August 14–21 · August 23–30 · September 2–9 · September 11–18, 2026
Climbing Mount Ararat (5,137 m)
Climbing Mount Ararat is not just a trek to the summit, but a journey into the heart of Eastern Anatolia, where the ancient civilizations of the Armenians, Kurds, Urartians, and Ottomans have intertwined. You’ll be treated to landscapes of boundless plateaus, pink slopes of volcanic tuff, and sunrises where the sun rises directly over three countries at once.
The route begins in the town of Doğubayazıt, where you’ll catch your first glimpses of the legendary mountain. Here, you’ll relax in a cozy hotel, sample Turkish cuisine, and get to know the local culture. The next day, the climb begins: the route will take you through the village of Eli (2,200 m), base camp at 3,200 m, and the advance camp at 4,200 m.
The route is rated 1B in difficulty, with no dangerous glaciers or rocky sections, so it’s suitable even for beginners. The main challenge is the altitude, but the acclimatization plan is well-designed: it includes a rest day and a training hike up to 4,200 m to help the body adjust to the thin air.
program
Day 1. Group meeting, arrival in Doğubayazıt
Pickup of participants at the airport in Agra or Igdir.
On the way to Dogubayazit, we’ll catch our first glimpse of the legendary Mount Ararat—snow-white, majestic, and seemingly out of reach.
Check-in at the hotel (double rooms).
In the evening—a get-together dinner, discussion of the route, equipment check, and answers to all questions about the upcoming climb.
Travel time: depends on the airport (1.5–3 hours)
Accommodation: hotel (double rooms)
Meals: —
On the way to Dogubayazit, we’ll catch our first glimpse of the legendary Mount Ararat—snow-white, majestic, and seemingly out of reach.
Check-in at the hotel (double rooms).
In the evening—a get-together dinner, discussion of the route, equipment check, and answers to all questions about the upcoming climb.
Travel time: depends on the airport (1.5–3 hours)
Accommodation: hotel (double rooms)
Meals: —
Day 2. Trek to Base Camp (3,200 m)
After breakfast, we’ll depart from Doğubayazıt for the foothills of Mount Ararat (2,200 m).
From here, the ascent begins—the hike takes about 4–5 hours.
Mules carry all our personal belongings and gear, while we enjoy the views of the volcanic slopes and the endless Anatolian valley.
Upon arrival, we set up our tents, have a hot dinner prepared by the cook, and rest.
Distance: about 8–10 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1000 m
Travel time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: tents (base camp, 3200 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, dinner
From here, the ascent begins—the hike takes about 4–5 hours.
Mules carry all our personal belongings and gear, while we enjoy the views of the volcanic slopes and the endless Anatolian valley.
Upon arrival, we set up our tents, have a hot dinner prepared by the cook, and rest.
Distance: about 8–10 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1000 m
Travel time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: tents (base camp, 3200 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, dinner
Day 3. Acclimatization hike and preparation for the summit attempt
In the morning, we’ll make a training ascent to the high camp (4,200 m).
This day is needed for our bodies to acclimate to the altitude.
After a short rest, we’ll descend back to base camp, where a hot dinner awaits us once again.
In the evening, the guide will brief us on tomorrow’s trek and offer advice on acclimatization.
Distance: about 6 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1000 / -1000 m
Travel time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: tents (base camp, 3200 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, dinner
This day is needed for our bodies to acclimate to the altitude.
After a short rest, we’ll descend back to base camp, where a hot dinner awaits us once again.
In the evening, the guide will brief us on tomorrow’s trek and offer advice on acclimatization.
Distance: about 6 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1000 / -1000 m
Travel time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: tents (base camp, 3200 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch snack, dinner
Day 4. Ascent to the advance camp (4,200 m)
After breakfast, we begin our ascent to the high camp—our last stop before the summit. The hike takes about 3–4 hours along a rocky slope.
At the camp, we’ll set up our tents, have lunch, and rest. In the afternoon, we’ll go on a short acclimatization hike to adjust our crampons and gear.
It’s important to get a good night’s sleep—we’ll set out to summit the mountain tonight!
Distance: about 5 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1000 m
Travel time: 3–4 hours
Accommodations: tents (summit camp, 4200 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
At the camp, we’ll set up our tents, have lunch, and rest. In the afternoon, we’ll go on a short acclimatization hike to adjust our crampons and gear.
It’s important to get a good night’s sleep—we’ll set out to summit the mountain tonight!
Distance: about 5 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1000 m
Travel time: 3–4 hours
Accommodations: tents (summit camp, 4200 m)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5. Ascent of Mount Ararat (5,137 m)
We set out at 2:00 a.m. For the first few hours, we hike in the dark, under the stars, with headlamps and the encouraging shouts of our guides.
For the last 200 meters, depending on the snow conditions, we put on our crampons. By dawn, around 8 a.m., we’re standing on the summit.
5,137 meters!
Before us lie Turkey, Armenia, and Iran—three countries under one sky.
After a short photo session and joyful hugs, we descend to the advance camp for lunch, rest, and then continue back to base camp.
In the evening, we have dinner, share our experiences, and get a well-deserved night’s sleep.
Distance: about 10–12 km (round trip)
Elevation gain/loss: +937 / -1937 m
Travel time: 10–12 hours
Accommodations: tents (base camp, 3200 m)
Meals: late-night snack before departure, lunch, dinner
For the last 200 meters, depending on the snow conditions, we put on our crampons. By dawn, around 8 a.m., we’re standing on the summit.
5,137 meters!
Before us lie Turkey, Armenia, and Iran—three countries under one sky.
After a short photo session and joyful hugs, we descend to the advance camp for lunch, rest, and then continue back to base camp.
In the evening, we have dinner, share our experiences, and get a well-deserved night’s sleep.
Distance: about 10–12 km (round trip)
Elevation gain/loss: +937 / -1937 m
Travel time: 10–12 hours
Accommodations: tents (base camp, 3200 m)
Meals: late-night snack before departure, lunch, dinner
Day 6. Descent, sightseeing, and the hammam
After breakfast, we’ll head down to the foot of the mountain, where our cars will be waiting for us.
We’ll return to Doğubayazıt, check into our hotel, and relax. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Ishak Pasha Palace—a unique complex built of pink volcanic tuff—as well as the “Noah’s Ark” museum.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a hammam and a festive dinner with an awards ceremony for the participants. It will be a warm, atmospheric final gathering where we’ll share our impressions.
Distance: about 8 km
Elevation gain/loss: –1000 m
Travel time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: hotel (Dogubayazit, double rooms)
Meals: breakfast
We’ll return to Doğubayazıt, check into our hotel, and relax. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Ishak Pasha Palace—a unique complex built of pink volcanic tuff—as well as the “Noah’s Ark” museum.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a hammam and a festive dinner with an awards ceremony for the participants. It will be a warm, atmospheric final gathering where we’ll share our impressions.
Distance: about 8 km
Elevation gain/loss: –1000 m
Travel time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: hotel (Dogubayazit, double rooms)
Meals: breakfast
Day 7. Return Home
Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Agra or Igdir Airport.
We say goodbye to Ararat—now as a friend whose peak will remain in our memories forever.
Travel time: 1.5–3 hours (depending on the airport)
Meals: —
We say goodbye to Ararat—now as a friend whose peak will remain in our memories forever.
Travel time: 1.5–3 hours (depending on the airport)
Meals: —
Our itinerary has been carefully planned down to the last detail, but nature has its own way of things. Some parts of the route may be rearranged depending on the weather and other factors—so that each destination is revealed to us in the best possible light.
This flexibility allows us to make the trip even more comfortable and enriching!
This flexibility allows us to make the trip even more comfortable and enriching!
route difficulty
Category 1B, with no dangerous glaciers or cliffs, so it’s suitable even for beginners. The main challenge is the altitude, but the acclimatization plan is well-designed: it includes a rest day and a training hike up to 4,200 m to help the body adjust to the thin air.
If you're still not sure whether this itinerary is right for you, feel free to email us :)
The scale is relative; use the distance and elevation gain as a guide.
Climbing Dates
August 14–21 · August 23–30 · September 2–9 · September 11–18, 2026
Price per person at the standard rate
970 EUR
The price includes:
- Hotel Accommodations: 2 nights’ stay in a hotel in double rooms (Doğubayazıt)* Rooms will be assigned by gender
- Three meals a day: on climbing days
- Chef: professional chef services
- Transfers: all transfers throughout the tour, including airport pickup and drop-off for your return flight
- Accompanied by professional guides, including club director Alexander Makovkin
- Permit: climbing permit
- Assistants: porters
- Equipment rental: Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, crampons
- Tours and tickets: a visit to the hammam and Ishak Pasha Palace + admission tickets to attractions
- Certificate of Successful Ascent
- Gift: branded merchandise (long-sleeve shirt, socks, sticker)
Charged separately:
- airline tickets
- personal gear
- insurance
- meals on the first and last days
- tea, water (other non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages)
- tip for the guide (optional)
WHAT TO PACK
- Plush Cats (All-Purpose)
- Cat carrier (to protect your backpack from cuts caused by sharp edges)
- A hiking backpack or a pack saddle for transporting belongings on horseback
- Assault Backpack, 25–35 liters
- Rain cover for a backpack. It will protect your backpack from getting wet and from damage while you're out on the trail.
- Winter sleeping bag (comfort temperature: -5* / -15*)
- Foam mat, also known as a sleeping pad (self-inflating or polyurethane). We recommend a thickness of at least 2.5 cm to provide better protection against hard, uneven surfaces while sleeping and to insulate against the cold.
- Hiking poles with snow rings
- Sunglasses with protective flaps (protection level of at least Category 3)
- Ski goggles (to maintain visibility during adverse weather conditions: snow, wind)
- Seat Cushion (Hiking Seat)
- Headlamp with spare batteries (250 lumens or more)
- High-top boots (two- or three-layer)
- Hiking Boots
- Flip-flops, Crocs, slippers (for use at camp)
- Hooded Mountain Down Jacket (for temperatures as low as -15 °C)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (membrane jacket with ventilation openings)
- Hiking pants (we recommend ones with detachable legs or ventilation openings)
- Windproof pants (membrane, self-venting)
- Warm pants for camp (fleece or similar)
- Fleece jacket with a high neck or hood (warm)
- Sleepwear (loose-fitting, not compression)
- Underwear
- Thermal Underwear
- Hat (without pom-poms or tassels, with covered ears)
- Headwear (cap, bandana, Panama hat)
- Balaclava
- Hiking Socks
- Warm socks
- Leg warmers (flashlights)
- Thin (fleece) gloves
- Down Mittens (Riding Mittens)
- International passport in a sealed package
- Cash in local currency
- Insurance covering mountaineering, helicopter evacuation, and rescue operations
- Thermos (1 liter)
- Mug, spoon, plate (not ceramic)
- Reusable bottle
- Wet toilet paper (not wipes, but actual toilet paper)
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal hygiene items
- Power Banks and Chargers
Our Guides
- Alexander MakovkinHead of the Slavonic Club, climbing and mountaineering instructor and guide, 2nd-level mountaineering certificationA graduate of the “SHIT” School of Tourism Instructors (Maykop). Participatesin annualmountaineering training camps in the Caucasus and Georgia. He has over 8 years of experience as an instructor and guide. He leads climbing programs on Mount Ararat and Mount Kazbek, as well as trekking tours in the Caucasus. He specializes in organizing safe climbs and teaching participants how to use mountaineering equipment.
Alexander’s guiding principle is to ensure maximum safety while maintaining team spirit. He thoroughly prepares participants for the climb, teaching them glacier travel techniques, self-belaying, and the proper use of equipment. - Malvina GolikovaTour guide for the Slavonic Travel club, a graduate of the "Planeta" School of Tour Guides, and holder of a Red Cross first aid certificate.Experience leading mountain hikes and climbs since 2023. Completed a mountain training course and an internship at a specialized school. Regularly updates her skills, including training in safety procedures and first aid. Works with groups on climbing routes and trekking trails in the Caucasus and Georgia
Malvina is known for her attention to detail and care for participants; she strictly follows safety protocols and always monitors the group’s condition along the route.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, no prior mountaineering experience is required to climb Mount Ararat. The route follows the classic trail, rated 1B in difficulty, and does not include any technical sections—such as rocky terrain, steep glaciers, or difficult crossings. The main challenge of the climb is not related to technique, but to altitude and physical exertion.
It is important for participants to have a basic level of physical fitness—to be prepared for multi-day treks in the mountains and a prolonged ascent to an altitude of over 5,000 meters. You will learn all the necessary skills—using crampons, moving safely across snowy terrain, and handling your equipment—on-site under the guidance of experienced guides.
It is important for participants to have a basic level of physical fitness—to be prepared for multi-day treks in the mountains and a prolonged ascent to an altitude of over 5,000 meters. You will learn all the necessary skills—using crampons, moving safely across snowy terrain, and handling your equipment—on-site under the guidance of experienced guides.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Ararat’s most distinctive feature is its elevation of 5,137 m. Even if you feel well at lower elevations, at altitudes above 3,500 m you may experience headaches, weakness, and a loss of appetite—these are normal symptoms of acclimatization. To help your body adjust, the program is designed with a gradual ascent and acclimatization hikes.
About the Unpredictable Weather
Even in summer, temperatures at the summit can drop to –10 °C, and at night there can be strong winds and snow. Therefore, it’s important to have high-quality warm clothing, gloves, a neck gaiter, and sunglasses. Down below, it’s hot during the day (+25 °C), so you’ll have to get used to the temperature contrasts: a down jacket in the morning, a T-shirt in the afternoon.
Regarding physical exertion
Daily treks will take 3 to 8 hours a day, carrying a 5–7 kg backpack (mules carry everything else). The hardest part is the day of the summit push: a night departure, a long ascent, and a descent down a rocky and snowy slope. But the reward is sunrise at the summit.
Ararat’s most distinctive feature is its elevation of 5,137 m. Even if you feel well at lower elevations, at altitudes above 3,500 m you may experience headaches, weakness, and a loss of appetite—these are normal symptoms of acclimatization. To help your body adjust, the program is designed with a gradual ascent and acclimatization hikes.
About the Unpredictable Weather
Even in summer, temperatures at the summit can drop to –10 °C, and at night there can be strong winds and snow. Therefore, it’s important to have high-quality warm clothing, gloves, a neck gaiter, and sunglasses. Down below, it’s hot during the day (+25 °C), so you’ll have to get used to the temperature contrasts: a down jacket in the morning, a T-shirt in the afternoon.
Regarding physical exertion
Daily treks will take 3 to 8 hours a day, carrying a 5–7 kg backpack (mules carry everything else). The hardest part is the day of the summit push: a night departure, a long ascent, and a descent down a rocky and snowy slope. But the reward is sunrise at the summit.
Once we receive your booking request, we will send you the payment details. To secure your spot in the group, please make a prepayment of 30% of the tour cost. The remaining balance is due in cash on the first day of the program.
All payments must be made in rubles. The amount in rubles is calculated based on the Bank of Russia exchange rate on the date of payment plus 6%. If you cancel your reservation, the deposit will be refunded no later than 14 days before the tour start date. A refund may also be issued with less notice, but only if another participant takes your place.
All payments must be made in rubles. The amount in rubles is calculated based on the Bank of Russia exchange rate on the date of payment plus 6%. If you cancel your reservation, the deposit will be refunded no later than 14 days before the tour start date. A refund may also be issued with less notice, but only if another participant takes your place.
It’s best to arrive one day before the tour begins. That way, you’ll have time to rest after your trip and prepare for the climb. For example, if the program starts on August 14, you should arrive on August 13 at one of the nearest airports—Agri or Igdir. We’ll meet the participants and arrange a transfer to the city of Doğubayazıt.
You can fly out the day after the program ends, that is, on the morning of Day 8 (for example, if the climb ends on August 21, you can fly out on the 22nd).
You can fly out the day after the program ends, that is, on the morning of Day 8 (for example, if the climb ends on August 21, you can fly out on the 22nd).
Citizens of Russia and Belarus do not need a visa. You may stay in Turkey for up to 60 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry. No additional permits or documents are required upon arrival at the airport. We arrange all climbing permits in advance and include them in the tour price.
In the city (Day 1 and the final day of the tour), accommodation is provided at a 3-star hotel in Doğubayazıt in double rooms with private facilities. This is where the first group meeting takes place, along with an equipment check and a farewell dinner after the climb.
During the climb, you’ll stay in two-person tents provided by the organizer. The tents are sturdy and resistant to wind and cold. Mats and sleeping bags are provided at camp; everything is included in the price. Luggage is transported by mules, so participants travel light.
During the climb, you’ll stay in two-person tents provided by the organizer. The tents are sturdy and resistant to wind and cold. Mats and sleeping bags are provided at camp; everything is included in the price. Luggage is transported by mules, so participants travel light.
Throughout the entire climb, you’ll enjoy delicious and balanced meals. In the morning, a hearty breakfast will give you the energy you need before setting out. During the day, as you make your way along the route, you’ll receive lunch boxes with snacks—fruit, sweets, nuts, juices, and tea. In the evening, a full hot dinner prepared by our chef at camp.
Meals are provided throughout the entire climb, except on the day of arrival and the final day, when you can choose dishes to your liking at local cafes or during the farewell dinner in Dogubayazit.
We use only high-quality, trusted ingredients, and the menu is tailored to the group’s needs—we can accommodate vegetarian meals if necessary.
Meals are provided throughout the entire climb, except on the day of arrival and the final day, when you can choose dishes to your liking at local cafes or during the farewell dinner in Dogubayazit.
We use only high-quality, trusted ingredients, and the menu is tailored to the group’s needs—we can accommodate vegetarian meals if necessary.
Cell service isn’t available everywhere along the route—this is mountainous terrain, and coverage depends on the carrier and altitude. In the town of Doğubayazıt and at the base of the mountain, service is stable—all major carriers have coverage. At base camp (3,200 m), there’s usually a signal, but it can be weak. At high camp (4,200 m), the signal may disappear completely. If you want to stay connected, you can purchase a Turkish SIM card (such as Turkcell or Vodafone Turkey)—they have the best coverage in the mountains.
Safety is our top priority on Mount Ararat. The entire climb is supervised by experienced local guides who know the route, the weather conditions, and the mountain’s behavior inside and out.
There is one guide for every 3–4 participants, which allows for individual attention. The guides are trained in first aid and always carry a first-aid kit.
At high altitudes, and especially during the summit push, participants use crampons and, if necessary, are roped together. Before the climb, a mandatory briefing is held on how to use the equipment and navigate snow and ice sections.
All camps are safe for overnight stays, and equipment (tents, crampons, sleeping bags) is provided in good condition. During treks, participants’ backpacks are carried by mules, which reduces the load and allows for a relaxed pace without overexertion.
There is one guide for every 3–4 participants, which allows for individual attention. The guides are trained in first aid and always carry a first-aid kit.
At high altitudes, and especially during the summit push, participants use crampons and, if necessary, are roped together. Before the climb, a mandatory briefing is held on how to use the equipment and navigate snow and ice sections.
All camps are safe for overnight stays, and equipment (tents, crampons, sleeping bags) is provided in good condition. During treks, participants’ backpacks are carried by mules, which reduces the load and allows for a relaxed pace without overexertion.
WHY YOU SHOULD CLIMB KAZBEK WITH US
- Experience and Reliability5 years in the mountains of the Caucasus, Turkey, and Georgia. Dozens of successful climbs led by certified instructors.
- Professional GuidesMountaineering ranks, training at mountaineering schools, annual training camps, and a focus on safety.
- Small groupsUp to 8 people—maximum attention and a comfortable pace for everyone.
- Security and ControlOne guide for every 3–4 participants—the international standard for guided climbs.
- Full supportConsultations, assistance with choosing gear, and full support leading up to the tour.
- Food and ComfortThree meals a day, consideration of dietary preferences, and comfortable accommodations in shelters and tents.
- Tried-and-true gearHigh-quality tents, stoves, communal facilities, and the option to rent personal equipment.
- A Fair PriceNo hidden fees. Everything is included: meals, transfers, lodging, guidance, and instruction.
- Results and ConfidenceWe're not focused on the number of peaks—the most important thing is that you stay safe, reach the summit, and make your way back down at your own pace