Frequently asked questions

1. When is the best time to go on an expedition on Ararat?
You can climb Mount Ararat in every season, although it is the best and the easiest to do in June-July-August-September. The trekking season on Ararat lasts about three months. It starts in the middle of June and finishes in the middle of September.

2. Is the permit on Ararat required? How can I get the permission? 
Yes, you need a permission. You can get it in the Turkish Embassy in your country or in Dogubayazit (it is best to contact me, I will do it). To get the permit you need a passport (a photocopy/a scanned copy). The permission costs 50 dollars.

3. How long does the expedition on Ararat last? How many days and nights do I need to spend on Ararat?
The expedition on Ararat lasts from 2 to 5 days. Everything depends on group’s willingness, on acclimatization. The most popular tours are 4-days and 5-days expeditions.

4. Is special equipment needed to go trekking on Ararat? Are climbing irons, ice axes necessary, trekking sticks and helmet?
Trekking on Ararat is not difficult and requires (for your own comfort) trekking sticks as well as, for the last stage of climbing, climbing irons. Ice axes and a helmet are not necessary.  Below you find a complete list of equipment.

5. Can we ski down from Ararat?  When is it the best time to go skiing on Ararat?
You can ski down from Ararat. You can go ski touring for a few days reaching the height of 4500 metres above sea level or even the summit. The best time for skiing on Ararat is March – April, but you have to know, that the propabiliti of reaching the summit is 50/50. You can also go ski touring on Suphan Dagi and Artos Dagi situated at the Van lake.

6. If you have any other questions fell free to write me and ask.

Info about Visas

From April 10, 2014 the system for obtaining visas at the point of entry to Turkey is being discontinued. There is a new simplified on-line visa application system. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival in Turkey. The simple 3 step process is accessed here: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

List of Equipment

Expedition Clothing

Heavy leather mountaineering boots – 1 pair
Camp shoes: running shoes or trail shoes, sneakers, sandals -1 pair
Gaiters – 1 pair
Waterproof and windproof Jacket with breathable membrane (f.e. Gore‐Tex ) – 1 piece
Waterproof and windproof trousers with breathable membrane (f.e. Gore‐Tex) – 1 piece
Hiking trousers/shorts – 1 piece
Light cotton hiking socks – 2-3 pairs
Fleece hiking socks – 3 pairs
Termal liner long sleeves – 2 pieces
Termal pants – 1 piece
Fleece jacket – 1 piece
Light fleece tops – 2 pieces
Waterproof and windproof gloves – 1 pair
Fleece gloves – 1 pair
Warm fleece hat with a windproof membrane/Balaclava Trekking – 1 piece
T-shirts – min.3 pieces
Sun hat – 1 piece

Expedition Equipment

Expedition tent rent – 1 pc/2 pers.
Crampons – 1 pair
Sleeping bag for –10/-15°C – 1 piece
Sleeping pad – 1 piece
Trekking poles – 1 pair
Headlamp rent – 1 piece
Thermos – 1 piece
Big rucksack (it will be carried by mules and porters 20kg) – 1 piece
Small backpack (for hikes and summit climb (35‐45 litres)) – 1 piece
Sun protection material – 1 piece
Sunglasses – 1 piece

Prices  of tours

Please contact me for prices. I offer discounts for groups. I work closely with my family – brothers, cousins and uncles, who owns horses for your luggages, who are cooks during the tours and who are also the guides. Please wirte how big is your group and if you are the agency – the name of travel agency.

Why with Ararat Climbing  and Yakup Saltik?

I am experienced and licensed Mount Ararat’s guide. I was born in the village in the foot of Mount Ararat, so that I am are in-depth understanding and quite familiar to this area. I have  my own transport and horses, my brothers are also guides and cooks, so we are independent and we work familial. My prices are low because I do not cooperate with local trekking agencies that hire horses, cars or guides as I have it all. I act directly.