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 Mount Ararat, reputed to be the last resting place of Noah's Ark after
the Great Flood, forms an exciting trekking destination near to the
Iranian border. It is a dormant volcano similar in shape and scale, and
only three or four thousand feet lower than Mounts Elbrus and Kilimanjaro.
A mini "Himalayan style" ascent is used on the peak and Ararat
has been a training ground for European climbers to prepare for the big
peak expeditions of the Himalaya. The region has reopened to tourists in
2003, having been closed for several years by the government. This a
Turkey's highest mountain and the trek offers much, much more besides the
accomplishment of the ascent!
This is a trek of two halves, firstly to the Kackar Mountains (also known
as the Pontic Alps) on the extreme south east coast of the Black Sea,
where we walk into the lands of the nomadic peoples. The walking here,
forms an acclimatization and contrast to the second half of the holiday,
as the surroundings are generally green and lush compared to the ice
capped wastes of Ararat. After Kacker five days are then spent in the
Eastern part of Turkey, near to the Iranian and Armenian borders making an
ascent of Mount Ararat (5165m / 16,941 feet). This is a tough but non
technical walk, requiring good stamina. The upper third of the volcano is
covered in snow and the last 100m or so is icy, requiring ice axe and
crampons. (the actual climb to the summit from camp II at 4,200m/ 13775
feet is optional). After the big peak you will have a night by Lake Van -
the largest lake in Turkey and then for a grand finale, after an internal
flight you have a couple of nights in Istanbul to experience the eastern
delights of this great old city.
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DETAILS
Guided Camping Tour 15 days
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DURATION:
15 days
TOURCODE: TAR
GRADE: D
DAY STAGES: Up to 8 hours a day walking
DATES 2004:
| TAR26 |
Sat 26 June - Sat 10
July |
| TAR31 |
Sat 31 July - Sat 14 Aug |
| TAR14 |
Sat 14 Aug - Sat 28
Aug |
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