Ararat is a famous volcano in northeastern Turkey, 5,137 meters high, where, according to biblical legend, Noah's ark landed. It is also one of the most accessible and easy five-thousands meters peaks. These factors make Ararat very popular among climbers, as well as among those who are just about to discover the world of high mountains.
The main climbing season on Ararat lasts from June to September, when there is minimal snow on the mountain and the weather is relatively warm and dry. During this time its peak is ideal for beginners to cross the 5,000-meter mark for the first time. In this program we will climb Ararat in winter. This puts higher demands on the participants in terms of previous mountain experience and equipment. In winter the temperature on the mountain on altitudes above two thousand meters will be below zero even during the day, while at the top it may drop to -20C. In addition, it is worth being prepared for strong gusts of wind and snow.
Regardless of the season, climbing Ararat is always an excellent service. Things are carried by mules or porters (depending on the amount of snow), delicious food is prepared by the cook, and the local accompanying team takes care of the camp arrangements.
A nice addition to the ascent will be an introduction to the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region, as well as a tour of Lake Van, the largest soda lake in the world.
Climbing Ararat in winter is a real test of strength and a great preparation for higher peaks!
Attention! If you are not ready for Ararat in winter, consider our summer route to the summit.
Kuluar climbing results for Ararat in Turkey for 2020 and 2021:
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A true Turkish All Inclusive in mountain tourism. The stuff is carried by mules, the delicious food is prepared by the chef, and the camp is set up by the support team. All you have to do is enjoy it!
In addition to the ascent to Ararat, interesting excursions in its surroundings are waiting for participants.
Our route requires good acclimatization, which will allow the body to get used to the altitude, and you - to fully enjoy the wonderful scenery of Ararat.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
The manager has participated in many climbs and will advise you knowledgeably.
Experienced team leaders of the Kuluar Club, who have been to Ararat many times, will accompany the participants throughout the program.
During the time of operation of the club we have worked out an algorithm allowing maximum quality organization of hiking and climbing. You can personally convince yourself of this by applying for participation.
More than 15000 participants have already been with Kuluar and 97.8% were satisfied. We are sure you will, too!
The opportunity to save money on equipment by going to climbing with Kuluar.
The group arrives in Van, the closest city to Ararat with an international airport. From there we take a chartered car to Dogubayazit, where we check into a hotel. The rest of the day we rest and check our gear. In the evening we have dinner together and get acquainted.
After a delicious breakfast we drive to the village of Eli (2,200 m), where the hiking part of our winter ascent of Ararat will begin. Today we will climb to an altitude of 3,000 meters, where we will set up base camp and spend the first night on the mountain.
This day will be dedicated to acclimatization hike to the altitude about 4000 m. There we will have a rest and go back to the base camp for the night.
After breakfast we will take the familiar path to the high camp, which we will set at about 3900-4000 meters. After the rest and lunch we will climb even higher in order to acclimatize ourselves before climbing Ararat tomorrow. Let's go to bed early, because tomorrow we have an early rise.
We ascend shortly after midnight and leave the camp around two in the morning. On the summit we enjoy the stunning views, take memorable photos and go down to the high camp, and after a short rest – to the base camp.
In winter the temperature on Ararat can drop below -20, and taking into account the wind it can feel as low as -30. That's why we take photos with care not to freeze our fingers and don’t stay on the summit for a long time.
We descend to the village of Eli, from where the transportation will take the group to the hotel. We rest, clean up, and go to explore the second largest palace complex in Turkey, the Itzhak Pasha Palace. It is a true architectural masterpiece, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Today we return to the town of Van, located on the shores of the lake of the same name. It will be the object of our excursion today. The boat will take us to Akhtamar Island, where a medieval Armenian monastery more than 1,000 years old is located!
Also, today can be used as a back-up day in case of bad weather on Ararat. This happens in the winter.
Winter ascent to Ararat is over, see you in the mountains!
Important! The decision on the possibility or impossibility to continue the ascent is made only by the Kuluar Guides, is mandatory in the execution and is not subject to discussion. We are interested in as many participants as possible to climb the summit, but safety is always in the first place!
Depending on weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group the guide has the right to make changes in the route. Decisions of the team leader are binding and are not subject to discussion.
You must have a valid passport with you, no visas are needed.
You must have no illnesses from this list in order to participate in the hike.
Climbing Ararat in winter opens many peaks for you. After Ararat we recommend:
We have prepared for you the "Ararat" memorable medal, which you will receive after climbing.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the track.
Our recommendations for flight selection services can be found in this article.
You need good insurance to participate in the program. Please do not neglect this point. It has saved thousands of dollars for some participants. Our insurance guidelines can be found here: "Insurance for Kuluar hikers".
The weather conditions on Ararat in winter can be very harsh. Get ready for strong gusts of wind and temperatures below zero even during the day, and during the storm it can drop to -20 and below.
We strongly recommend that you approach the question of preparation carefully. Start running three months before your planned ascent. It is good if you can run 10 km at a quiet pace and not be exhausted. Do not try to run fast, try to run longer. If you can measure your heart rate – run at a pulse rate of about 130-140 beats per minute. If there is no such opportunity – run at a pace at which you can speak.
To participate in climbing Ararat in winter, you must have experience in previous climbs of five-thousanders and higher peaks in the summer season. Summer Ararat, Kazbek, Demavend, Kilimanjaro or lower peaks in the off-season or winter are suitable.
Also it is possible to participate with experience of winter hiking in the Carpathians.
*Please note: It is not the manager's task to select an individual flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations, based on his experience and shares flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airticket. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an extra excursion, read the conditions on the page: additional services.
Full payment for the program is made on the first day of the trip to the guide in dollars.
To reserve a place in the group you need to make a prepayment of $150. You can do it by contacting us or by using the payment form on the website.
Important: The cancellation prepayment must be paid back:
