The name “Ararat” itself is not only the name of the sacred mountain we are specialized guiding on, but also the name of Noah’s Ark, legendary residence for the sacred story of Bible and Koran. In Turkish, Mount Ararat’s name is Buyuk Agri which means “Great Agri”. Agri, in Turkish can be translated as “Pain”. Ararat Mountain is within the border of Turkey but just a step distance from Armenia and Iran as well. Mt. Ararat, the extinct volcano with a height of 16,854 feet and 5,137 meters, offers a rewarding experience in the name of adventure in Turkey. Mount Ararat trek is generally 5 days, with 4 night’s camp at the slopes of the mountain. Climbing Mount Ararat does not require any serious technical climbing but one should know basic self arrest, ice-axe and crampon use for the last 200 meters of the mountain, and surely for ski touring and winter ascent of Ararat. The highest end of “trekking in Turkey” or “adventure in Turkey” is the Mount Ararat ascent; which offers a completely different view of the Eastern Turkey, a historical background of Dogubeyazit and Van city, the mountains over 3000 meters and surely different cultural structure when compared to West Anatolia regions of Turkey. Ararat Mountain is surely the attraction point for the Noah’s Ark searchers being the home of legendary and biblical Noah’s Ark. One, who is interested in search of Noah’s Ark, should know that it is strictly forbidden to start the search without the authorization of the officials and Turkish Army Forces. Anatolian Adventures team can forward you the necessary information to find the contact details of the authorities. Mt. Ararat is also one of the most interesting mountains in the world to experience ski touring adventure, changing from time to time, but skiing in Ararat is offering completely different slopes to summit and descend on Ararat with the increasing and decreasing snow levels on the mountain. At past, some of our experienced guests like UIAGM mountain guides, succeeded in Ararat to ski until the last centimeter of the snow of Ararat during months of February, March and April. Season and quality of ski touring in Ararat also depends on the snowfall, snow level on Ararat for that wonderful spring season. Like all other mountains in Turkey, it is hard to guess about the snow level of Ararat and duration of the winter adventure season on Ararat but one can guarantee you that there is no risk of avalanche on Ararat mountain ski programs, since the slopes does not permit. At least there is no record of an avalanche on Ararat Mountain since the start of Anatolian Adventures, and none of Anatolian Adventures guides have experienced. For your adventure in Turkey, Anatolian Adventures will provide you the best necessary information and the expertise coming from the past years and thousands of guests worldwide. For detailed information about Mount Ararat and the reigon, please click here http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/details/ararat.html
MOUNT ARARAT QUICK FACT BOX Elevation 5,137 metres (16,854 ft) Location Dogubayazit, Agri Province, Turkey Range Anatolia Prominence 3,611 m (11,847 ft) ranked 48th Coordinates 39°42.113?N 44°17.899?E Type Stratovolcano Last Eruption 1840 First Ascent 1829 by F. von Parrot Convenient Center(s) Dogubayazit, Turkey Nearest Major Airport Van, Turkey

A Rewarding Experience of Climbing Spectacular Mount Ararat , home of Noah’s Ark!

After meeting in Van Airport, we reach the frontier town of Dogubeyazit with 2hrs30min. of drive. On the way to Dogubeyazit, we stop by Muradiye waterfalls to enjoy the view and Turkish tea. Having collected our climbing permits and gear check at the hotel, we will taste the best examples of the Turkish Kebaps in the dinner. The 2nd day is the start of climbing this Biblical Peak with 1h30min drive to Eli village (2200m) or Cevirme village (2600m) of Ararat with minibus or lorry. On the way up to the 1st camp we will be able to visit the Nomads, and observe the Ararat mountain life. We establish our base camp at 3350m on the slopes of mountain. Once acclimatized after spending 2 nights at the 1st camp, we hike up to 2nd camp site on the south ridge 4150m. Waking up early in the morning (03:30) , we make apre-dawn start at 04:30 for our summit ascent, crossing the upper snow covered slopes, we will reach 4950m where we will put our crampoons on before the Summit glacier. Finally reaching the summit of one of the world's most enigmatic peaks, we are rewarded by superb panoramic views of the surrounding plains and valleys on the frontiers of Turkey, Iran and Armenia. Spending the night at 2nd camp after descending down from the summit, we will refresh ourselves for the next day’s descend all the way to Dogubeyazit town before lunch. After lunch we will visit ancient Ishak Pasha palace and see the art demonstration of the very best examples of Turkish handcrafts before dinner and overnight. The last day in Eastern Turkey we will drive back to Van city Airport for the end of services or continue with extension Turkey tours. For Istanbul hotels, istanbul tours and transfers, and domestic flight ticket services, please refer to the link ISTANBUL HOTELS & EXTENSION TOURS above.

Mt. Ararat Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Meeting in VAN city airport before midday and drive to Dogubeyazit town, where the starting point of the Ararat trek is. 180 km, 2.5 hours average. On the way we will stop by the Muradiye waterfalls and enjoy the view with Turkish tea. After late lunch, permits and gear check before dinner and overnight in our hotel.

Day 2: Transfer to Mount Ararat Eli village at 2200m / 7250 ft. After 4 hours trek, Camp at 3300m / 10850 ft. We call this camp site, "Green Camp"

Day 3: Rest at camp. Acclimatization hikes up to 4000m. 13150ft. / (4- 5 hours)

Day 4: Hike up from Green camp to second camp at 4150m / 13615 ft. (2,5 hours)

Day 5: Summit day. Wake up at 3:30 and after breakfast we will start for the summit bid at 4:30. After 5 to 6 hours average we reach the summit at 5137 m / 16854 ft. It will take 2-3 hours to descend back. Total time: 8 hours average. Camp at 4150m / 13615 ft.

Day 6: ***Spare day in case of bad weather / Transfer back to Dogubeyazit town before lunch. After lunch we will visit ancient Ishak Pasha palace and see the art demonstration of the very best examples of Turkish handcrafts before dinner and overnight.

Day 7: We will drive to Van city airport early in the morning for the domestic and international connection flights or continue with extension tours.

Duration	Maximum Elevation	Season	Grade
7 Days	16854 ft / 5137 m	All year (high season July-Sept)	III - IV

Inclusion List

• Permit fee and registrations (50 EURO)
• All transfers stated
• Dogubeyazit Ishak Pasha Palace sightseeing transfers and entrance fees
• Best hotel in Dogubeyazit (4 stars). 2 nights full board basis (B,L,D)
• Mount Ararat full board basis (B,L,D)
• All hot drinks on the mountain. (Tea, Coffee...etc)
• Cooking service
• Mountain food expenses
• Mules / horse support for loads (max 17 kg per person)
• Tents (one tent for each 2 person)
• Sleeping mattresses
• Group technical safety equipments
• Leaders and mountain guiding (English)

Exclusion List

• Single Supplement: 50 EUR
• Special purpose visa costs
• Transfers not included in the program
• Personal clothing and gear
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, minibar etc.
• Unexpected costs due to any necessary changes in the program
• Tips to the staff
• All drinks in Dogubeyazit

Mount Ararat Tour Details

Permit Procedure
Special Purpose Visa
Insurance
Domestic Flights
Dogubeyazit Hotels
Cooking Service
Mules / Horse Support
Equipment List
Leaders and Mountain Guides

Permit procedure:

• The participant will send the passport details to Anatolian Adventures by fax to +902164184522 or by email to climb@anatolianadventures.com

We prefer scanned jpeg format passport copies to be sent via email

• All participants should inform Anatolian Adventures about the name/location of the Turkish Consulate or Embassy closest to their hometowns to get the Special purpose visa after the permit procedure finishes.

Refer to the link for the Special Purpose visa!

• As soon as we get the passport & Consulate information we apply to Ministry of Tourism for the permit authorization with an official paper.
• Ministry of Tourism applies to the other authorities for authorization. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Military. When Ministry of Tourism gets authorization from all these authorities, Anatolian Adventures will be informed about the permit.
• At the same time, Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send an official paper to the Turkish Consulate or the Embassy which the participants should have informed the location before.
• We then will inform all the participants to go to the consulate or the embassy they have stated in their application forms to get their special purpose visas.

Special Purpose Visa:

Because of the sensitive position of Mount Ararat, being on the border of Turkey, it is officially declared to be 2nd degree Military zone. So without any exclusion, all EU members, USA citizens and citizens of all countries which Turkey does not demand ordinary visa procedure, will have to apply for the Special purpose visa, stating sportive aim.

Insurance:

All Anatolian Adventures guests are being insured with the TURSAB travel insurance package. Being the member of TURSAB (Turkish Travel Agencies Association), Anatolian Adventures guides or the main office may keep your insurance until the end of tours.

Domestic Flights:

In all ascents and expeditions in Eastern Turkey, Anatolian Adventures uses Turkish Airlines earliest morning direct flight from Istanbul. This guarantees us to be earlier in the region to benefit the day light more and to get organized for the next days’ programs. In wintertime the early direct flights schedule generally changes. Please ask us the flight you should book, if you are not booking your flights with us.

Dogubeyazit Hotels:

Anatolian Adventures is booking the rooms from the unique 4 star hotel in Dogubeyazit. Situated at the west of the Dogubeyazit city center with exactly 5 minutes drive.
The hotel is licensed by the Ministry of Tourism of Turkey.

Cooking Service

On Mount Ararat our cooks will provide you best available food on a mountain with at least 4 course menus and teatime after all meals.
We take care of the international tastes and vegetarians in all our cooking facilities. If you are vegeterian or have any other special desire to be much comfortable with food, please inform the office staff in advance or the climbing guide the day you arrive to Dogubeyazit.

Example menu
Soups: lentil, chicken, mushroom or tomato soup.
Main dishes: Chicken schnitzel, burgers & meat balls with rice or pasta.
Salads: Mediterranean salad or authentic shepherd salads.
Desserts: Puddings and authentic Turkish dessert “Kadayif”
Fruits: Water melon, melon, peach, apple, cherry
Drinks: Boiled water, Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, fruit juices

Mules / Horse Support

During the treks up to the camps and down, Anatolian Adventures guarantees you load support with horses, limited by 20kg per person. In winter ascents we use porters for the support. This is much more expensive than the horse support and Please NOTE that Anatolian Adventures may demand some part of the costs extra from the participants due to the unexpected weather and snow situation.

Equipment list

You can download a detailed equipment list from here: http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/files/Mount_Ararat_Equipment_LIST.pdf

Leaders and Mountain Guides

All Anatolian Adventures professional guides have at least university degree speaking English. All of the guides, young or experienced more than 25 years, have extensive knowledge about trekking, climbing, safety equipments, first aid and navigation.

Just for the Mount Ararat treks, Anatolian Adventures is always hiring the liaison officers of Mountaineering Federation. Regardless their experience, the decisions are always taken by the Anatolian Adventures professional guides.

Istanbul Hotels and Transfers

For those who would like to have Istanbul hotels & services from Anatolian Adventures we advise you to choose your hotel in city center Taksim area to reach many unexpected needs like mountain equipment, change offices, air ticketing services, etc. We generally use 4 star or boutique class quality hotels in Taksim district. If you would like to book one of the Istanbul hotels in below list, please state the hotel name, your Istanbul arrival and departure dates within your booking form.

Seminal Hotel (4*)		Midtown Hotel (4*)		Lares Park Hotel (4+*)

LARES PARK HOTEL

Hotel Information
With its executive deluxe concept, Lares Park provides a complete satisfaction to your personal and intimate needs and fulfills even your unexpressed demands. You notice its distinctive quality and warm inviting welcome with your first steps into the lobby.

Facilities & Services
Open buffet breakfast, International Cuisine, Italian Cuisine, Swimming Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna, Turkish Bath, Gym. 24 hrs Room Service, Babysitting, Hairdresser, Laundry & Dry-Cleaning, Foreign Currency Exchange, Souvenir Shop, Newspaper Stand, Secretarial Service, Wake-up Service, Courier Service, Mobile Telephone Rental

Rooms
Interactive TV, Pay TV, Cable TV, Voice mail system, Minibar, Electronic Safe Deposit Box, Smoke detectors and sprinklers, Air-conditioning, Computer and fax connection

SEMINAL HOTEL

Hotel Information
Seminal Hotel is located in Taksim, the business and entertainment district of Istanbul. The hotel, with its indoor swimming pool, Turkish bath and sauna, has a very comfortable feel. The restaurant offers international cuisine.

Facilities & Services
Internet, Pets are allowed, Dry Cleaning, Laundry Service, Safety box at reception, Power generator, Parking lot, Children section, Indoor Swimming Pool, Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage, Health Center.

Rooms
All 88 rooms have private bathroom with bathtub and shower, telephone, cable TV, music, Split A/C, heating, mini-bar, Safe Deposit Box, Internet Access, Hair Dryer, Non Smoking facility, Direct Dial Phone

MIDTOWN HOTEL

Hotel Information
Midtown Hotel, designed as a exceptional business hotel with a modern and innovative understanding of service, is located on the Lamartin Street, in the Talimhane area of Taksim, which hosts the first urban transformation project of Istanbul.

Facilities & Services
Internet, Dry Cleaning, Laundry Service, Safety box, Power generator, Parking lot, Meeting Rooms.

Rooms
Midtown hotel has 73 deluxe room, 9 with a view of Bosphorus. All rooms are equipped with a minibar, a kettle, a tea and coffee set, a 23'' LCD screen TV, cable and wireless internet access, a safety deposit box large enough to store laptops, a relaxing rain shower, a hair dryer, daily newspaper and around-the-clock room service, optionally a DVD player, a special design coffee table, chairs and working desk and custom designed comfortable furniture, beds, natural sanitary and personal care products.

For the transfer services, it doesn't matter what time you arrive Istanbul, you can book your airport transfers round trip or one way with Anatolian Adventures. Please see the rates below, and give your transfer information in your booking form if needed.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport - Istanbul Hotel transfer rates
1-2 pax	25 euro
3-8 pax	50 euro
9+	please ask for prices

Ticketing

For any international and domestic flight ticket services you can safely make your booking with our ticketing department within our A group travel agency. Generally, international tickets bought from the flight destinaton city are more expensive than tickets bought from flight departing city. So we advise you to check for prices with your local agecy first. For domestic flights needed for your extension tours within Turkey and for international flights departing from Turkey, ticket prices surely will be cheaper if you book with us.

Extension Tours and Customized Itineraries

With branch offices and strategic partnership all over Turkey, Anatolian Adventures will provide you best services within the standards you ask for. From cultural tours to blue voyage, from spa tours to religious tours you can get the best information and booking assistance from our company. Please refer to the link Cultural Tours to look at the details of our cultural tours.

2008 TRIP DATES & AVAILABILITY

COMPLETE PACKAGE			STANDARD ASCENT
TRIP CODE	DATES	AVAILABILITY	TRIP CODE	DATES	AVAILABILITY
COAR 01	22 June - 01 July 2008	Not Available	STAR 01	23 June - 29 June 2008	Not Available
COAR 02	28-07 July 2008	Not Available	STAR 02	29-05 July 2008	Not Available
COAR 03	04-13 July 2008	Not Available	STAR 03	05-11 July 2008	Not Available
COAR 04	10-19 July 2008	Not Available	STAR 04	11-17 July 2008	Not Available
COAR 05	16-25 July 2008	Not Available	STAR 05	17-23 July 2008	Not Available
COAR 06	22 July-31 july 2008	Not Available	STAR 06	23-29 July 2008	Not Available
COAR 07	28-06 August 2008	Not Available	STAR 07	29 July-04 August 2008	Not Available
COAR 08	03-12 August 2008	Not Available	STAR 08	04-10 August 2008	Not Available
COAR 09	09-18 August 2008	Not Available	STAR 09	10-16 August 2008	Not Available
COAR 10	15 August-24 August 2008	Not Available	STAR 10	16-22 August 2008	Not Available
COAR 11	21-30 August 2008	Not Available	STAR 11	22-28 August 2008	Not Available
COAR 12	27 August-05 Sept. 2008	Not Available	STAR 12	28 August-03 Sept. 2008	Not Available
COAR 13	15-24 September 2008	Available	STAR 13	16-22 September 2008	Available

2009 TRIP DATES & AVAILABILITY

7-DAYS ARARAT TOUR
TRIP CODE	DATES	AVAILABILITY
ARARAT JL01	01-07 July 2009	Available
ARARAT JL02	10-16 July 2009	Available
ARARAT JL03	25-31 July 2009	Available
ARARAT AG01	04-10 August 2009	Available
ARARAT AG02	13-19 August 2009	Available
ARARAT AG03	24-30 August 2009	Available
ARARAT SP01	03-09 September 2009	Available

2009 TRIP PRICES

PRICE PER PERSON	700 EUR
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT	50 EUR

BOOKING FORM

To book this adventure, please fill the booking form provided below with payment details and fax to +90 216 418 45 22.

http://www.anatolianadventures.com/eng/about/bookingform.pdf

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Anatolian Adventures is the trademark of HTC Turizm Travel Agency which is established with the Act No: 1618 of Turkish Republic Laws and guarantees your reservations under the following terms and conditions.

1. To book a trip from Anatolian Adventures, you must complete the booking form provided in our website. That form must be completed by a person who is at least 18 years of age. He/she must sign the reservation form, therefore agreeing to the terms set out below.

2. Your booking will be confirmed on receipt of your deposit of the holiday/tour/trek stated within the website or by the contact person of Anatolian Adventures. If you have made your booking paying the deposit with bank transfer, Anatolian Adventures keeps the right to ask for the remainder of the price 3 weeks prior to the departure.

If you have made your booking paying the deposit with credit card via booking form, Anatolian Adventures keeps the right to charge the remaining balance from the same credit card, which is payable no later than 3 weeks prior to the departure without any further notice. If bookings are made within 4 weeks of departure, payment in full is required on confirmation of the booking.

3. If your balance is not paid at the specified time (unless previously arranged with us in writing) we reserve the right to cancel your booking.

4. If you cancel your booking, your deposit will not be refunded. However, provided you notify us of your cancellation maximum 4 weeks before departure, your deposit may be transferred to another tour listed in our website for the next year. The written notification should be done no later than 4 weeks prior to the departure date. Otherwise any direction of deposits for any other services will not be accepted. Any permit fees or advance costs like "no show" for the hotel reservations and air ticket penalties, will be deducted from the refunds.

5. Should you cancel your booking after you have paid for the holiday in full and less than 4 weeks before departure the following charges are applicable (calculated on the day written notification is received by us and expressed as a percentage of the total tour price):

More than 4 weeks prior to departure: Deposit only
Between 4 to 2 weeks before departure: 50%
Less than 2 weeks before departure: 100%

6. Anatolian Adventures keeps the right to cancel your holiday / tour service for any reason with written notification no later than 6 weeks prior to the departure date. Should we cancel your holiday, your deposit and any other payments made will be refunded in full. However, if our cancellation is due to 'force majeure' any reasonable expenses we have incurred will be deducted from your refund. (War, civil or political unrest is usually known as force majeure). All refunds and compensation are strictly limited to monies paid to us and we are not liable for any expenses you have incurred as a result of this booking. Anatolian Adventures keeps the right to make the refunds due to force majeure within 8 weeks after the cancellation with written notification.

7. We reserve the right to alter prices quoted in this web site in the event of external factors beyond our control, e.g. changes in exchange rate or government action etc. Should any price increase exceed 10% of the total cost, you are free to cancel your booking and will obtain a full refund of all monies paid, excluding the permit fees and/or advance costs. Every effort will be made to avoid any increases to the prices shown in this web site.

8. Although we are trying to arrange your hotel rooms according to your requests, bed type and smoking preferences are not guaranteed.

9. The tour leader or local ground operator who represents Anatolian Adventures has overriding authority on our tours. By signing our booking form, you agree to do this. If you commit any illegal act on a tour with us or if in the opinion of the tour leader or ground operator your behavior is detrimental to the safety and welfare of the group as a whole, you may be asked to leave the tour without any right to refund.

10. Any complaints with regard to our tours must be immediately brought to the attention of the tour leader, ground operators or hotelier so that the necessary action to rectify the matter can be taken. However, if by the end of the tour you still feel you have a valid complaint you must notify the company in writing, within 7 days of the end of your tour with Anatolian Adventures.

11. Most of the services we provide are adventure holidays organized mostly in developing countries or regions where lower standards of infrastructure and efficiency often prevail. We can accept your booking, understanding that you are aware of the risks involved in this kind of travel. Anatolian Adventures cannot be held responsible, unless as a direct result of negligence, of any mishap to you or your property. Route and hotel changes may be necessary and will always be at the discretion of the trek leaders and Anatolian Adventures. They do not constitute an alteration of your holiday and will not be compensated.

12. It is essential that you obtain suitable holiday insurance before joining one of our tours. This must cover you fully against repatriation costs should you become too ill to continue with the tour and must, above all, cover the evacuation of yourself from remote regions, should the need arise. Therefore, we recommend you to use an insurance package with a good coverage.

13. You are responsible for ensuring all necessary travel documents are in order. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months after entry and some do demand special documents for the visa procedures.

14. The responsibility of any airlines used is limited to the carriage of passengers and baggage in accordance with the conditions of their carriage.

15. On signing the booking form you show your willingness to accept our terms and conditions. On accepting your booking, we agree to carry out our obligations to you as defined in our web site.