Blog
29 Oct 2025
New for 2026, Mount Ararat
Rising 5,137 metres above the wild eastern plains of Turkey, Mount Ararat is a mountain of myth, mystery, and magnificent beauty. Said to be the resting place of Noah's Ark, it offers trekkers a rare chance to climb one of the world's great volcanic peaks, an adventure that few have experienced.
This is a true bucket-list challenge: high-altitude trekking, sweeping views across Turkey, Armenia and Iran, and a sense of discovery that goes far beyond the climb itself.
With expert local guides, well-planned acclimatisation, and an challenging but achievable route to the summit, Mount Ararat is the perfect goal for those ready to take their trekking to the next level.
Whether you're fundraising for a cause or chasing your next big adventure, this is a journey that will test your limits, reward your effort, and leave you with a story to tell for a lifetime.
1. Mount Ararat is a unique, 'off-the-beaten-track' mountain. It's a hidden gem of a challenge.
2. It's ideal for those who have already climbed Mount Toubkal, one of our most popular challenges. Clients often return with a 'what next?!' and this is perfect. At 5,137 m, trekkers conquer a major mountain, without needing extreme technical skills (though you will likely need to wear crampons). It is the sweet spot that sits between accessible adventure and real bragging rights!
3. The infrastructure and mountain guides are excellent
4. Direct flights to Turkey, then a short flight over to Igdir or Van.
Day 1: Fly to Istanbul under your own steam, meeting your Tribal Tracks Leader at the airport for your transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Two-hour flight to Idgir (arranged by Tribal Tracks), then take a private one-hour transfer to Dogubayazit, the gateway to Mount Ararat
Day 3: Summit Mount Zor (3190 m) as an acclimatisation trek
Day 4: Transfer to Cevirme Village (2200 m) and ascend 7km (4-5 hour trek) to Ararat Camp 1 (3200 m)
Day 5: Trek to Camp 2 (4200 m ) then descend back to Camp 1 (3200 m) for effective altitude acclimatisation
Day 6: Ascend to camp 2 (4200 m) and sleep there
Day 7: Summit Mount Ararat (5137m), enjoy the views of Armenia, Iran, the Caucasus and Eastern Antolia. Descend to Camp 1.
Day 8: Descend to our pick-up point and transfer to Dogubayazit. Visit Ishak Pasha Palace, built in 17th century and an important part of Ottoman history. Visit the Durupinar site, the 'footprint of Noah's Ark'.
Day 9: Fly to Istanbul for onward travel home.
In Istanbul and Dogubayazit you will stay in a comfortable 3* Hotel. You will then have four nights camping throughout the trek before returning to Dogubayazit.
At the first campsite, there are showers and toilets. You will have a steel-framed bed and a mattress. There is also a solar generator for charging small electrical items. You will sleep here for four nights. The next campsite is much smaller and rockier. You will be given a sleeping mat, although we won't spend the whole night here; instead, we will depart for the summit between midnight and 2am. After the summit, we will descend back to camp one. Food will be provided from dinner on arrival to breakfast on the final day.
A full kit list is provided. Specialist kit, like ice crampons, are included and will be distributed to you on the trek if necessary. It is likely you will need to use these for the final push to the summit.
Have a question about Tribal Tracks? Get in touch, our small team will be delighted to help.
