you can be consulted:
Dmytro Horbatov
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.
Join in!
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 consultant has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
The consultant 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.
The opportunity to save money on equipment by going to climbing with Kuluar.
More than 25000 participants have already been with Kuluar and 97.8% were satisfied. We are sure you will, too!
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.
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!
Depending on weather conditions and general wishes of the group, the teamleader 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.
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.
Starting in 2025, we will have a good update: now the participants will not live in ordinary tourist tents, but in large ones with mattresses and pillows inside. This will make your stay at Ararat much more comfortable.
It should also be noted that these tents are in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
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, 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.
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 2 and more | €850 |
| 1 | €1300 |
*Please note: the consultant will help with the selection and search for air tickets, recommend an insurance company, but it is not his task to purchase them. Participants do it themselves or contact our partners, all contacts are in the article: tickets, hotels and insurance
Full payment for the program is made on the first day of the trip to the teamleader 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:
In case of quitting the route you won't get your money back.