MT ARARAT ASCENT + ANI, VAN, KARS 7 DAYS 2025

The first stop of our trip is on the shores of Tsovakn Hyusiso (Childir), one of the largest lakes of the Armenian highlands. A wonderful tour awaits us in the city of a thousand and one churches, the magnificent Ani. We will pass through Igdir, after which we will move along the slopes of Mt Ararat to Bayazet, where we will spend the night.

First climbing day: to Base Camp 1
After breakfast at our hotel, a minibus will take us from the hotel in Dogubayazit to the starting point of the mountain trek at 2200 meters. Then, we will start to ascend to Base Camp 1 at 3200 meters (animals will transport our equipment). We will enjoy our dinner with hot tea and rest in camp tents ready for us.
The hike on the first day of the ascent is about 5.5 km; the elevation is about 1000 meters, and the hike duration is about 4.5 hours.

Second climbing day: from Base Camp 1 to Camp 2
We will start our hiking in the morning. We will climb to Base Camp 2 at 4200 meters (equipment is transported by pack animals). We will have our dinner and prepare ourselves to reach Mount Ararat's summit the following day (midnight).
The hike on the second day of ascent is about 5 km; the elevation is about 1000 meters, and the hike duration is about 5 hours.

Third climbing day: Summit Day
We will start our ascent to the top of the mountain very early (about 1:00AM). After about 6-7 hours of trekking, we reach Mt Ararat summit and wholly enjoy it with its stunning views. Afterwards, we will return to Base Camp 2, have a little rest, then hike to Base Camp 1 for rest.
The hike to the top on the third day of ascent is about 2.5 km; the elevation is about 950 meters, and the hike duration is about 6-7 hours. The return hike distance from the summit is about 8 km (from summit to the first camp).

As mentioned above, after breakfast in the morning, we walk from the first camp to the starting point, then drive to our hotel in Bayazet, where we are given free time to bathe and relax, after which we leave to enjoy a lunch at our restaurant with a panoramic view of Mt Ararat. Of course, we also receive the ascent certificates, take a tour of the Bayazet fortress and the palace of Isak/Isahak Pasha next to it, then return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Our incredible journey continues! We will visit Berkri Waterfall, when explore Van Fortress, one of the oldest fortresses in the world. Mher's Door is a vital place to visit. We will see Van Cats with different eye colors. The most emotional part of our trip awaits us: we will go by boat to Aghtamar Island of Lake Van to visit the fantastic Holy Cross medieval church. We will have time to swim in Lake Van and eat local fish.

We will say goodbye to the Biblical mountain, after that, passing through Igdir, we will have a break on the banks of River Araks, those who wish can also approach the banks of the river, after which we will continue our way to Kars. After overcoming the Karuts Fortress, the panoramic view of Kars opens before you, where the powerful St. Arakelots Church has its unique place. And in Kars, how can one not cross the Vardan bridge, how can one not go to the house where Charents supposedly lived? Returning from Kars to Yerevan again, with unforgettable emotions and impressions.