Experience the ultimate challenge with this 9-day expedition to the summit of Mount Ararat, the legendary peak of Eastern Turkey. This fully guided journey is designed for adventurous trekkers seeking to conquer one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Your adventure begins in the historic city of Van, taking you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Agri region, where ancient traditions meet rugged alpine beauty. Throughout the trek, you will be supported by professional guides, mules for your equipment, and comprehensive safety gear, ensuring a secure and enriching climb to the summit.
Beyond the mountain, this itinerary immerses you in the rich cultural tapestry of Eastern Turkey. You will explore the architectural marvel of Ishak Pasha Palace in Dogubeyazit, witness the natural splendor of the Muradiye Waterfall, and delve into history at the ancient Van Castle and the serene Akdamar Church on Akdamar Island. The tour also offers unique opportunities to engage with local nomadic communities, providing a rare glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of shepherds who traverse these high-altitude pastures during the summer months.
This expedition is carefully structured to include essential acclimatization days at both the Green Camp and the high-altitude Beach Camp, maximizing your chances of a successful summit attempt. After reaching the peak at 5,165 meters, you will be rewarded with a commemorative summit certificate. Whether you are navigating the challenging terrain of the mountain or exploring the cultural landmarks of Van and Dogubeyazit, this tour offers a perfect balance of strenuous physical achievement and profound historical discovery, with guided sightseeing days on either side of the climb.
| Tour type | Shared small group · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 Days 8 Nights |
| Price | From €1,042 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| Stops | 7 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
Upon your arrival at Van Ferit Melen Airport, you will meet your guide and begin the scenic drive toward Dogubeyazit. En route, we stop to admire the stunning Muradiye Waterfall. After reaching Dogubeyazit, you will check into your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner with your group to prepare for the upcoming trek.
We depart for the base of Mount Ararat by truck, passing through traditional Kurdish villages. The trek begins as we ascend toward the Green Camp at 3,200 meters. Along the route, keep an eye out for local nomadic families herding their sheep and goats in the rugged mountain terrain. You will spend your first night under the stars at our mountain camp.
Today is dedicated to acclimatization, a vital step in preparing your body for the higher altitudes ahead. We will spend the day at the camp, allowing you to adjust to the thin air before we proceed to higher elevations. Enjoy the quiet majesty of the mountain environment as you rest and prepare for the next stage of the climb.
We continue our ascent, trekking from the Green Camp to the Beach Camp, situated at 4,200 meters. The camp is often described as the world's highest "beach camp". Today serves as another crucial acclimatization phase, ensuring you are physically ready for the final summit push. We will spend the night at the camp, surrounded by the dramatic high-altitude landscape.
We begin our final ascent to the summit of Mount Ararat (5,165m) early in the morning. After reaching the peak and taking time to explore the summit, we will descend back to the Green Camp at 3,200 meters. Depending on your preference, you may choose to spend the night at the mountain camp or return to a hotel in Dogubeyazit for a comfortable shower.
For those who stayed at the Green Camp, we trek down to 2,000 meters today before returning to the town of Dogubeyazit. If you are already in town, you have a free day to explore the local culture and relax after the strenuous climb. Enjoy the hospitality of the town and reflect on your successful mountain expedition.
Today is dedicated to exploring the historical treasures of the region. We will visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace and the legendary site of Noah's Ark. If you wish, an optional extra visit to the Diyadin hot springs can be arranged. We return to Dogubeyazit for the night.
We travel to the city of Van, where we will visit the historic Van Castle and the beautiful Akdamar Church located on Akdamar Island. The day also includes time to explore the local bazaar and the city museum, offering a deep dive into the regional heritage. You will spend the night in Van.
After breakfast, your tour concludes. We will provide a transfer to Van Ferit Melen Airport for your onward journey. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of your trekking adventure and cultural discoveries in Eastern Turkey.
Van and Dogubeyazit → Mount Ararat → Dogubeyazit → Van
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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Extra day tours you can add along your route — Van and Dogubeyazit, Mount Ararat, Dogubeyazit, Van.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!