Project Description

First, we visit Istanbul is the only city in the world which embraces two continents, one arm reaching out into Asia, the other into Europe. The museum, churches, places, mosques and bazaars and the sight of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows and on the slender minarets on the opposite shore you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site After visiting Van city and Akdamar Island .

We will drive to Mt. Suphan foot. Our ski tour start with Volcano Mt. Suphan over the Van Lake. This is a second highest Volcano peak of Turkey. First Day we will make camp at the foot of Suphan before going Mt Ararat. Then we will be on Mt. Ararat, eastern part of Turkey near Iran border and it is a magnificent sprawling dome whose snow covered summit is 5.165m above sea level. Most Christians believe it is the site where Noah’s Ark came to rest after the great Flood. A climb of Mt.Ararat is a tough walk (non-Technical) but requiring a good deal of stamina. The upper third of volcanic covered in snow and the last hundred meters to the summit is icy.

Day 1 : Istanbul
Meet the group at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon will be spent to discover the uniqueness of old Istanbul. Our first stop is Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) is more familiarly known as Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent panelling of blue. It was built by architect Mehmet between 1609 and 1616. After visiting we stroll around Ancient Hippodrome the scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civil life, stood in the open space in front of the Blue Mosque. We continue the visit Covered Bazaar is the world largest’s covered market. This labyrinth of the streets and passages houses more than 4.000 shops. Covered bazaar is still commercial centre of the old city. Overnight at hotel in old city.

Day 2 : Istanbul – Van – Tatvan
In the morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Van. Van is one of the most important cities of the old Vaspurakan region. it is located on the east coast of Van lake and its ancient name is Tooshpa; the Urartian capital of Tuspa. Van Lake is the largest lake in Turkey. Depending on time we may visit Akdamar island is the most important of these. On the island stands the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross, Architect monk Manuel built the church between the years 915 and 921. The Church, consecrated in honour of the holy cross. Reliefs, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, daily Iife such as hunting, run along the exterior of the church. After Lunch near the Van Lake we will drive to Tatvan at the foot of Mount Nemrut . Overnight at Hotel in Tatvan.

Day 3 : Nemrut Mountain (3.050m)
İn the morning our bus will transfer us to the Foot of Mt. Nemrut. We slippers our ski and start our ascent by 1.750m, we pass the crater lake and ascent the Summit at 3.050m. We enjoy the nice view of Lake Van and the Region After a small break and a picnic at the summit we descent to our starting point, where our bus and driver waits for us. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 4 : Mt. Suphan Summit (4.050m) – Dogubeyazit
In the Morning we drive to the foot of Mt. Süphan when we wear our ski we will ascent The Summit 4.050m. İt will take 7 hours ascent and descent , From the Summit of Mount suphan we have beautifull secenarry of the Van Lake. After descent we drive to Dogubeyazit for overnight. Dinner and Overnight in hotel in Dogubeyazit. Dogubeyazit that is close to the Iranian border and famous with Ishakpasa Palace.

Day 5 : Visit Ishakpasa Palace – Mt. Ararat – Camp 1 (Yesil camp 2900 m)
We visit Ishakpasa Palace Ottoman governor Ishakpasa constructed the palace in 17th century with a mixture of architectural styles. The palace was made by using red clay stones and it resembles the Topkapi and Edirne Palace. After visit, transfer till Eli village, meeting local porters at 2400m who carry our baggagues untill 2900m. Today, we wear our ski and ski to the base camp at 3200m. Our baggagues will be carried by horses our mules. Dinner and overnight at camp. (Ascent = 700m / Descent = 0)

Day 6 : Mt. Ararat (Camp II)
Today we carry our limited equipment by ourselves and also porter (shepa ) will help us. we ski to camp II (3900m). Overnight camp with all meals. (Ascent = 1000 m / Descent = 0)

Day 7 : Mt. Ararat Summit ( 5165m)
Ski to the summit ( 5.165m) . After summit we ski down. About at 4500 m glaciers and perennial snows are present. Return to the base Camp I. Overnight at camp with all meals. (Ascent = 1265m / Descent = 2265m)

Day 8 : Reserve Day
Today is Reserve day. if weather is bad we will try summit next day. If we do summit 1 day ago, we go down to hotel in Dogubeyazit , if we can not do the summit today we stay at campsite and try again summit today.

Day 9 : Mt. Ararat – Dogubeyazit – Van
Descent to Cevirme Village about 3 hours and return to Dogubeyazit . Driving to Van about 2h. Late afternoon free for visit city center. Depending on time we may visit Akdamar island is the most important of these. On the island stands the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross, Architect monk Manuel built the church between the years 915 and 921. The Church, consecrated in honour of the holy cross. Reliefs, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, daily Iife such as hunting, run along the exterior of the church. Overnight at hotel in Van.

Day 10 : Van – Home
Transfer to the airport and fly to home.

Summits : Mt. Ararat 5165m, Mt. Suphan 4050m, Mt. Nemrut 3050m
Grade : II-III
Limit : 6 – 16 persons
Season : March 15th – May 15th