Ararat Tours

Mount Ararat – Basic Facts

Mount Ararat, the highest mountain in Turkey (5.137 m), is one of the most iconic destinations in the region. It attracts trekkers, ski tourers, lovers of untouched nature and explorers fascinated by the legend of Noah’s Ark.

Every year thousands of climbers attempt to reach its summit — some for adventure, some for spiritual reasons, others simply to experience one of the most beautiful volcanic landscapes in the world. 

Ararat is a dormant volcano located in Eastern Turkey, near the borders with Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan. From the summit, on clear days, you can admire panoramic views stretching across several countries.

The mountain consists of two peaks: 

- Big (Great) Ararat – 5.137 m
- Little (Lesser) Ararat – 3.925 m 

The main summit, Big Ararat, is covered with snow all year round, while Little Ararat is usually snow-free during the summer season.

Last Eruption of Mount Ararat 

Although Ararat is considered a silent, dormant volcano, its last known eruption took place in 1840. A strong earthquake and volcanic activity caused severe destruction in the region. More than ten thousand people lost their lives, and the Armenian village of Akori (Ahora) along with the Monastery of St. Jacob were completely destroyed.

First Ascents – A Brief History 

The first recorded ascent of Mount Ararat took place in 1829.

A team led by German scientist Friedrich Parrot and Armenian writer Khachatur Abovian, accompanied by four companions, successfully reached the summit via the northwestern route. 

The first winter ascent of Ararat was made much later — on February 21st, 1970, by Dr. Ergör Bozkurt, one of the former presidents of the Turkish Mountaineering Federation. This climb marked an important milestone in Turkish alpinism.

Ararat Climbing Routes 

Mount Ararat offers several climbing routes, each with a different level of difficulty and character. 

Southern Route – The Classic & Easiest Path 

The Southern Route is the most popular, safest and easiest way to climb Mount Ararat.

It begins in the Dogubayazit area and leads through Cevirme and Eli villages. 

Key points:

- No technical climbing skills required
- Suitable for anyone in good physical condition
- The main challenges are elevation, altitude and weather
- The route is ideal for a “first 5.000 m peak” 

Camps on the Southern Route: 

Camp 1 – 3300 m: large, grassy, comfortable area for pitching tents
Camp 2 – 4200 m: rocky terrain, more limited space 

Both campsites used by Ararat Trip are private, managed by our company exclusively for our groups. 

Difficulty Overview: 

- To Camp 1: 3–4 hours of easy trekking
- To Camp 2: 4–5 hours, steeper but manageable
- Camp 2 → Summit: the most demanding part; rocky terrain, snow on upper sections; crampons may be needed for the final 200-300 meters 

Eastern Route 

Starting from the Aras Valley, this route passes between Big and Little Ararat.
It is similar in difficulty to the Southern Route, but is no longer used, as it has been closed by local authorities. 

Northern Route – For Experienced Climbers 

The Northern Route is the most technical option.
It includes steep sections, glaciers and crevasses, and requires full mountaineering skills.
A special climbing permit is necessary to use this route. 

Two additional historic routes exist (North-Eastern and North-Western Routes), leading through Ahora village and  Kup Lake area, but both are currently unused and significantly more challenging than the Southern Route. 

Trekking and Ski Season on Ararat 

Although Ararat can be climbed throughout the year, the best time depends on your goal. 

Best Time for Trekking 

The most stable and comfortable trekking season runs from mid-June to mid-September.

During this period:

- Temperatures are milder
- Weather windows are longer
- Snow on the upper sections is limited
- Summit success rates are highest 

Winter ascents (mid-November – early March) are recommended only for very experienced mountaineers, due to:

- extremely low temperatures (down to –40°C),
- heavy snowfall
- strong winds,
- limited visibility. 

Best Time for Ski Touring 

Ski tours on Ararat are typically organized in March and April.
Snow conditions vary from year to year, so it’s best to contact us to check current conditions before choosing your dates. 

Ararat Flora and Fauna 

Mount Ararat is not only a mountaineering destination — it is also a paradise for nature lovers. 

Fauna 

More than 200 bird species can be found in the region, including eagles, falcons, hawks, herons, storks and many migratory birds.

Forested areas around Ararat are home to mountain goats, deer, bears, foxes and wolves. 

However, wildlife rarely approaches the southern face and main climbing routes, so trekking on Ararat is considered safe. 

Flora

Ararat hosts over 1000 plant species thanks to dramatic climate and altitude variations. 

You can find:

- several varieties of Poppies and Thyme
- Iris and Gladiolus
- Verbascum
- mountain Tulip
- Milk Vetch
- many medicinal plants 

The region also has a remarkable number of endemic species, found only on Mount Ararat and nowhere else in the world. 

Book Your Ararat Tour 

Ready to climb the highest peak in Turkey? 

We offer:

✔ guided trekking tours

✔ ski touring expeditions

✔ private climbs

✔ open group departures

✔ full logistics (permits, transfers, guides, horses)

✔ comfortable private camps at 3300 m and 4200 m

✔ experienced local and international guide team