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Climb safe - Ever up! – Sinan Halic
Closed for many years, Mount Ararat is once again open to foreign mountaineers. Located in far eastern Turkey, the famous 16,853-foot volcano is the highest peak in Anatolia and Turkey’s highest peak. The ancient massif dominates all within sight of it, and the peak is visible from 4 countries. Ascending this mountain is more than a trip and a climb, it is a charged cultural and physical pilgrimage that will generate lifelong memories.
Bordered by 8 different countries and 5 seas, Turkey sits in a swirl of cultures aged like fine wine. The modern, prosperous country bridges east and west as well as north and south. All ancient roads passed through this region, and Christianity and Islam meet here. While our trip focused on reaching the heights, our tour toward the mountain took time to sample the copious cultural sites in Istanbul and Anatolia. Our trip fit nicely into a two week vacation, and was organized and graciously hosted by Sinan Halic of Anatolian Adventures.
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The legendary Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest peak |
| Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul |
| Day 2: Sightseeing in Istanbul |
| Day 3: Travel to Anatolia |
| Day 4: Sightseeing near Dogubayazit |
| Day 5: Hike to Camp 1 on Ararat |
| Day 6: Hike to on Ararat |
| Day 7: Climb to Ararat’s Summit! |
| Day 8: Spare Day |
| Day 9: Return to Dogubayazit |
| Day 10: Return to Istanbul |
| Day 10: Sightseeing in Istanbul |
| Day 11: Departure from Istanbul |
| Main | Arrive | Istanbul | A. Sofya | Chora | Cistern | Dog | Camp | Top! |
| Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul! | |
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After our transfer from the airport, we enjoyed a welcome drink in the open air, rooftop restaurant of Istanbul’s Ambassador Hotel, which has a stunning view of both the Blue Mosque and the ancient Aya Sofya. At dusk, we listened to Islam’s traditional call to prayer. |
| Day 2: Sightseeing in Istanbul |
Istanbul Overview
Aya Sofya Chora Church Basilica Cistern |
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We spent the day touring a combination of the following sights: Aya Sofya (in photo), Chora Church, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazzar, Basilica Cistern, and the Suleymaniye Camile Mosque. Click the photo for information about these famous sites. |
| Day 3: Flight to Van | |
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We transfered to the Istanbul airport for an early, 2 1/2 hour non-stop flight east across Turkey to the town of Van on the shores of Turkey’s largest lake - Lake Van. |
| Day 3: Drive to Dogubayazit | |
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In the afternoon, we drove along Lake Van past this view of 13,297-foot Mount Suphan, Turkey’s third highest peak, then on to the town of Dogubayazit at 5,100 feet where we checked into the Hotel Isfahan for a welcome shower and rest. You saw Mount Ararat from the hotel’s top floor. |
| Day 4: Sightseeing near Dogubayazit | |
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Today, we toured several fascinating sites near Mount Ararat and Dogubayazit. First, we visited Meteora, which is a strange meteor crater. This open area also offered a nice view of both Mount Ararat and its companion peak, Little Ararat. Next, we visited the intriguing Noah’s Ark National Park, which contains an ark-shaped rock formation that many believe is the remains of Noah’s Ark. Then we returned to Dogubayazit for lunch at a rooftop restaurant with a view of Mount Ararat. In the afternoon, when the light was favorable for photography, we visited the famous Ishak Pasa Palace (in photo), then returned to the Hotel Isfahan for the night. |
| Day 5: Hike to Camp 1 on Ararat | |
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Today, we began our ascent of Ararat. We drove one hour from Dogubayazit
to the small, summer village of Eli at 6,500 feet (1,981 m), where we
meet our muleteers. After the animals were loaded, we hiked up 4,200 feet
(1,280 m) to Camp 1 at 10,700 feet (3,261 m), which is called the “Green
Camp.” While the elevation gain was substantial, the hike was on gentle
grades, and there was a trail all the way. This hike typically takes 4
to 5 hours. Depending on the season, there is a small creek gurgling through the Green Camp, and this is a delightful place. The mountain now loomed overhead and we could preview the rest of the route. |
| Day 6: Hike to Camp 2 on Ararat | |
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Today’s hike took us from the Green Camp at 10,700 feet (3,241 m) to High Camp at 13,400 feet (4,084 m). The elevation gain of 2,700 feet (823 m) was less than yesterday’s and the distance was shorter, but the terrain was steeper, and of course, the elevation was higher. The trail to high camp is up loose pumice through the lava, and the average hiking time from Green Camp to High Camp is 2 to 3 hours. Mules carried our supplies to High Camp, then returned to Green Camp for the night. We spent the afternoon acclimating and preparing for our early start on the summit climb. |
| Day 7: Climb to Ararat’s Summit! | |
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The great day finally arrived! Up at 3AM and hiking by 4AM, we hiked
the first hour and a half by headlamp. Switching off our lights, we enjoyed
the sight of the peak’s triangular shadow streaking toward the western
horizon. The point at which the hiking ends and one must switch to crampons
varies depending on the season. In early September, we hiked to 16,000
feet (4,877 m) before stepping onto the snow. The snow was very hard and
crampons were definitely needed. Crunching up on the sacred summit ice
was a summit ride to remember, and from Anatolia’s highest point our mood
was free to match the wide open, 360 degree horizon. The elevation gain on summit day was 3,453 feet (1,052 m), and the typical climbing time from High Camp to the 16,853-foot (5,137 m) summit is 5 to 6 hours. |
| Day 8: Spare Day | |
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We held this day in reserve in case the weather is bad on summit day and we needed to make a second attempt. Since we were successful on Day 7, we spent this day lounging in Green Camp. |
| Day 9: Return to Dogubayazit | |
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We hiked down to the trailhead, said goodbye to the muleteers, and drove back to Dogubayazit’s Hotel Isfahan for a welcome shower and victory dinner. |
| Day 10: Return to Istanbul |
Istanbul Overview
Aya Sofya Chora Church Basilica Cistern |
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With an early start from the Hotel Isfahan, we drove 2 1/2 hours back to Van to connect with a mid morning flight back to Istanbul. We were back at the Ambassador Hotel in Istanbul by early afternoon, which left several hours for shopping and sightseeing. There are many sights within walking distance of the hotel, including the Grand Bazaar. |
| Day 10: Sightseeing in Istanbul |
Istanbul Overview
Aya Sofya Chora Church Basilica Cistern |
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It is impossible to absorb all of Istanbul’s cultural offerings in one day, and we spent this day shopping and visiting sites that we missed on the first day. We added the Bhosphorous Bridge, the Beylerbeyi Sarayi Summer Palace and the Basilica Cistern to our feast. |
| Day 11: Departure from Istanbul | |
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We transfered from the Ambassador Hotel to the Istanbul airport for our flight home. |
| Main | Arrive | Istanbul | A. Sofya | Chora | Cistern | Dog | Camp | Top! |