Right attitude, right outfit, right preparation —the three main factors that will help you to summit the biblical mountain Ararat․
Mt. Ararat is not a very difficult mountain to climb; to reach the top of the mountain you don’t need to be a professional mountaineer or have full mountaineering equipment. However, a peak with a height of more than 5000 meters certainly requires the right approach, some preparation and serious attitude.
PHYSICAL PREPARATION
Active physical exercises, such as running, cycling and visiting the gym, can not only help improve breathing, but are also useful in terms of training muscles and losing excess weight. Of course, mountain ascents and hiking should be added to physical training preparation. In the first stage, you can try to climb the easiest and not very high-altitude mountains, for example, Hatis, Armaghan, Gutanasar, Artanish, Southern Peak of Aragats and other similar heights. In the second stage, it is preferable to climb more difficult and higher peaks, such as Azhdahak, Khustup and especially the North Peak of Aragats, and if your ascent is accompanied by an overnight stay on the mountain, it will be more effective in terms of acclimatization and will significantly facilitate the ascent of Mount Ararat. Moreover, it is preferable to implement the second stage 3-4 weeks before the rise of Ararat. Of course, you can also add the right diet to all of the above.
EQUIPMENT
Let's stage the ascent of Mt Ararat. it can be divided into two main stages. To get to the first stage, which is also the second camp (4200 meters), you need light clothing that will protect you mainly from the sun. In the second stage, you will need winter gear. Among the primary items are the right shoes, which should not only be comfortable but also tried before the ascent. You don't need professional mountaineering shoes at all, but having durable waterproof shoes for mountain conditions is necessary (especially for altitude above 4200). We do not recommend climbing Ararat with newly purchased shoes, it is preferable to use the shoes for other hikes/climbings, so that it is more familiar and comfortable; so you should think about the shoes in advance. Such shoes are mainly needed for the last difficult part, while it is possible to reach the second camp with ordinary hiking shoes. High-quality sunglasses that will protect from the sun and light reflection on the snow, preferably glasses intended for the mountains (3rd degree protection is preferable for Ararat). A good quality flashlight is a necessary item, as the last stage of ascent begins at night. A warm hat and gloves, thermal underwear, thermal socks (also spare socks), waterproof pants, a comfortable, warm and light coat are all must-haves. At the same time, it is important to understand that during the ascent of Ararat, you will have to be more protected from the sun, rather than from the cold, therefore the open parts of the body should be covered as much as possible — you should also have a buff, mask, hat and a sunscreen with you. Camping sticks are also extremely important. A comfortable and light backpack is also important. And, of course, a comfortable and warm sleeping bag. There is no need to think about tents, there are already fixed tents in our camps, while hot meals, water and delicious tea are waiting for us in the camps.It might also be noted that the horses will take your main things up to the two main camps, so for the ascent there should be a light backpack (preferably up to 25 liters), in which there will be hot tea with a thermos, caloric food - sweets, crampons (which we also provide), other necessary things.
Our groups are accompanied by Turkish-and Armenian-speaking guides specializing in Western Armenia, who will help you with Turkish translation and primary contact of obtaining professional and valuable information about the area.
Equipment
Hiking Boots + Hiking Shoes
Thermal Socks + Wool or Synthetic Socks
Thermal Underwear
Hiking Pants + Waterproof Warm Pants
Hiking Jacket + Fleece Jacket
T-Shirts and Light Jackets
Warm Gloves + Hiking / Fleece Gloves
Hiking (sun) Hat
Wool or Fleece Hat
Balaclava and Buff
Hiking sunglasses + Goggles (optional)
Headlamp (with extra batteries)
Trekking Poles
Thermos and Water Bottles
Sunscreen Cream, Lip Balm.
Backpacks (small one up to 25 l and big one up to 100 l)
Sleeping bag (for -5°C Comfort Temperature).
You can also have a first-aid kit, power bank, photo camera, raincoat, your own math, etc.
We provide tents, math, and crampons.
