Our Classic Ski tour and the most popular one. For many years, the best selling tour. The tour includes two highest peaks of East Anatolia and for acclimatization purpose, one 3500 meter peak with ski. Mt Artos (3,537 m), standing by the amazing Van lake, Mt. Süphan (4,058 m) and of course the highlight of this tour, the holy mountain, the highest mountain of Turkey Mt. Ararat (5,137 m) are all uniquely beautiful ski mountains. Mt Ararat is a volcanic mountain with its enormous height and Turkey's youngest volcano.
The first two mountains provide comfortable climbing by departing early from the hotel and returning to to hotel and ensure acclimatization for the Mt. Ararat. But for Mt Ararat climb at least 4 camping nights is necessary.

Included services:

• Single group transfer from airport and to airport
• All land transfers with private coach
• 5 - 6 nights in the 3 star hotel based on BB
• 4 camp days full board service and hot drinks
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Lunch pakets for camp days
• English speaking mountain guide
• Carrying bags on horses until advanced base camp
• Tents for 2 people share basis
• Service for getting permit (we apply for the clients and get the permit but permit fee is extra)

Not included services:

• International and domestic flights (fligths from Istanbul to Van around 150 Euros if you purchases early and we can book for you if you wish)
• Lunches and dinners in the city
• Drinks and entrance fees in sightseeing tours
• Tips and climbing permit fee (50 USD per person)

Tour itinary:

1st day: Fly to Istanbul
Fly to Istanbul, transfer to the hotel in the city. If the flight is early, half-day tour of the highlights of Sultanahmet (Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Yerebatan cistern). Overnight in Istanbul in a 3 star hotel as bad and breakfast.

2nd day: Flight from Istanbul to Van, Akdamar Island
Transfer to the airport for Van flight. Flight takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. After arriving Van transfer to the hotel in the city center. In the afternoon we drive to Gevas and will have lunch by the Van lake which is the biggest lake in Turkey with its aprx.3700 suquare meters surface. Following lunch with a boat we go to amazing Akdamar Island and visit the famous Armenian church from the middle age. dfJust before sunset we will visit Van Castle (Tushba) and if the weather is good the sunset is fantastic over Van Lake. Overnight in Van. (B)

3rd day: Skitouring Mt. Artos (3.537 m)
The first ski tour takes place on perhaps one of the finest ski mountains of eastern Anatolia, the Artos mountain, on the south side of Van lake. Driving in the morning around 45 minutes we pass Gevas and reach the upper part of the town, depending on snow level we can wear the skies around 1800 meters right away. The ascend takes around 4-5 hours depends on groups phase. Average steepness is around 30 ° but also some parts can be almost 40 °. The ascend will offer a great view over Van lake and on the summit when you see mountain ranges of East Anatolia your appetite will increase for skiing more. The descent will make the day one of best day of all tour with powder or firn snowy slopes and changing steepness level. When you finish the tour cold beer will wait for you. Going to the hotel in Van or in Adilcevaz district. (B)

4th day: Skitour Mt. Süphan (4.058 m)
Today our mountain is Turkey's third highest peak Mt Suphan (4.058 m), an old volcano which erupted centuries ago. Driving may take 1-3 hours in the morning, depends on the hotel location (in Van or in Adilcevaz) and ascend starts from the last village Kiskili, where located on the eastern skirts of the mountain. With ascending steadily over long slobs and couilours we first arrive the shoulder of the mountain around 3.800 meters and then carry on to summit with a stunning view of Van lake behind us. This time we are on the north side of the lake and Mt Artos is far behind the lake. Descending will be long and unforgettable experience with its wide slopes and snow quality. We drive to hotel back for the night. (B) .

5th day: Van- Dogubayazit
Fifth day is time to move for Mt Ararat. After a late breakfast we drive to Dogubayazit, eastern corner of Turkey. Driving will take around 3 hours and on the way we will stop for a break by the Muradiye waterfall which water level is highest in April and May. When we arrive to the hotel you can rest and get prepared for the Mt Ararat ascend on the next day.(B)

6th day: Dogubayazit – Basecamp
In the morning we first drive to city center for last military controls ( climbing permit etc.) then carry on to Eli village driving on a dusty track around 45 minutes. There we leave our luggage to be load to mules and we take off for the base camp. With average pace in 3-4 hours we arrive to base camp. Base camp can be settled between 2600 -3000 m depending on snow level. In the afternoon you may ascend a few meter up and ski back or rest in the tents while tea or dinner get ready for you .(B,L,D)

7th day: Basecamp to High Camp (Acclimatisation Day)
After breakfast we put the skies on and ascend to high camp (3.750 m) for acclimatization. Spend some time there and ski back to base camp. Dinner is early this evening because we will get up very early for the summit. On giant Mt Ararat, moving early is best option for catching the good weather and clear view from the summit. Usually afternoon the mountain covered with clouds and can be snowy.(B,L,D)

8th day: Summit Day
Under normal conditions we take off for the summit around 3 o'clock in the morning and arrive summit in 6-7 hours depends on the group pace. Steepness is around 35° and depends on snow quantity we may leave the skis around 4600 m or carry on with skies until summit. Usually we put on the crampons around 4900 meters and then passing a shoulder, we arrive the plateau of Mt Ararat. After the plateau we have short steep part to reach the summit. From the summit of Mt Ararat the view is spectacular, surrounding large plateaus, Iranian and Armenian lands far behind. On the way back down we enjoy skiing until high camp first and have 1-2 hours break there. Following second breakfast, tea and coffee we carry on skiing back to base camp. Have dinner and overnight in base camp.(B,L,D)

9th day: Reserve Day
In case of bad weather on 8 th day we use 9 th day to try our chance for the summit. If we do not need to use reserve day and reach the summit on eighth day, today we descend down to Eli village and drive back to hotel. But if we used the reserve day for summit then we need to go down from summit to Eli village on the same day.(B or B,L,D depends on the program flow)

10th day: Flight Back Home
We have very early breakfast in the hotel and drive to Van airport around 3 hours. Your flight to Istanbul and as option connected flight from Istanbul to your home town in the same day. ( B)

Due to weather conditions program is subject to change!