Children on the Summit of Mount Ararat
🏔️ The “4 Peaks” Mountain Club is organizing an ascent of Mount Ararat for children and teenagers who will complete a specially designed training and acclimatization program before the expedition.
⏳ Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
📅 Trip Dates: July 29 – August 5
TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Yerevan – Ani – Bayazet
We depart from Yerevan at 5:00 AM. Traveling through the Bavra border crossing into Georgia and then through the Kartsakhi border crossing into Turkey, we continue our journey toward Western Armenia.
Our first stop will be the ancient Armenian capital, Ani, where we will take a guided tour of its historic monuments and archaeological sites. After visiting Ani, we continue to Bayazet, where we will spend the night.
Overnight in the hotel.
⚠️ Please bring food for the first day. Suitable meal stops are limited along the route, and we will arrive in Doğubayazıt in the evening.
DAY 2 – First Camp (3,200 m)
After breakfast, we leave the hotel in Bayazet and drive toward Mount Ararat. Vehicles will take us to approximately 2,200 meters above sea level.
From there, we begin our trek to the First Camp at 3,200 meters. The hike takes approximately 5–6 hours. Heavy equipment and luggage will be transported by horses.
Meals will be provided at the camp.
Overnight in tents.
📏 Distance: 5.6 km
📈 Elevation Gain: 1,050 m
DAY 3 – Second Camp (4,200 m)
After breakfast, we continue our ascent from the First Camp (3,200 m) to the Second Camp (4,200 m).
The hike takes approximately 5–6 hours. Horses will again transport heavy gear. From this altitude, participants will enjoy spectacular views of Little Ararat (Sis).
Overnight in tents.
📏 Distance: 4 km
📈 Elevation Gain: 950 m
DAY 4 – Summit Day (5,137 m)
We begin our summit ascent around 1:00–2:00 AM. The climb to the summit takes approximately 8–9 hours.
After reaching the summit of Mount Ararat (5,137 m) and celebrating this achievement, we descend to the Second Camp at 4,200 meters, where we rest, eat, and spend the night.
Overnight in tents.
Distance: 5.5 km
Elevation Gain: 1,000 m
Day 5 – Return to First Camp (3,200 m)
After breakfast, we descend to the First Camp and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in tents.
Day 6 – Return to Doğubayazıt
After breakfast, we descend to 2,200 meters, where vehicles will transfer us back to Bayazet.
Following a shower and some rest at the hotel, we visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace.
In the evening, we celebrate our successful ascent of Mount Ararat together.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 7 – Muradiye Waterfall – Van – Akdamar Island
After breakfast, we travel to Van.
Our first stop is Muradiye (Berkri) Waterfall, which originates from the Tendürek mountain range and cascades approximately 15 meters into the valley below.
We then continue to Van, where we visit the 3,000-year-old Van Fortress. From the top, we enjoy panoramic views of the city, the ruins of the old town, Mount Varag, and Lake Van.
We will also visit the famous Van Cat House and see the unique Van cats known for their striking eye colors. Participants will have the opportunity to taste the famous Van trout, take a boat trip to Akdamar Island, and swim in the beautiful waters of Lake Van.
In the evening, we return to Bayazet.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 8 – Doğubayazıt – Kars – Yerevan
After breakfast, we travel to Kars.
We visit the Church of the Holy Apostles, Kars Fortress, and Vardan Bridge before beginning our journey back to Yerevan.
Arrival in Yerevan concludes our unforgettable adventure.
Price
$850 USD per participant
Included in the Price
- Transportation throughout the trip
- Hotel accommodation
- Hotel breakfasts
- Professional mountain guides
- Mountain cook services
- All meals on the mountain during the climb
- Entrance fees to all attractions
- Tents, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags
- Horse transportation for heavy equipment
- Mount Ararat climbing permit
- Turkish visa fee
Not Included
- Lunches and dinners in cities
- Adventure travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips for local Ararat guides ($30–50 recommended)
Note 1: The mountain itinerary includes an additional reserve day. The schedule may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the participants’ physical condition.
Note 2: Only breakfasts are included during hotel stays. Participants should budget approximately $100 for lunches and dinners in the cities throughout the trip.
Who Should Not Attempt the Climb?
Climbing Mount Ararat requires good physical fitness and overall health. Due to the altitude of 5,137 meters, the ascent is not recommended for individuals with:
Serious cardiovascular diseases
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Arrhythmia (heart rhythm disorders)
- Angina (chest pain)
- Heart failure
2. Respiratory Diseases
- Asthma (especially severe forms)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Pulmonary hypertension
3. Neurological Conditions
- Epilepsy
- Migraine (especially severe and frequent attacks)
- Orientation or balance disorders that may worsen at high altitude
4. Digestive and Metabolic Disorders
- Diabetes mellitus (especially insulin-dependent diabetes)
- Thyroid disorders (severe thyroid gland dysfunction)
5. Joint and Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Arthritis (especially severe cases)
- Osteoporosis
- Individuals recovering from a stroke or major surgery
6. Mental Health Conditions
- Panic attacks
- Depression (severe cases that may affect self-control and decision-making)
- Claustrophobia or acrophobia (fear of heights)
7. Allergies and Other Risk Factors
- Severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis)
- Conditions related to low oxygen tolerance at high altitude
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE CLIMB
Required Equipment
- Two backpacks, or one backpack and one duffel/sports bag (30–35 L and 60–70 L)
- Waterproof hiking boots with sturdy soles
- Trekking poles
- Thermal base layers
- Fleece jacket or fleece shirt
- Waterproof layered hiking pants
- Waterproof rain jacket and windproof shell
- Warm winter down jacket
- Gaiters
- Winter gloves (2 pairs)
- Winter hat and buff/neck gaiter
- Sun hat
- Sleeping bag (comfort rating: 0°C to -5°C)
- 1-liter thermos
- Personal first-aid kit
- Personal hygiene items
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses (mandatory, especially for glacier travel on summit day and extremely important in adverse weather conditions)