ABOUT MOUNT ARARAT
| MOUNT ARARAT QUICK FACT BOX |
| Elevation |
5,137 metres (16,854 ft) |
| Location |
Dogubayazit, Agri, Turkey |
| Range |
Anatolia |
| Prominence |
3,611 m (11,847 ft) ranked 48th |
| Coordinates |
39°42.113'N 44°17.899'E |
| Type |
Stratovolcano |
| Last Eruption |
1840 |
| First Ascent |
1829 by F. von Parrot |
| Convenient Center(s) |
Dogubayazit, Turkey |
| Nearest Major Airport |
Van, Turkey |
The name 'Ararat' itself is not only the name of the sacred mountain we are specialized guiding on, but also the name of Noah's Ark, legendary residence for the sacred story of Bible and Koran.
In Turkish, Mount Ararat's name is Buyuk Agri which means 'Great Agri'. Agri, in Turkish can be translated as 'Pain'.
Ararat Mountain is within the border of Turkey but just a step distance from Armenia and Iran as well.
Mt. Ararat, the extinct volcano with a height of 16,854 feet and 5,137 meters, offers a rewarding experience in the name of adventure in Turkey. Mount Ararat trek is generally 5 days, with 4 night's camp at the slopes of the mountain. Climbing Mount Ararat does not require any serious technical climbing but one should know basic self arrest, ice-axe and crampon use for the last 200 meters of the mountain, and surely for ski touring and winter ascent of Ararat.
The highest end of 'trekking in Turkey' or 'adventure in Turkey' is the Mount Ararat ascent; which offers a completely different view of the Eastern Turkey, a historical background of Dogubeyazit and Van city, the mountains over 3000 meters and surely different cultural structure when compared to West Anatolia regions of Turkey.
Mt. Ararat is also one of the most interesting mountains in the world to experience ski touring adventure, changing from time to time, but skiing in Ararat is offering completely different slopes to summit and descend on Ararat with the increasing and decreasing snow levels on the mountain.
At past, some of our experienced guests like UIAGM mountain guides, succeeded in Ararat to ski until the last centimeter of the snow of Ararat during months of February, March and April. Season and quality of ski touring in Ararat also depends on the snowfall, snow level on Ararat for that wonderful spring season. Like all other mountains in Turkey, it is hard to guess about the snow level of Ararat and duration of the winter adventure season on Ararat but one can guarantee you that there is no risk of avalanche on Ararat mountain ski programs, since the slopes does not permit. At least there is no record of an avalanche on Ararat Mountain since the start of Anatolian Adventures, and none of Anatolian Adventures guides have experienced.
For your adventure in Turkey, Anatolian Adventures will provide you the best necessary information and the expertise coming from the past years and thousands of guests worldwide.
LOCATION OF ARARAT MOUNTAIN
Ararat is located at Agri in eastern Turkey near the Russian and Iranian borders. As the crow flies, it is about 250 kilometers east of Erzurum, 130 kilometers southeast of Kars, and 160 kilometers north of Van. The main road between Turkey and Iran goes from Erzurum through Dogubayazit (just south of Ararat) to Tabriz. The summit of Mt. Ararat is 5,137 meters above sea level. It is higher than any mountain in the continental United States except for Alaska or in Europe outside the Caucasus. The nearest town to the mountain is Dogubayazit. When permits are granted for climbs up the Ararat mountain, the treks depart from this town.
FIRST ASCENT TO MOUNTARARAT
Dr. Friedrich Parrot, with the help of Khachatur Abovian, was the first explorer in modern times to reach the summit of Mount Ararat, subsequent to the onset of Russian rule in 1829. He was followed in 1856 by a group of five explorers led by Major Robert Stuart.
MOUNT ARARAT ELEVATION DILEMMA
An elevation of 5,165 m (16,946 ft) for Mount Ararat is given by some authorities, but others, including Encyclopedia Britannica give 5,137 m (16,854 ft). Public domain and verifiable SRTM data and a 2007 GPS measurement not only show that 5,137 m is more accurate, but also both suggest that the true elevation may be lower still. 5,137 m is also supported by detailed topographic mapping.
CLIMBING MT. ARARAT - MOUNT ARARAT EXPEDITIONS
The 5137 meter high Mt. Ararat (Turkish: Buyuk Agri Dagi) is the highest mountain in Turkey. For European alpinists it is the nearest mountain in this height category.
Climbing Mount Ararat does not represent a major challenge for people in good physical condition. It is not necessary to have a high level of technical knowledge or climbing skills. Experience in hill walking is of advantage. However, one basic requirement is a very good state of fitness and stamina. Above 5,000m the air is very thin, it becomes more difficult to breathe and every step is strenuous.
Climbing Mt. Ararat summit requires very good stamina and good physical condition of all participants, but no special alpinist skills. For an optimal acclimatisation to this extreme altitude a targeted training is recommended.
The climb is long, but there is a fairly easy route from the south in late summer for climbers who are familiar with the use of axe and crampons. Snow covers the last 400 m (¼ mile) year-round. There are two possible campsites on the mountain, and the glacier begins around 4,800 m (15,750 ft). The Turkish government requires a climbing permit and use of a certified Turkish guide. Arrangements can take two months to complete.
Mt Ararat offers a challenging climb. Unlike the Kackars, it has no green glens, canyons, rivers, lakes, or waterfalls. It is a bare mountain with a majestic peak which is difficult to reach.
Water is sparse on the mountain. In general, it is very difficult to find water outside the designated camp grounds. Since the source for this water is melted "wormy" snow, drinking it may cause diarrhea. Therefore it is advisable to bring filters and/or disinfectants.
Mount Ararat / Mount Agri is covered with volcanic rocks. It exhibits the characteristics of all volcanic mountains, that is, slopes with a gentle initial incline become steep very quickly as the elevation increases. There are no trees on this mountain, climbers should not dream of resting on green grass under a shade tree.
There is 2 main camp site over south route. 3100m and 4200m. The greenest area is at camp 3100m, and it is only 1000 sqm. It is used for tents only. Camp 4200 m is rocky. The space for 20-30 tents is packed earth which has been cleared of rocks. If needed, one can pitch tents on leveled rocks. It is difficult to sleep at this camp, because of sulphorous emissions from the rocks.
Environmental protection is not enforced. Therefore one frequently encounters garbage. There are no rest areas for toilet facilities, but the dirt accumulated in secluded spots used for bathroom purposes, is washed away with the winter snow.
The southern route from camp 3200 to the peak is equipped with signs bearing the coordinates. But most of the posts have been demolished either by people or the harsh winds.
The view from the peak, on a clear day, is extraordinary. To the east and south you can see into Iran and Armenia , the Suphan dag and sometime the Lake Van . To the north, the Kackar Mountains and the Caucuses may be visible.
WINTER ASCENTS
Doing a winter ascent of Ararat can be compared to a 7000 meter mountain in summer conditions. Prepare yourself for tough conditions: The weather may be very cold (down to minus 30-40 degrees centigrade) and windy. To do a successful winter ascent, you will need a strong psychology and very good physical condition.
SKIING / SKI-TOURING FROM ARARAT MOUNTAIN
The best season for the ski-climbing to Ararat begins in April and runs until end of May. The weather can be snowy in the middle of April; however, it is possible to ski touring to the summit. Usually the snow is starting at 2700-2800 meters, which is why we pitch the tents at 2800 meters for Camp 1. We are using porters for the luggages until 3800m camp site. Snow conditions are excellent and offer high quality, fresh powder sometimes hard. The skiers can downhill from the top (5137m) until 2800 meters. Some of the ski-climb skiers will need ski-crampons after Camp 2 for the summit trail.
SEASON AND WEATHER
Ararat is a dormant volcano; the last eruption was on June 2, 1840. At present the upper third of the mountain is covered with snow all the time; the last hundred meters of snow at the top have turned to ice. For climbers on the mountain, fresh running water is available after the sun has been up a while to melt the snow, but it is cut off in the late afternoon when cold air has overcome the heat of the sun. Below the snow the slopes are covered with great blocks of black basalt rock, some as large as village houses.
Because of its high elevation and its distance to the sea, the climate is harsh. Summers are short, hot and dry, and winters are long, snowy and very cold.
There is a large shift between day and night time temperatures. Spring and fall are rainy and mild. The coldest temperatures in the country are recorded here at, (-430-450) degrees centigrade... The mean temperature in this land that belongs in the terrestrial climate region of Turkey is 6.10 centigrade.
The air in Igdir, which is on the northern slopes of the mountain, is hazy and cold. Dogubeyazit, on the other hand, which is situated on the southern slope, boasts of clear skies and warm weather. On days when one needs a heavy coat in Igdir, in Dogubeyazit, one can enjoy a walk under clear and sunny skies wearing just a shirt.
Ararat Mountain generates its own weather conditions; it is not wise to depend on weather forecasts. The peak is subject to severe winds, and sudden changes in temperature. Every year several deaths are reported due to
changing weather conditions prevailing on the mountain. One has to be equipped for the worst, and has to know when to quit.
In summer, the glacier on the peak is subjected to bright sun in the day time and below freezing temperatures in the night. The ice is glass-like. If the temperatures are mild in the day, footing may become softer, but in all conditions one needs to wear crampons. When the conditions are for glass-ice, crampons are not sufficient; and rope stations have to be established. One of the best known mountaineers has lost his life for this reason.. Some times if there is snow-fall at night, conditions become better for the climb to the peak.
The winds at the peak are so fierce and cold that regular goretex mountaineering coats are like a sieve offering no protection. One can be frozen in ten minutes in a bona-fide storm. One has to stay home under such extremely windy
conditions, or be heavily protected. Of course, proper clothing does not stave off all the danger, because there is always the danger of losing ones balance and falling off the glacial passes.
If you want to climb in winter you should know that no mules can be used, only porters are available, so all services fee will be doubled.
Best season for ski from top is May.
Every 30th August there is a traditional climb for the Victory Day. People aim to be in top on 30th August. So be aware not to go between 28 Agust-02 Sep. Because hundreds of mountaineer will be there and not enough space for tents.
SOUTHERN ROUTE
The Southern route is the easiest and by far the most popular one; therefore we will describe it in detail.
The Southern route of Ararat starts in Dogubayazit. It is rated 1 (easiest in the snow), but the difficulty is in acclimatization and the changeable weather conditions. Ararat, at an elevation of 5137 meters, is the highest mountain in Turkey by 1000 meters. The climb becomes very steep very fast, and most mountaineers are quickly affected by mountain sickness.
AKUT (search and rescue unit) erected sign posts at every 100 meters. These signs, which denote the altitude, irritate some of the purist climbers, but are helpful in showing the correct way up the mountain. Unfortunately, some of the signs have been damaged; it is not advisable to depend on them entirely for the climb to the peak.
The first stop after leaving Dogubayazit is the village of Eli. Eli is 2 hours by truck or minibus from Dogubeyazit. Camp at 3200m. (called Green Camp as well) is one of the rare places where you can find greenery and water. It is generally crowded and dirty. Since there are no toilet facilities, almost all the crevices (spaces) beneath the rocks have been used as such.
From camp 3200, a 3 hour walk on a steep and rocky path will take you to camp 4200. (Notice that the small 400m elevation difference between Eli and camp 3200 is traversed in 4 hours, and the 1000 m difference and between camps 3200 and 4200 takes and equal amount of time.)
The day of the climb to the peak, you should start with the first lights of dawn. The walk between camp 4200 and 4950m where the glacier starts is very steep and rocky. You put on your crampons at 4900 m. The last bit of the climb is relatively easy with a gentle grade. The first peak you will encounter when you enter the glacier is called Inonu peak. The main peak is to your left. You reach the main peak after you pass Inonu peak, enter the cone (crater) and walk a short distance on the flat and then up a slight incline. The climb from camp 4200 to the main peak takes about 5-6 hours.
The descent is almost as hard as the ascent; toes and knees suffer. The route is the same in reverse.
OTHER ROUTES
You may want to use the alternate routes to the Southern route, namely the Eastern and Western routes. Beware that they are not used often; the valleys and the plateaus at the lower skirts of the mountain have been poorly kept up because of infrequent use.
The eastern route, which is relatively popular, starts at the valley of Aras on the northern side. It continues through Serdarbulak through a deep pit (Mine Shaft) to the pass between the Little and Great Ararat mountains. The route then follows a terraced slope and reaches a rock formation known as the Rock Church. After that comes a long glacial slope, to the left there is a path of loose rocks, which will take you to the peak.
The Northwestern route starts at a small village between Igdir and Dogubayazit and follows the route to Lake Kup. This lake is usually used as a camp ground. You leave the vast flat ground around the lake, take a steep glacial and rocky road to first peak Inonu and then to the main peak.
The Northern route starts at Igdir; it is a difficult, technical climb on a glacial route to the right (east) of an impressively empty valley. The weather on the Northern route offers even more difficult conditions than on the Southern route. During the spring and summer months, the melted snow carries literally rivers of ice blocks and rocks into the valleys. Therefore it is strongly advised that you do not enter the valleys but keep to the ridges.
On the north side, Ararat has its roots in the Araxes (Aras) River valley. There it rises from the valley elevation of about 760 meters above sea level. In that area the Araxes River is the border demarcation between Turkey and Russia. The top of the mountain is only about 30 kilometers from the border. For some years both the Turkish and the Soviet governments have been touchy about foreigners exploring on Ararat because of military security precautions. Therefore it was difficult to get permission to climb it for sports fans. On 1st of November 2004 Ararat Mountain and surroundings were declared as the 35th National Park of Turkey by the Government so it's believed that it will attract more visitors and help to the local economy as well. So far there are no ski resorts on the mountain but you never know, maybe one day... The nearest one is on Bubi Mountain which is open from December till April.
What is the different between Ararat North Route (Korhan) and Classic South Route?
For many years the companies have only organized the tours from the classic south side of Ararat Mountain. The reason is, everything is easier on the south side, especially when carrying all the equipment with horses until high camp (4170m). Also there are many local people working on this business. Climbing to the summit is also easier because of walking on the trail. It is not a technical climb and you will need crampons only after 4970 meter and for a maximum of 45 minutes walk.
At the north side the horses can only transfer until 3700 meters. At this point we have two choices. The first is to pitch tents at 3700 meters and start the summit climb from here. The second option is to use porters after 3.700 and up to 4250 meters, and set up high camp in front of the great glacier of Mt. Ararat. If we do this, the summit climb starts directly on the glacier. You will need to use your crampons from here to the summit. It is not really steep but you will need to have crampon walking experience on the glacier. There are some cracks, but not large and deep. However, they can be dangerous when descending if snow closed on one of the crevasses.
Not many people are interested in and have the advanced climbing skills necessary for this route. Understandably, this is why companies like us don't put this tour on the calendar. But if you have a group size bigger than 6, and willing to climb from North route, please contact us to further discuss details about organizing a private tour for your group.
LITTLE ARARAT
Little Ararat is closed to foreign climbers.
NOAH'S ARK
Famous in the Bible as the final resting-place of Noah's Ark, Ararat Mountain is surely the attraction point for the Noah's Ark searchers One, who is interested in search of Noah's Ark, should know that it is strictly forbidden to start the search without the authorization of the officials and Turkish Army Forces. Anatolian Adventures team can forward you the necessary information to find the contact details of the authorities.
Mount Ararat has been wreathed in legends for millennia. In many languages, the mountain is referred to as Ararat. In Abrahamic religions, the mountain is the place Noah landed after the flood. The Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh (c. 2000 BC) describes a great flood, as does the later record of Berossus (3rd century BC), and of course the Bible (Genesis and Gospels) and the Kur'an. In the story, a flood lasting 40 days and nights wipes out all living things except those in a boat or ark built, on orders of God, to survive The Deluge. In the ark are male and female representatives of each species, including Noah, his wife and family. This myth has always attracted ark-hunters, who have trekked up Ararat over the years in search of Noah's Ark. The most famous expedition was that led by ex-US Astronaut James Irwin in 1982. In 1985 an expedition led by David Fusold discovered a boat-shaped stone formation on a nearby mountain called Musa Dagi ("Mount Moses") east of Dogubayazit near the village of Uzengili. Using ground-penetrating sonar, Fusold mapped the site and produced intriguing but inconclusive evidence that the stone formation was anything more than a curious stone formation. Mount Ararat has been the subject of search attempts to recover Noah's Ark. In the 1950s, the Frenchman De Navarre claimed to have found a piece of wood from the ark, but subsequent scientific dating showed it to be too recent. Another famous searcher for the ark on Mount Ararat was astronaut James Irwin, who walked on the moon in 1971. The story of Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat is an important feature of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Over the years various groups have explored Ararat in the hopes of finding remains of Noah's Ark. Both Josephus in about 70 A.D. and Marco Polo about 1300 A.D. mention its existence on the mountain, but their reports are based on others' accounts. Josephus remarks that its remains are on display for all to see without need of an organized exploration. In more recent years many groups have hunted for it there. The possibility that ancient fables are historical fact is intriguing, and each new discovery of truth in previously discredited records gives additional strength to continuing the search for archaeological confirmation.
However, the problems of establishing exactly what the biblical record in this case means are serious ones that need to be settled even before one accepts this particular high mountain as the right place to look for the ark. In itself even that ignores the possibility that Noah and his family used up the ark in bits and pieces to build their new homes, a fate that has destroyed many other famous structures in the Near East since.
The story of Noah's ark, as it is told in the Bible, is a reworking of an earlier Babylonian myth recorded in the Gilgamesh Epic. The hero of the earlier version is one Utnapishtim, the favorite of Ea, the god of wisdom. It seems probable that the Babylonian story was based on an unusually devastating flood in the Euphrates (Firat) River basin, and that the ark in it grounded on the slopes of one of the Zagros mountains. The biblical word that we read as "Ararat" could as well be read "Urartu"; the text has merely "rrt" and the proper vowels must be supplied.
Ararat is what the ancient Assyrians called the Urartian kingdom, which was centered here as early as the 13th Century BC; the word appears to be an elision of "Urartu" meaning 'mountain of mountains'. The word also meant "a land far away" and "a place in the north." So, while Buyuk Agri Dagi is a spectacular mountain and not a difficult one to climb for those experienced in high altitude exercise, it still seems less than likely that Noah's Ark will be found there. That doubt does not detract from the continuing interest in it, nor from the important achievements of archaeologists in deepening our understanding of the Old Testament.
The Ararat anomaly is an interesting feature located on the northwest corner of the Western Plateau of Mount Ararat (approximately 39°42'10'N, 44°16'30'E) at about 4,724 meters (15,500 feet), some 2.2 km (1.4 miles) west of the 5,137 m (16,854 ft) summit, on the edge of what appears from the photographs to be a steep downward slope. It is claimed by a number of Biblical literalists that this anomaly is the remains of Noah's Ark (from the Old Testament)
AGRI CITY & CULTURAL PLACES
95 kms east of Agri, is the town Dogubayazit, comprising spectacular ruins from earlier periods Ishak Pasha Palace, 6 kms outside the town center, is the most important sight, and was constructed by the Ottoman governor, Ishak Pasha, in the 17th century. It has been restored many since, and has become an original building of mixed architectural design. An Urartian king relief and a rock tomb dating to the 9th century BC, are other historical remains near the palace, while ruins from the same period are also to be found near Patnos, another important town of Agri province.
An interesting place is the meteoric hole, about 80 years old, located between the Gurbulak border gate and Sancavus village. It is the second largest hole of this type in the world with its 35 m width and 60 m depth.
Besides these tourist attractions, there are other specialties of the city. One is "Lake Balik", famous for its "trout". Still another is the local dessert "Asure", also known as "Noah's Pudding" and it is a sweet that must be tasted.
Bubi Mountain skiing area is 18 kms to the city center but it isn't developed much as a big resort yet. It's season is between December and April and it gets approximately 1-2 meters of snow. There is a 1,227 meters long teleski with a capacity of 600 persons per hour. Another skiing area is 4 kms to Eleskirt district with 1,650 meters long and 1,000 people per hour capacity detachable chair telesiege. Skiing track is 1,200 meters long and 250 meters wide.
ANATOLIAN ADVENTURES TREKS TO ARARAT
You can find detailed information about our tours and treks to Ararat from http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/tours/trek/ararattrek.html
http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/tours/trek/nemrut_suphan_ararat.html
http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/tours/trek/ararat_kackar.html
http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/tours/trek/taurusararat.htm
http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/tours/trek/ararat_damavand.html
http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/tours/trek/ararat_elbrus.html
http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/tours/trek/threepeaks.html
http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/tours/trek/araratski.html
