Mt Ararat is 5137m (16854 ft). You will need a permit to climb the mountain which will be obtained for you by your guides. However, this will take a couple of months to process. In the past this was considered necessary because of the political sensitivity of the region. Such sensitivities no longer exist but the authorities decided to retain the permit system to ensure the safety of trekkers on the mountain. The climate on Ararat can be both spectacular and changeable; this clearly has safety implications. Our guides have the advantage of having spent their lives on and around the mountain. In addition, they are fully qualified and equipped to lead expeditions on the mountain as the regulations stipulate.
This is an arduous trip and is not for everybody. Pre climb training is recommended and if you are starting from a reasonably good fitness base we can advise you on a fitness programme that would cover the period required for your permit to be approved. You can not simply throw yourself at Ararat; remember, the Turkish name for Ararat is 'Mountain of Pain' for a very good reason! You need to be able to walk 10-15 miles comfortably before you take this challenge on.
We allow an acclimatisation process as altitude sickness can be a problem with some climbers. "High altitude" is defined as altitude in excess of 3000m (or approximately 10000ft). There are no specific factors such age or gender or even physical condition. Some people get it and some people don't. Most people can go up to about this level without effect but caution is important as is a steady manageable pace. This is something our guides are very familiar with and we are happy to advise you or to direct you to good sources of information.
Your luggage and all camping gear is packed on horses and mules for the trek; all you need to carry will be what you require for your immediate personal need and, we recommend, a decent capacity hydration unit as dehydration can contribute to general fatigue and the onset of altitude sickness.
For those who wish to experience the awesome, beautiful scenery of the region without the trek to the summit of Ararat, we are happy to arrange treks on foot or on horse back. There are lesser hills and peaks to see, nomadic peopl
