Climbing Ararat: More Than Just a Mountain

Introduction

Ararat is not just a mountain — it is a symbol of endurance, friendship, and an inward journey. Our expedition was a blend of effort, laughter, sleepless nights, and moments that stay with you forever. What follows is the story of our path.

The Road to Turkey

It was a Sunday morning when we gathered at Ljubljana Airport, ready to fly to Istanbul. A two-hour delay gave us time to connect, talk, and get to know one another. As the delay dragged on, concerns about our layover grew — three hours quickly shrank to barely more than one. Eventually, we boarded the plane and landed smoothly at Istanbul’s new airport. The relief was short-lived: the aircraft taxied for nearly half an hour, adding to our time pressure. After disembarking, a 40-minute sprint across the vast terminal followed — document checks, luggage retrieval, business check-in, customs, and finally a dash to the flight bound for Van.

Before landing, the view opened up to a rugged mountain landscape and the vast Lake Van, covering 3,755 square kilometres. This partially saline lake of volcanic origin has no outlet and is fed by numerous mountain streams. Thanks to careful organisation, a bus driver, his assistant, and our local guide were waiting for us at the airport. After loading our gear, we stopped at a local supermarket to buy water and fresh fruit, then continued along Lake Van, over a mountain pass, and on to the town of Doğubayazıt.

First Encounter with Eastern Turkey

Before checking into the hotel, we stopped at a local restaurant, Saray Kebap Harman, where we were served traditional Kurdish food. The starter consisted of a mildly spicy sauce, butter, and large pieces of unleavened bread, torn by hand. For the main course, most of us tried various kebabs — grilled meats seasoned with local spices. The salad was simple: onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Alcohol is not served in this part of Turkey; only tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks are available. After dinner, we headed to Hotel Butik Ertur, where we spent our first night.

Toward the Foot of Ararat

On the second day, the early morning call to prayer from a nearby mosque woke us. Shortly before seven, we had breakfast and a briefing before departure. Our overfilled duffel bags — sturdy enough to be carried by horses — were loaded into the van. On the way to the mountain’s base, we stopped at one of the few shops selling beer, where our guide bought an entire crate. It felt like a promise of a reward at the summit — and we were right.

The Ascent Begins

At the trailhead, porters were already busy loading our equipment onto horses. Our guide, Cemal, welcomed us warmly and outlined the plan for the day. Then came the moment we had all been waiting for — the ascent toward Ararat. The walking was steady, the mood high. We moved at a pace of roughly 250 vertical metres per hour, occasionally passing flocks of sheep and cattle guarded by Anatolian shepherd dogs.

First Base Camp

After five hours of hiking, we reached the first base camp at around 3,200 metres. Inside a large tent, a feast awaited us — fresh fruit, cheese, nuts, real tea, and hot water for coffee. After dinner, we held a meeting and prepared for our first night beneath Mount Ararat.

Acclimatisation Ascent

On the third day, we climbed toward the second base camp at 4,200 metres. The path grew steeper and rockier, and Ararat showed its “teeth” for the first time. Our guide ensured regular breaks and refreshments. After four hours, we reached the acclimatisation point before descending back to the first camp.

Moving to Higher Camp

On the fourth day, we relocated to Camp Two. Conditions were more basic, the wind stronger, but we all knew the decisive moment was approaching. That evening, we checked our crampons and gear and tried to get some sleep.

The Summit Push

Around two in the morning, we set off toward the summit. Wind and biting cold accompanied us. After more than four hours, we reached the snowline, strapped on our crampons, and continued toward the gleaming summit dome. Just before eight o’clock, nothing but sky lay ahead. At 5,137 metres, we embraced — the expedition was 100% successful.

Descent and a Well-Earned Reward

Back at the second base camp, a surprise awaited us — ice-cold beer chilled in the snow. Laughter, hugs, and homemade treats made for an unforgettable evening. It was the first night we all slept like babies.

Back to Civilization

The descent into the valley followed, along with visits to Doğubayazıt, the Iranian market, and Ishak Pasha Palace. Ararat shyly hid behind the clouds, as if aware that we had already met it up close.

The Journey Home

Our route led back toward Van, past the Muradiye Waterfalls and along Lake Van, where some of us even went for a swim. After sightseeing, we said an emotional farewell to our guides. The flights back via Istanbul to Slovenia passed in a mixture of exhaustion and pride. We landed at Ljubljana Airport in the early morning hours.

And as one might say: “Forty years after the historic ascent of Everest, a group of Slovenians went to Ararat in search of a path.”