Trans Aladaglar & legendary Mt. Ararat trek

Itinerary

• DAY 1

  Arrival Istanbul

  Meet at the Istanbul Int. airport with Demavend Travels representative and drive to the historical peninsula, known as Sultanahmet, where you spend the night at the hotel.

  Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 45 - 50 km (Istanbul Int. airport to hotel in Sultanahmet/Sirkeci)

  ON: in Istanbul at the hotel

  Meals:   - / - / -

• DAY 2

  Istanbul sightseeing historical peninsula - fly to Kayseri & drive to Aladaglar Mountains

  After breakfast we head out for a fantastic tour through Istanbul, we start the day with a visit to famous Hagia Sophia, considered to be one of the world’s most important monuments, a masterpiece and example of great architectural beauty. The marvel complex anchors the old city of Istanbul and has served for centuries as an Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later as a mosque and as museum. On our way we also pass through Hippodrome square, once a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. The surviving monuments of the Spina (the middle barrier of the racecourse), the two obelisks (Obelisk of Thutmose III & Walled Obelisk) and the Serpentine Column, now sit in holes in a landscaped garden. Our final visit takes us to blue mosque (Sultan Ahmed mosque), built between 1609 and 1616. The design is the culmination of two centuries of both Ottoman mosque and Byzantine church development. It incorporates some Byzantine elements of the neighbouring Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture and is considered to be the last great mosque of the classical period.

  In the late afternoon we drive to Istanbul Int. airport and fly to Kayseri and continue from there to stunning Aladaglar mountain range, home to the highest peaks of the Taurus, famous for its gorgeous lakes, sheer rock walls, deeply cut valleys and canyons.

  Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our staff with tea, coffee and cookies. The campsite is already prepared and you can directly move into your tents, whilst your cook is making final touches for your first evening meal in the mountains.

  Depending on arrival time: hike from Elekgolu to Emli valley via Kazikli canyon

  At an early arrival it is possible to drive to the area close to Elekgolu village and start from here for a short hike through Kazikli canyon, with 50 to 70 meters high walls. The canyon lies in the southern part of the Aladaglar and received its name over a century ago from a farmer called Ali who used wooden stakes (kazik) to climb cracks in the canyon to reach the honey of wild bees in the caves. Our trek permits us directly to our campsite in the Emli valley.

  Walking time: 2 - 3 h; walking distance: approx. 9 - 10 km; ascent: 250m; descent: 0m

  Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 45 - 50 km (hotel in Sultanahmet/Sirkeci - Istanbul Int. airport)

  Transfer time: 2 h; transfer distance: 145 km; (Kayseri airport to Aladaglar Mountains)

  ON: in the Aladaglar national park at the Emli valley campsite 1.800m

  Meals:   B / - / D

• DAY 3

  Emli valley to Sokulupinar via Siyirmalik & Eznevit plateau

  This morning we leave Emli valley behind us, as we walk through a beautiful forested area and on stabilized gravel roads towards Siyirmalik valley. After an easy ascent we reach Eznevit plateau, a campsite inhabited by semi-nomadic families who might invite us for some drinks and will visit their tents to see their original life style during the time they spent in the mountains. From here you also will be rewarded with good views over the surrounding area as you continue walking towards Sakartas and further to our next campsite in Sokulupinar where we are welcomed by our cook with biscuits and tea. We spend the night in Sokulupinar.

  Walking time: 5 - 6 h; walking distance: approx. 14 - 15 km; ascent: 788m; descent: 538m

  ON: in the Aladaglar national park at the Sokulupinar campsite 2.000m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 4

  Sokulupinar to Yedigoller (seven lakes) via Celikbuyduran pass 3.450m & Mt. Emler summit ascent 3.723m

  Today we have a challenging trekking day as we go to our highest camp at 3100m. After breakfast we head up to Karayalak valley and climb up to Celikbuyduran pass (3.450m). Just before the pass we stop by a spring and enjoy a well-deserved break after 5 hours ascending and enjoy here the great views on the mountains surrounding us.

  After the pass we climb up to amazing Mount Emler, one of the most famous summits in the area. The ascent doesn’t require any technical skills, we follow stabilized walking paths to the summit. From the peak it is possible to see the Mt. Erciyes (3.917m) to the north, the Mt. Hasan (3.268m) to the west, the Bolkar range to the south and all important summits of the Aladaglar. After enjoying a spectacular panorama we walk down to the pass on the same way and continue descending down to Yedigoller (3.100m) plateau, a reddish desert of stones and rocks, with a gentle downhill slope. Our fantastic high camp is set near the biggest lake of the area and when the weather conditions allow, it is even possible to have a refreshing swim.

  Walking time: 7 - 8 h; walking distance: approx. 15 - 16 km; ascent: 1.723m; descent: 623m

  ON: Aladaglar national park at the Yedigoller campsite 3.100m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 5

  Yedigoller plateau to Karagol Lake

  In the morning we load our luggage on our horses again and leave seven lakes plateau. Following walking paths we arrive at the second biggest lake of the area; from here ascend to Teke Kalesi pass (3.517m) offering spectacular views down to Yedigoller plateau and surrounding Aladaglar summits to the north-west. Here sometimes it is also possible to see ibexes grazing, a species of wild mountain goat with long, curved horns, known as the undisputed master of terrifying heights.

  After resting a while we start our descent towards Yildiz (Star) lake, via remote terrain and some small green pastures, we reach or campsite at Karagol Lake where our tents for tonight are already set up and tea and coffee awaits us.

  Walking time: 7 h; walking distance: approx. 13 - 14 km; ascent: 417m; descent: 717m

  ON: Aladaglar national park at the Karagol campsite 2.800m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 6

  Karagol to Pinarbasi via Maden gorge - drive via Derinkuyu underground city to Cappadocia

  Our last day trek in the Aladaglar takes us down to Maden gorge; we descend following mine roads and little creeks to Pinarbasi village. At the end of the valley our vehicle awaits us and we drive to Cappadocia, on route take time to visit incredible underground city of Derinkuyu, opened to visitors in 1965. The city is approximately 85m deep, but only 10 % can be visited, and contains all of the usual rooms found in an underground city, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches and wineries. Apart from these, a large room with a barrel vaulted ceiling on the second floor served as a missionary school, the rooms to the left used as study rooms. In Cappadocia, after check in at our overnight accommodation and some time to refresh, we head out to visit fascinating three fairy chimneys of Uc Guzeller, one of the most famous natural beauties and symbols of Cappadocia. In the late afternoon we also visit Devrent; a pretty small valley, famous for its lunar landscape. Also known as imagination valley, the formations, colours and resembling animals and different creatures of Devrent are unique. Here you can also find one of the landmarks of Cappadocia, the famous ‘camel’ rock formation.

  Optional activity: Turkish bath (Hamam)

  In the afternoon it is possible to visit a traditional Turkish bath, better known as Hamam, combines the functionality and the structural elements of its predecessors in Anatolia, the Roman thermal and eastern Roman baths. In Turkish culture it stands for far more than getting a leisurely bath, it is a special place of relaxation designed to regenerate body and mind.

  Walking time: 2 h; ascent: 0m; descent: 900 - 1.100m (depends on road conditions & pick up point of the vehicle)

  Transfer time: 2 h; transfer distance: 125 km (Aladaglar National park to Cappadocia via Derinkuyu)

  ON: in Cappadocia at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 7

  World heritage Cappadocia - in the evening drive to Kayseri and take the night train to Erzurum

  Optional activity: Hot air balloon ride

  In the early morning before Sunrise it is optional possible to go on a Hot Air Balloon Flight. Cappadocia is awarded as one of the world's best balloon flight areas and it is one of the best ways to discover the unique landscapes of this impressive wonder of nature.

  Hiking, culture & sightseeing: Kiliclar (sword) valley & Goreme open air museum, Meskendir & red valley sunset

  We start the day with a short walk through Kiliclar (Sword) valley, one of the smallest valleys in the area with many interesting fairy chimneys and ruins. Sword valley is known for its fantastic views of Cappadocia; on our route there are tracks where it is possible to explore abandoned caves which were homes of past citizens in this region.

  In the early afternoon we reach Goreme open air museum; one of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. The Christian people at the heart of the Cappadocia realized that the soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches and monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post iconoclastic period. The frescoes inside the Goreme open air museum are a unique artistic achievement from this period. Afterwards we continue our hike through Meskendir & red valley area, another beautiful valley in Cappadocia with spectacular formations and colours; full with old cave houses, complexes and hidden churches from the old Christian civilization. Although it is not definite, the common believe is that most of the churches and complexes carved out of the cliff face date back to the 8^th and 9^th centuries and its decorative reliefs and frescoes added in the 10^th and 11^th centuries.

  In the early evening we conclude the day with a visit to red valley panorama point, the best sunset spot in Cappadocia. The sunset here is glorious; the ever deepening light makes the colours of the rock formations richer than usual. Here in a beautiful atmosphere we taste a cup of traditional Turkish tea whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery of continuously changing reds, pinks and yellow colours.

  In the early or late evening (night) we drive to Kayseri and take the night train to Erzurum.

  We spend the night at the train’s sleeper wagon. (2 participants per cabin / single reservation not available)

  Walking time: 1 - 2 h; walking distance: 4 km; ascent: 0m; descent: 90m (Kiliclar valley)

  Walking time: 3 h; walking distance: 8 - 10 km; ascent: 85m; descent: 135m (Meskendir & red valley)

  Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 80 km; (Cappadocia - Kayseri)

  ON: in the night train to Erzurum at the train’s sleeper wagon

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 8

  Erzurum to Dogubeyazit & Ishak pasha palace

  After arrival in Erzurum we continue to Dogubeyazit, a settlement with a long history southwest of Mount Ararat, the highest summit of Turkey and resting place of Noah’s Ark. The area has had a rich history since it was settled during the times of the first Armenian kingdom of Urartu; later was subsequently conquered by Persians, Romans, Arabs and Byzantines all of whom would have used the plain to rest and recoup during their passages across the mountains.

  Here we take time to visit Ishak pasha palace, built on a hill at the side of a mountain. It was the last large monumental structure in the Ottoman Empire from the "Lale Devri" period. It is one of the most distinguished and magnificent examples of the 18th century Ottoman architecture and is very valuable in terms of art history. The palace was also an administrative complex from which Ishak pasha dominated the trade along the Silk Road, it was a major stop for caravans crossing the legendary roadway to bring goods all the way from China to Turkey and back again. We spend the night in Dogubeyazit at the hotel.

  Transfer time: 4 h; transfer distance: 280 km (Erzurum – Dogubeyazit)

  ON: in Dogubeyazit at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 9

  Dogubeyazit to camp I (base camp 3.200m)

  After breakfast we load our luggage and camping equipment on our vehicle and drive via Topcatan village to Eli village (2.000m). Between an altitude of 2.000 and 2.400m (according to road conditions) we will start our trek. Our luggage will be carried by mules and horses, we only have to carry our own daily-backpack. On the way it’s possible to meet some semi nomadic families, who use the fresh green plateaus of the Ararat for their sheep’s and flocks. We hike up to our first campsite (base camp) which is established at a height of 3.200m.

  Walking time: 4 h; ascent: approximately 1.200m (depending on road conditions & starting point)

  ON: at the Ararat camp 1 (base camp 3.200m)

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 10

  Acclimatization day to camp II (high camp 4.200m) and return to camp I (base camp 3.200m)

  Today we will climb up to 4.200m for acclimatisation. High altitude is defined as altitudes greater than 3.000m and AMS (acute mountain sickness) may appear above this level. After an easy ascent we will arrive at the Kum-Kampi at a height of 3.700m where we will have time to take a break. Later we continue our ascent to camp II (high camp) at 4.200m where we will have our second camp on next day. Here we take time to have a picnic and to use the time to acclimatise to the conditions at this height. Afterwards we descent down to our base camp at 3.200m on the same way and prepare ourselves for the next day to move up to second camp.                                                               

  Walking time: 5 - 6 h; ascent/descent: 1.000m

  ON: at the Ararat camp 1 (base camp 3.200m)

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 11

  Ascent to camp II (high camp 4.200m)

  In the morning we leave our base camp and climb up to the second campsite at a height of 4.200m. After arrival and a cup of warm tea, we set up our tents and take a little rest. In the afternoon it is possible (optionally) to go a little bit higher to get acclimatized for conditions of this height. In the evening we will have dinner a little bit earlier today as we will go sleeping early in the evening to wake up very early in the morning to be rested and ready to climb Ararat summit.                                                                                                   

  Walking time: 3 - 4 h; ascent: 1.000m; descent: 0m

  ON: at the Ararat camp 2 (high camp 4.200m)

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 12

  Mount Ararat summit ascent 5.137m and return to camp I (base camp 3.200m)

  Very early in the morning, at around 02:00 and 02:30 am we will have breakfast and afterwards start our ascent to the summit at around 03:00 or 03:30 am to get a good view at the sunrise on the top. After a long ascent through a rocky terrain we reach the glacier at 4.750m, where we fix our crampons. Afterwards we continue our ascent to the summit, where we can see, if the weather is clear, Mt. Damavand in Iran, the Elbrus in the Caucasus and the Kackar Mountains near the Black Sea. We enjoy the great panoramic view from the summit and afterwards start descending back again via high camp down to our base camp at 3.200m where we spend the night.

  Walking time: 9 - 10 h; ascent: 937m; descent: 1.937m

  ON: at the Ararat camp 1 (base camp 3.200m)

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 13

  Camp I (base camp 3.200m) to Dogubeyazit – drive to Van

  In the morning we hike down to the village of Eli where our vehicle is waiting to drive us down to Dogubeyazit. After having lunch at a local restaurant we drive to Van, known as "the pearl of the east" because of the beauty of its surrounding landscapes, situated in a green, fertile oasis in the midst of a mountain area. The city has a long history, under the ancient name of Tushpa it was the capital of the Urartian kingdom in the 9^th century BC and once especially famous for its jewellers' bazaar on the Silk Road and for its fine silverwork.

  Depending on arrival time: visit Akdamar Island & Van castle (citadel)

  After arrival and check in at the hotel it is possible to visit Gevas town where we take the ferry to visit small island of Akdamar in Lake Van, home to the famous 10^th century Armenian holy cross cathedral. The unique importance of the church comes from the extensive array of bas-relief carving of mostly biblical scenes that adorn its external walls. Later we continue to Van castle, constructed by Urartian king Sardur, a massive stone fortification and the largest example of its kind. It overlooks the ruins of Tushpa, the ancient Urartian capital during the 9^th C, which was centred upon the steep sided bluff where the fortress now sits. The most remarkable structures around are the rock tomb of Argisti the first, outside which is a long inscription relating the events of his reign and the inscription of Xerxes the great upon a smoothed section of the rock face.

  Walking time: 3 h; ascent: 0m; descent: between 800 and 1.200m

  Transfer time: 2 - 3 h; transfer distance: 180 km (Dogubeyazit to Van)

  Transfer time: 30 min.; transfer distance: 45 km (Van to Gevas / one way)

  Ferry to Akdamar Island: 15 - 20 min. (one way)

  ON: in Van at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 14

  Trip concludes at Van airport

  After breakfast; transfer to Van airport where the trip concludes.

  Transfer time: 15 min.; transfer distance: 10 km (hotel in the city centre to Van airport)

  Meals:   B / - / -