurdish family, overnight stay in hotel.
Day 11
Breakfast, transfer to the airport from Doğubayazit to Van. Flight home.
Price: upon request
Pricing Details:
Price varies according to group size and preferences.
Contact us for smaller group, or private tour prices.
Tour price includes:
All meals and overnight stays according to the program
All transfers in Turkey according to the program
Permission on location for the Ascent of Süphan
Permission from Ankara for the Ascent of Ararat
50 Dollar entrance fee per person for the national park, Ararat
Hamam entrance fee
Licensed Kurdish mountain guide, German or English speaking
Food and Beverages – full board – all inclusive on the mountain
Kurdish cook
Luggage transport by horses on the mountain up to camp 2
Tents for two people & thermo mats (single person tents – additional charge)
Not Included:
Tips to Guides and Drivers
Alcoholic Beverages
Flights To and From Destinations
Booking deadline: immediate
Packing and equipment list:
Cheap flights to Turkey:
http://savourturkey.com/en/faq/where-can-i-get-flight-tickets-to-turkey/
Information and reservation:
e-mail: savourturkey@gmail.com