TAURUS MOUNTAINS & MOUNT ARARAT

A 14 days trekking adventure on Taurus mountains and Mount Ararat combined with some leisure days at Cappadocia Valley...

ITINERARY

Day 1: Meeting at the Ankara Esenboga Airport and transfer to Nigde, Aladaglar region. In the afternoon we arrive to our campsite at Sokullupinar.

Day 2: In the early morning from our campsite we start our long day trek along Karayalak Valley. After 5-6 hours trekking we reach the most beautiful campsite of this region. Dinner and overnight at campsite near the biggest lake of Aladaglar, called the Yedigoller region.

Day 3: After early breakfast we climb to the 3rd highest mountain of this region, called Emler Mountain with an enjoyable trekking route. After summit we descend down to our camp. Free afternoon. We can swim in the lake or enjoy the lovely trekking routes.

Day 4: We leave the Yedigoller Region for another beautiful place called Sogukpinar. The path we will follow is surrounded with green and dense forests. At night we will camp in the forest after 5-6 hours lovely trekking.

Day 5: In the early morning we start trekking until we reach the Barazama village which is our last stop and famous for its waterfalls. We will rest and enjoy our drinks at the waterfalls before we drive to Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight in hotel at Cappadocia region.

Day 6: Departing from the hotel early in the morning, we visit Devrent Valley to see the unigue fairy-chimneys. We then drive to Pasabag, Monk's Valley to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. We drive to the city of Avanos to see the unique pottery art works. In the afternoon we visit another beautiful open air museum at Goreme where the remains of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. Lastly, before returning to our hotel, we visit the natural castle at Uchisar. Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 7: Departing from our hotel after breakfast, we drive to Derinkuyu Underground city to visit the huge refugee settlement carved by early Christians, where they could hide from persecutors. From Derinkuyu, we continue to the beautiful valley of Ihlara, formerly known as Peristerema. Explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike 4 km through the valley. In the afternoon drive to Ankara, for dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 8: Early morning flight to Van. Meeting the group in VAN city airport and drive to Dogubeyazit town in 3hrs average. On the way we stop by the "Muradiye waterfalls" and enjoy the view with Turkish tea. After lunch, check in hotel, permits and gear check. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 9: Transfer to Mount Ararat, former Eli village region at 2200m / 7250 ft. We then load the duffle bags on our horses and the start trekking for 4 hrs before arriving "Green Camp" at 3300m / 10850 ft.

Day 10: Rest at camp. Acclimatization hikes up to 4000m / 13150ft for 4-5 hours. Dinner and overnight at Green Camp.

Day 11: Hike up from Green camp to 2nd camp at 4150m / 13615 ft. (2-3 hours)

Day 12: Summit day. Early wake up call at 3:30 and start for the summit bid at 4:30 after a fine breakfast. We reach the summit at 5137m / 16854ft after 5-6 hrs hiking performance. It will take 2-3 hrs to descend back to the camp site at 4150m / 13615ft. Dinner and overnight in the 2nd camp.

Day 13: Descend all the way down to the village road to reach the minibus for the transfer to hotel in Dogubeyazit before lunch time. After lunch, we will see the art demonstration of the very best examples of local handcrafts and carpets. We will visit ancient Ishak Pasha Palace during the beautiful sunset. / Spare day in case of bad weather / Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 14: Transfer to Van airport early in the morning for the flights or continue with extension tours.

DETAILS

Our tour starts from the capital city Ankara. Same day, we drive to Nigde, Cukurbag village by minibus and continue to the campsite on the slopes of Turkish Alps, Taurus Mountains (Toros - Aladaglar Range) After Trans Taurus trekking, we head towards Cappadocia where we will see the magnificent fairy chimneys and red valleys that Mother Nature gave unique shapes. After spending two nights in Cappadoccia region we drive to Ankara for the domestic flight to Van, and we drive to to Dogubeyazit town for a night stay. Next morning we will transfer to Ararat and have a 5 days trekking program. Tour ends in Van city airport. We can continue with other extension Turkey tours or fly to Istanbul depending on your program.

For Istanbul hotels, istanbul tours and transfers, and domestic flight ticket services, please refer to the link ISTANBUL HOTELS & TOURS

ARARAT CLIMBING PERMIT & VISA

As it is well known, the Ararat Mountain which had been a favorite for climbers until 1980 was closed to the public during the Kurdish insurgence. It was reopened to visitors in 2001 when security in the area was reestablished. Nevertheless, to ensure continuance of security, visits to Mount Ararat are now under strict government control.

Individual climbers are subject to security investigation and only those who are approved are allowed to visit.

Foreigners traveling alone who wish to climb Mt. Ararat should apply to the Turkish consulate in their country and apply for an "ARARAT CLIMBING" visa. Even individuals from those countries that do not require an entry visa to Turkey, should have their passports stamped with a special purpose visa by the Turkish consulate in their own countries. Applications made through the consulate are then sent to the office of the General Staff of Turkey, the Ministry of Interior Affairs, and the Ministry of Tourism. Those applications that are approved are then forwarded to the office of the governor of Agri city and the local military police. The same documents are sent to the Turkish consulate of the originating country. Upon entry to Turkey these special visas are shown to the appropriate offices.

These procedures generally take up to two months for individual applicants, but if you join in our Ararat tours, we carry out the proper procedures on behalf of you which is the fastest and easiest way to obtain the necessary visas and permissions.

CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

1) In the booking form, please fill all personal and passport details completely.

2) Send your booking form together with a scanned photocopy of your passport either by fax to number: +902164184522 or by email to address: info@anatolianadventures.com

3) It is important that all participants should inform Anatolian Adventures about the name/location of the Turkish Consulate or Embassy closest to their hometowns. This location can't be changed after we send the application, and it is the place where you will pick-up your special purpose visa stickers after the permit procedure finishes.

Because of the sensitive position of Mount Ararat, being on the border of Turkey, it is officially declared to be 2nd degree Military zone. So without any exclusion, all EU members, USA citizens and citizens of all countries which Turkey does not demand ordinary visa procedure, will have to apply for the Special purpose visa, stating sportive aim.

As soon as we get the passport & Consulate information we apply to Ministry of Tourism for the permit authorization with an official paper. Ministry of Tourism applies to the other authorities for authorization. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Military. When Ministry of Tourism gets authorization from all these authorities, Anatolian Adventures will be informed about the permit. At the same time, Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send an official paper to the Turkish Consulate or the Embassy which the participants should have informed the location before. We then will inform all the participants to go to the consulate or the embassy they have stated in their application forms to get their special purpose visas.