When planning to climb certain mountains included in our programs, a climbing permit issued by local authorities is required. This applies especially to Mount Ararat and Little Ararat in Turkey and Mount Damavand in Iran.
Below you will find all essential information about obtaining these permits and how we can assist you with the process.
Climbing Permit for Mount Ararat
All visitors who wish to trek or ski on Mount Ararat (5.137 m) must obtain a special climbing permit from the Turkish government.
The official application can be made through the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your country, but this procedure usually takes 1–2 months.
The fastest and most convenient way is to apply through a licensed local travel agency – such as Ararat Trip – which handles the entire process on your behalf.
We organize Ararat trekking and ski tours regularly and take care of the necessary permits for all our participants.
To issue your climbing permit, we will need the following information:
- Full name and surname
- Date and place of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of passport issue and expiry (you may also send us a scan of your passport photo page)
- Planned dates of your Mount Ararat tour
Since 2015, permits are issued directly by local authorities in Dogubayazit, which has made the process significantly faster.
Currently, it usually takes about 1–2 weeks. Therefore, please send us your details at least two weeks before your arrival.
In urgent cases, we can obtain a permit within 3–4 working days, but we kindly ask you not to rely on this option during the high season and send us required information in advance .
The official permit fee is 50 USD per person.
Climbing Permit for Little Ararat
After many years of closure, Turkish authorities have reopened access to Little Ararat (3.925 m) in 2024.
At present, the route is accessible only from the Igdir side, while the trail from Dogubayazit remains closed.
For trekking or skiing activities on Little Ararat, a special permit from the Igdir authorities is required, and the procedure takes about two weeks.
Climbing Permit for Mount Damavand
Foreign climbers who wish to trek or ski on Mount Damavand (5.610 m) – the highest peak of Iran – need a climbing permit issued by the Iran Mountaineering & Sport Climbing Federation (IMSCF).
The permit fee is 50 USD per person, and it can also be paid in euros or Iranian rials.
If you join one of our expeditions to Mount Damavand, we will arrange your permit in advance, making your experience completely hassle-free.
For this purpose we will need a copy of your passport.
