Wilco gaat van 19 juni tot en met 26 juni op expeditie naar de Mount Ararat. De berg waar de Ark van Noach schijnt te liggen volgens de bekende leggende. Net terug van de succesvolle expeditie naar de Carstensz op Papoea is Wilco alweer 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 hoopt Wilco van de top (5137m) te vliegen met zijn paraglider.
Het programma ziet er als volgt uit:
Zaterdag 19 juni: Istanbul
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.
Zondag 20 juni: Istanbul –fly to Van – visit Ishakpasa Palace – Dogubeyazit BLD
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 17th 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
Maandag 21 juni: Dogubeyazit – Mt Ararat (Camp I , 3200m) BLD
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
Dinsdag 22 juni: Acclimatisation day. BLD
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.
Woensdag 23 juni: Mt Ararat (Camp II) BLD
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.
Donderdag 24 juni: Mt.Ararat. 5165m Summit BLD
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.
Vrijdag 25 juni: Mount Ararat – Dogubeyazit – Van BLD
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.
Zaterdag 26 juni: Van – Istanbul – home
In the morning transport to airport 10.35 arrive Istanbul 12.00. You must find afternoon international flights.
