Trekking Tours in eastern-mediterranean

Mount Ararat, reputed to be the last resting place of Noah's Ark after the Great Flood, forms an exciting trekking destination near to the Iranian border. It is a dormant volcano similar in shape and scale, and only three or four thousand feet lower than Mounts Elbrus and Kilimanjaro. A mini "Himalayan style" ascent is used on the peak and Ararat has been a training ground for European climbers to prepare for the big peak expeditions of the Himalaya. The region has reopend to tourists in 2003, having been closed for several years by the government. This a Turkey's highest mountain and the trek offers much, much more besides the accomplishment of the ascent!

This is a trek of two halves, firstly to the Kackar Mountains (also known as the Pontic Alps) on the extreme south east coast of the Black Sea, where we walk into the lands of the nomadic peoples. The walking here, forms an acclimatization and contrast to the second half of the holiday, as the surroundings are generally green and lush compared to the ice capped wastes of Ararat. After Kacker five days are then spent in the Eastern part of Turkey, near to the Iranian and Armenian borders making an ascent of Mount Ararat (5165m / 16,941 feet). This is a tough but non technical walk, requiring good stamina. The upper third of the volcano is covered in snow and the last 100m or so is icy, requiring ice axe and crampons. (the actual climb to the summit from camp II at 4,200m/ 13775 feet is optional). After the big peak you will have a night by Lake Van - the largest lake in Turkey and then for a grand finale, after an internal flight you have a couple of nights in Istanbul to experience the eastern delights of this great old city.