Package Overview
This 10-day Ararat Trekking adventure combines three spectacular mountain ascents with the cultural highlights of Eastern Turkey. Starting in Van, the journey takes you from the shores of Lake Van to the summits of Mount Artos (3,535 m), Mount Süphan (4,058 m), and finally Mount Ararat (5,165 m), the highest mountain in Turkey.
The itinerary is designed with a gradual increase in altitude, using Artos and Süphan as progressive acclimatization stages before the final Ararat trekking ascent. Along the way, you will explore Van Castle, visit the historic Armenian church on Akdamar Island, experience the landscapes around Lake Van, and discover the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace near Doğubayazıt.
This is more than a Mount Ararat summit tour. It is a complete mountain journey combining high-altitude trekking, acclimatization, local culture and some of the most impressive landscapes in Eastern Turkey.
Tour Highlights
- Summit Mount Ararat (5,165 m) – the highest mountain in Turkey
- Climb Mount Süphan (4,058 m), Turkey’s second-highest mountain
- Ascend Mount Artos (3,535 m) above Lake Van
- Progressive acclimatization for Ararat trekking
- Explore historic Van Castle and the ancient city of Tuşba
- Boat trip to Akdamar Island and visit the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross
- Trek through the spectacular high-altitude landscapes of Eastern Turkey
- Experience sunrise from the summit of Mount Ararat
- Visit the impressive Ishak Pasha Palace
- Professional mountain guiding and logistical support throughout the journey
- A combination of challenging trekking and cultural experiences
Day 1 – Arrival in Van
Arrive at Van Airport and transfer to our hotel on the shores of Lake Van. After check-in, there is time to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
In the evening, we meet for dinner, enjoy the sunset over Lake Van and review the itinerary and mountain conditions for the coming days.
Overnight: 4-star hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Van Castle & Akdamar Island
After breakfast, we visit Van Castle, one of the region’s most important historical landmarks. From the castle, we enjoy panoramic views over Lake Van, the city and the remains of ancient Tuşba.
We then travel along the shores of Lake Van to Gevaş and take a boat to Akdamar Island. Here we visit the famous 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, known for its detailed stone reliefs depicting biblical scenes.
After lunch, we continue towards Mount Artos and prepare for the first mountain stage of the journey.
Overnight: Mountain camp
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3 – Mount Artos Summit (3,535 m)
Our first summit day begins early. We ascend Mount Artos, following a mountain trail towards its 3,535 m summit.
From the top, we enjoy impressive panoramic views over Lake Van and the surrounding mountains. After descending by the same route, we return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next stage.
Hiking time: approx. 3 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 600 m
Overnight: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4 – Mount Süphan Acclimatization
After breakfast, we drive towards Mount Süphan. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and follows the northern shores of Lake Van.
After arriving at the mountain, we establish our camp. Depending on weather and group conditions, we undertake a short acclimatization hike to prepare for the 4,000-metre altitude of the following day.
Overnight: Mountain camp
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5 – Mount Süphan Summit (4,058 m)
We start early for the ascent of Mount Süphan. The trail climbs steadily and becomes steeper in sections as we gain altitude.
The broad summit area is characterized by large basalt blocks. From the highest point at 4,058 m, we enjoy spectacular views over Lake Van and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
After descending, we continue by road towards Doğubayazıt and the Ararat region.
Hiking time: at least 8 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 1,450 m
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Doğubayazıt
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6 – Ararat Camp 1
After approximately one hour’s drive, we reach the Ararat trailhead at around 2,200 m.
The main luggage is transported by horses while we trek with light daypacks. The trail gradually climbs towards Camp 1 at approximately 3,350 m.
After around five hours of trekking, we arrive at camp, where a warm dinner awaits us. The evening is reserved for rest and preparation for the higher stages of the Ararat Trekking route.
Hiking time: approx. 5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 1,100 m
Overnight: Camp 1 – huts or comfortable tents
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7 – Ararat Camp 2 (4,200 m)
After breakfast, we continue towards Camp 2 with light daypacks while the main luggage is transported separately.
The landscape becomes increasingly alpine as we gain altitude. After approximately 3–4 hours, we reach the high camp at around 4,200 m.
The afternoon is dedicated to rest, hydration and final preparations for the summit push. Dinner is served early because the climb to the summit begins during the night.
Hiking time: approx. 3–4 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 1,000 m
Overnight: 3-person tents at Camp 2
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8 – Mount Ararat Summit (5,165 m)
Summit day begins around 1–2 a.m. After a light breakfast, we leave Camp 2 and start climbing under our headlamps.
As dawn approaches, the surrounding landscape gradually appears. The final section reaches the glacier zone, where crampons may be required depending on snow and ice conditions.
After approximately five hours of climbing, we reach the summit of Mount Ararat at 5,165 m.
After enjoying the summit views towards Turkey, Iran and Armenia, we begin our descent. We return to Camp 2 for a short break before continuing down to Camp 1.
Hiking time: approx. 11 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 1,000 m
Elevation loss: approx. 1,800 m
Overnight: Camp 1 – huts or comfortable tents
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9 – Descent & Ishak Pasha Palace
After breakfast, we complete the descent from Camp 1 to the trailhead and return to Doğubayazıt.
After the mountain adventure, we visit the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace, dramatically situated on the slopes above Doğubayazıt. The historic palace is one of the region’s most impressive architectural landmarks and offers exceptional views across the surrounding landscape.
After the visit, we return to the hotel for a shower and some well-deserved rest.
In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate the completion of our three-peak adventure.
Hiking time: approx. 3–4 hours
Elevation loss: just over 1,000 m
Overnight: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10 – Departure
After breakfast, and depending on your flight schedule, we transfer from Doğubayazıt to the airport for your journey home.
After ten days of mountain trekking, summit adventures and cultural discoveries, our Ararat Trekking journey comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 1 – Arrival in Van
Day 2 – Van Castle & Akdamar Island
Day 3 – Mount Artos Summit (3,535 m)
Day 4 – Mount Süphan Acclimatization
Day 5 – Mount Süphan Summit (4,058 m)
Day 6 – Ararat Camp 1
Day 7 – Ararat Camp 2 (4,200 m)
Day 8 – Mount Ararat Summit (5,165 m)
Day 9 – Descent & Ishak Pasha Palace
Day 10 – Departure
Included Services
- All transfers according to the program
- English Speaking mountain guide
- Application for permission to climb Mount Ararat
- Transport of main luggage by horses on Mount Ararat to Camp 2 : 15kg per person
- Support team including local cook
- Camp 1: comfortable tents or small cabins with beds
- Camp 2: 2-person tents, sleeping mats (5cm)
- Full board on the mountain
- Water throughout the entire tour
- 4 nights Hotel in a double room with half board, single room available for an extra charge
- Visit to the Noah’s Ark discovery site
Exclusions
- Flights
- Individual excursions and sightseeing trips outside the program, as well as personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Boat trip to Akdamar Island, entrance to Akdamar Island, Van Burg and Ishak Pasha Palace, total approx. € 25
- Entrance fees for Ararat National Park: €50
- Insurance
Booking and Cancellation Policy
- Advance booking required, with a detailed breakdown of payment stages.
- Cancellation policy to be confirmed based on the provider’s terms.
Cancellation Policy
General Terms
- All cancellations must be made in writing and communicated via email to [info@persiatrek.com].
- The effective date of cancellation will be the date the written notice is received.
Cancellation Charges
- More than 60 days before departure:
Full refund . - 59 to 31 days before departure:
50% of the total trip cost will be refunded. - 30 to 15 days before departure:
25% of the total trip cost will be refunded. - 14 days or less before departure:
No refund will be provided.
No-Show Policy
- If the client fails to appear on the day of departure, no refund will be issued.
Force Majeure Clause
- In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond the provider’s control (e.g., natural disasters, political instability, pandemics, or other force majeure events), the provider reserves the right to offer a rescheduling option or partial refund based on recoverable costs.
Optional Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover potential cancellation costs, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances
- Back Pack (30-40 liters)
- Base layers
- Wind stoppers (polar jacket)
- Warm trekking pants (preferably waterproof)
- Light down jacket
- Gore-tex jacket (waterproof)
- Warm hat
- Sun cream
- Headlights
- Sticks, poles
- Mattress
- Trekking boots (waterproof)
- Sleeping bag with the comfort level of +10 to +5
- Warm gloves
- Sunglasses
- Crampons
Tents/beds, meals, drinks and cooking stuffs will be provided by Persiatrek Agency.
Note: If you do not have one or any of these equipment you can rent from us.
Ararat Trekking tour Map
Trekking map from southern face to Damavand summit
Ararat , Artos , Suphan Photo Gallery
Ararat ascent dates 2027
- 31.05. – 06.06.2027
- June 7th – June 13th, 2027
- June 14 – June 20, 2027
- June 21 – June 27, 2027
- June 28 – July 4, 2027
- July 5th – July 11th, 2027
- July 12 – July 18, 2027
- July 19 – July 25, 2027
- July 26 – August 1, 2027
- August 2nd – August 8th, 2027
- August 9th – August 15th, 2027
- August 16 – August 22, 2027
- 23.08. – 29.08.2027
- 30.08. – 05.09.2027
- September 6th – September 12th, 2027
- September 13th – September 19th, 2027
- September 20 – September 26, 2027
- September 27 – October 3, 2027
- October 4th – October 10th, 2027
- October 11th – October 17th, 2027
- October 18 – October 24, 2027
Price : from 360$
1PAX : 600$
2 PAX : 450$
3-5 PAX : 360$
6-8 PAX : 330$
9-10 PAX : 300$
11 and more : 250$
Duration : 10 days
Valid from : May to October
Age requirement : +18
Physical rating : 5
Join in : Van
End in : Van
Max Altitude : 5137m
Accommodation :
3 , 4 stars Hotel , Tent
Transportation :
Private car all the road trip
Ararat Trekking: Three Peaks, One Journey
Three Mountains, One Journey: Understanding Eastern Turkey Through Its Peaks Eastern Turkey is a land of dramatic landscapes, high mountains and ancient cultures. Yet, one of the best ways to understand this region is not simply to travel through it, but to experience...
You might be interested in our following packages:
6-Day Trekking Damavand South Route
From 620$
See Details
7-Day Mount Ararat trekking tour
From 530$
See Details
6-Day Trekking Damavand &Touchal
From 670$
See Details
4-Day Trekking Damavand- Economy Tour
From 400$
See Details
15-Day Trekking Damavand , Alamkuh , Sabalan
From 1400$
See Details
6-Day Trekking Damavand Northeast Route
From 700$
See Details
6-Day Trekking Damavand West Route
From 650$
See Details
6-Day Trekking Damavand North Route
From 750$
See Details
