Mt. Kackar Trans and Ararat
Combined Expedition (13 days)

Mount Kackar and Ararat Combined Expedition Overview

This trip includes two summits. One is Mount Kackar (read as khachkar) 3937m and other one Mt. Ararat summit. The Mount Kackar summit takes around 5-6 hrs and involves some walking on snow but little actual climbing. There are many stunning lakes in the area and you can go for a swim. Although no advanced mountaineering experience is required for the ascent of Mount Ararat and Kackar you will need to be familiar with the basic use of crampons. Both Mountain is a strenuous mountain and can be windy and cold. If you are fit, prepared and acclimatized, you will have a great chance of standing on the summit of the both famous and highest peak in Turkey.
Almost all of the expedition is by hike. If you like hike this expedition will be one point of your life, which you will never ever forget.
Our schedule will include sufficient time for acclimatization treks, and to experience local villages, culture and geography. The schedule also includes spare days should we need to wait for the weather to improve.

Trans Kackar, Ararat Combined Expedition Plan

Mount Kackar: Day 1 Trans

Fly from Istanbul to Erzurum. Transfer to Yusufeli Barhal (Altıparmak) Village. Overnight at the pension in Barhal. Here you will have diner with your fellow trekkers and meet your guide

Mount Kackar: Day 2 Trans

Walk to from Barhal to Yaylalar, a small village at the foothills of Mt Kackar. The area is known for its beautiful streams, flora and fauna. We will stay overnight in Yaylalar you can choose that day at the pension or you can camp.

Mount Kackar: Day 3 Trans

We begin our trek to the Dilberduzu base camp 2900m. On the way, we will pass through Hevak and Olgunlar villages. As we begin to climb, we will leave the grassy plains and start to head up through the alpine plains.

Mount Kackar: Day 4 Trans

Ascend Kackar summit. (3917m) this takes around 5-6 hrs and involves some walking on snow but little actual climbing If you do not wish to go the summit there are many day trips that you can do instead. There are many stunning lakes in the area and you can go for a swim. Camp at Dilberduzu

Mount Kackar: Day 5 Trans

Trekking from Dilberduzu down to Dobeduzu. This is a nice and high trek with beautiful views of the lakes, streams and wildflowers. This provides for a stunning contrast to the jagged rocks of Mt Kackar. If you are lucky, you may get to see the native bears. Camp at Dobeduzu.

Mount Kackar: Day 6 Trans

Trek back down to the Olgunlar Village and head back to Barhal (Altıparmak) Village for a rest at the pension. The delicious local cuisine and a hot shower await you.

Mount Kackar: Day 7 Trans

After visiting the Barhal Church, we will drive to Kars and visit the old Armenian capital of Ani. The Ani ruins are quite well preserved and are one of the highlights of visiting eastern Turkey. Very few people have been to Ani ruins as it is on the border with Armenia and was difficult to Access for many years. After visiting Ani ruins, we will drive to Dogubayazit at the foothills of Mt Ararat.
Stay overnight in Dogubayazit and have dinner with your new guide for Mt Ararat

Mount Kackar: Day 8 Trans

Go to Mt Ararat by truck 2000m. On the way, you will see some small Kurdish villages. Our first overnight camp here is at 3200m Green camp. On the way up to green camp you can observe some of the nomadic people who live on the mountain. In the summer months, the local people herd their sheep and goats in the rugged terrain of Mt Ararat. We can also arrange for you to visit the nomadic people and experience their way of life.

Mount Kackar: Day 9 Trans

Mountaineers wear crampons before Mount Ararat summit push.

Trek to 4200m camp the highest camp in the Turkey. Today will also be an important day for you to acclimatize before we head to the peak.

Mount Kackar: Day 10 Trans

Summit day 5165m.
Early in the morning, we will be our ascent to the peak. You will have plenty of time to explore the peak before we return to green camp 3200m.
Depending on what you want to do, we can stay overnight in the green camp or return back to a warm hotel and a hot shower in Dogubeyazit.

Mount Kackar: Day 11 Trans

If you chose to stay the extra night at green camp then today we will trek back down to 2000m and then return to Dogubayazit.
If you are already at Dogubeyazit, today is starting day of cultural part of the trip around Dogubayazit. We will first visit the one of the biggest Ottoman palace call ishak pasa palace than drive from high mountains to the "durupinar" site where we will see the Noah's ark formation. Afternoon we will drive to hot springs and will have our picnic at Diyadin canyon than have bath in the hot springs pools.

Mount Kackar: Day 12 Trans

After our breakfast we will start to drive to Van about in 2 hours we will be in center of Van and will visit Van rock "citadel" than transfer out of the town to see Ahtamar church with in Akdamar island in the Van lake. We will have our lunch before visiting of the church. In the afternoon, we will visit Van museum and bazaars... than back to our hotel

Mount Kackar: Day 13 Trans

Flight from Van to Istanbul.

What is Included on a Climb ?

Included:

Climbing permit and fees,
Hotel accommodation with breakfast,
First day dinner in Dogubayazit,
Celebration party and Dinner in Dogubayazit,
Professional certified local guide,
Professional licensed Mountain guide on climb (One guide for each 8 person),
Cook on climb,
Insurance,
Transport in private vehicle to the trailhead,
Sightseeing entrance fees,
Porters for personal gear (20kg for one person),
Full trekking support,
Sleeping mattress,
Climbing ropes,
Base Tents,
Personal Tents (one tent for two people),
Crampons,
All hot meals and soft drinks during the climb,
Staff supports establishing camps,
Touring staff/guides on the trek,
All group technical gear,
All National Park entry fees,
All Sightseeing, Museum entrance fees,
All support staff,
Summit certificate,

Not Included:

Personal climbing equipment,
Any alcoholic beverages,
Meal in the town,
Country visa costs,
International and domestic airfares (We can arrange air ticket if you wish),
Personal laundry,
Carry your own small daypack,
Personal evacuation and medical insurance,

You will need the following personal equipment:

Sleeping Bag,
Cold weather gear,
Climbing boots,
Sunglasses,
Rucksack and daypack,
Walking stick / hiking poles,
Thermal underwear
Water/Windproof Pants,
Water/Windproof Shell,
Underwear (quick-dry),
Socks (summer and expedition weight),
Winter hat (cover ears),
Gloves (water/wind proof),
Glove liners,
Neck warmer or scarf,
Head light,
Swimsuit
You may also consider taking Diamox for high altitude

Group Size:

Minimum 5 persons with a maximum of 16.

Tailored Trips

Please see itinerary for group trip. However if you need transfer and hotel in Istanbul or Van we can arrange these for you. If you would like to climb Mt Ararat at a different time, we can arrange a tailor made trip to suit your needs.

For Price, Booking and more information

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