dossier

Mount Ararat and Kackar Mtns

Dates available for 2008:

Sat 26 July  - Sat 9 August

Sat 9 August - Sat 23 August

Grade
Moderate – Challenging. While anyone in a good physically fit condition cantake part in this trek, to really get the most out of it you should be anexperienced trekker and an adventurous traveler, ideally with some winterwalking experience; although formal training with ice axe and crampons is notnecessary. The walking itself will vary from moderate to very strenuous attimes. Day stages generally involve about 5 hours walking. On all aspects ofsafety of the group, the trek leader's decision is final.

Climate
Between June and September, weather conditions should generally be settled.Below 2500m, expect day temperatures to be over 70F (20C). Above thiselevation, while warm on sunny days, it will be cool at nights. Rain and lowmists are sometimes experienced in the Kackar even in summer.  The lake Van region is a lot drier and ofcourse, on the higher slopes of Ararat, temperatures may drop way belowfreezing. Note that the highest temperature recorded on the August 2006 trekwas 38C !

Included
All ground and air transport as specified in the itinerary, bed and breakfastonly in 3*accommodation in Istanbul, all meals on trek and at Erzurum, Van andDogubeyazit.

Yourpermit for Ararat is arranged with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This normally takes 60 days andtherefore, unfortunately, it is normally impossible to consider short noticebookings.  Trekking fee/visa is apporx $175 (not included).  Entrance fees into historicalsites are included except when in Istanbul. Sightseeing as per itinerary, services of a bilingual trekkingguide.  All camping equipment and foodwhilst out on trek (tents, mattresses, chairs, tables and utensils). Ponies tocarry luggage on the tour. Crampons and the necessary climbing equipment isprovided in Turkey; but we would advise you to have your own crampons which arecompatible with your own walking boots, so that you know that they are going tofit before you leave. Again, if you have your own walker’s ice axe and skipoles then feel free to bring them to use, but in normal conditions poles canbe used rather than an ice Axe.

Not included
International flights to Istanbul, domestic flights from Istanbul to Erzurumand Van to Istanbul, passport, visa, insurance, immunization fees, entrancefees into museums (in Istanbul), meals other than breakfast in Istanbul. Wateris available on camp but other drinks need to be paid for by yourself. It isuseful therefore to have plenty of small change to purchase drinks. Prices areapproximately as follows: Beer $2.60 (beer in camp up to $6), Cola $1.50, Wine $10,Raki $8. It is also customary for the group to give tips to the guide and tothe crew (cook and driver) when you leave each campsite, the amount given is atthe clients own discretion, however as a guideline $6-$8 per person should besufficient. We recommend that one person from the group collects the money andgives it to the crew.

Please Note
Internal flights are not included.

How the trek is organized
Trek personnel comprise an English-speaking guide. Cook, muleteers. They areresponsible for running the trek and organizing visits, walks, campsites andfood. A jeep and a string of pack animals carry all baggage, all you need carryis a daypack containing your daily needs.

Equipment and Clothing
All general camping, climbing and cooking equipment is provided. If you arealready a hiker you may already have most of the clothing and equipment youwill need. Major essential items are: sleeping bag (3-4 seasons), boots strongenough to take crampons and a thick anorak/ duvet jacket. A detailed list ofclothing and equipment will be sent with confirmation of reservation.

Food
On trek food is included, except in Istanbul.

Accommodation
Accommodation in towns will be in moderate standard hotels, which are classedas three-star (Istanbul rating!) Note that in Yusufeli, the pension used isquite basic and some accommodations do not have air conditioning or fans. Ontrek all camping accommodation is fully inclusive. On camp there are basictoilet arrangements i.e. Toilet tent etc.

Health matters and Documents
A visa is required by US passport holders. Travelers  should check with theTurkish Embassy, tel: 202-265-5310 for latest visa requirements, as they aresubject to change.  No vaccinations arerequired by Turkish authorities. We recommend each person equip themselves witha small first aid kit, including water purifiers and Immodium / Lomotil.