Mount Ararat expeditie

Expeditie Mount Ararat (5165m) van 19 t/m 26 juni

Met het expeditieteam waarmee ik ik 2009 nog op de Toubkal (4176m) stond (hoogste Noord-Afrika), in 2008 een tocht in Lapland organiseerde en in 2007 de Three Peak Challenge organiseerde. Daarvoor beklommen Frits Visser en Hans Gobel o.l.v mijzelf de Mont Blanc, waarna het klimvirus definitief was aangewakerd.

Deze keer dus de Mount Ararat, de berg waar de Ark van Noach schijnt te liggen volgens de bekende leggende. Net terug van mijn succesvolle expeditie naar de Carstensz op Papoea weer onderweg richting het Oosten van Turkije, tegen Iran en Armenie aan. Speciale permits zijn vereist maar die zijn inmiddels op zak.

Met een beetje goed weer hoop ik van de top (5137m) te vliegen met mijn paraglider.

Meet the group at the airport and accommodate to the hotel. Afternoon will be spent to discover the uniqueness of old Istanbul. Our first stop is Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) is more familiarly known as Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent panelling of blue. it was built by architect Mehmet between 1609 and 1616. After visiting we stroll around Ancient Hippodrome the scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civil life, stood in the open space in front of the Blue Mosque. We continue the visit Covered Bazaar is the world largest covered market. This labyrinth of the streets and passages houses more than 4.000 shops. Covered bazaar is still commercial centre of the old city. Overnight hotel.

In the morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Van  is one of  the most important cities of the old Vaspurakan region. it is located

on the east coast of Van lake and its ancient  name is Tooshpa; the Urartian capital of Tuspa. Van Lake is the largest lake in Turkey. We drive to Dogubeyazit that is close to the Iranian border and famous with Ishakpasa Palace. We visit Ishakpasa Palace  Ottoman governor Ishakpasa constructed the palace in 17^th century with a mixture of architectural styles. The palace was made by using red clay stones and it resembles the Topkapi and Edirne Palace. Overnight hotel in Dogubeyazit

In the morning Transfer till Eli village. Today We begin our first trek to Mt. Ararat, we wear our trekking shoes and trek to the base camp at 3200m, about five hours trekking. Our baggages will be carried by horses our mules. Dinner and overnight at camp. Ascent= 700 m. Descent : 0

Trek to camp II (4. 2OOm), about 4 hours trekking time. Return to camp 1. Afternoon is free for preparation for next day, because we will go up to the summit.. Dinner and Overnight Camp. Ascent = 1100m  – Descent =1100 m.

Trek to camp II (4. 2OOm), about 4/5 hours trekking time. All luggage will be carried by pack animals. A short course will be given on how to use ice-axe and crampons. Overnight camp with all meals.Ascent = 0m  – Descent =1200 m.

Climb to the summit ( 5.165m)  While is not technically difficult climb it does require stamina. Our ascension starts early in the morning. About at 4500 m glaciers and perennial snows are present, thus the most part of the ascent is done with equipment necessary for ice climbing. Anybody fit for high mountain walking or acquainted with ice climbing. Return to the base Camp I. Overnight at camp, with all meals.Ascent = 1065mm  – Descent =2265 m.

Descend to Cevirme Village about 3 hours  and return to Dogubeyazit . Driving to Van about 2h. Late afternoon free for visit city center. Overnight hotel.

In the morning transport to airport 10.35 arrive Istanbul 12.00   you must find afternoon international flights.