8-Day Ski Tour: Mount Artos, Mount Süphan, and Mount Ararat

Day 1: Arrival in Van

We meet at the airport in Van. Depending on the time, we will drive to visit the historic Van Castle and Akdamar Island on Lake Van. Akdamar Island is home to the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. After lunch by the lakeshore, we return to the city center of Van.

Overnight: Hotel in Van.

Day 2: Skiing on Mount Artos

In the morning, a minibus will transfer us from the hotel to the base of Mount Artos. After putting on our skis, we will ascend to the summit of Mount Artos (3,510 m), where we can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Van and the surrounding area. Following a short break for photos, we will ski back to the starting point, where our minibus will be waiting.

Dinner and Overnight: Hotel in Tatvan.

Day 3: Skiing on Mount Süphan, Transfer to Doğubayazıt

After breakfast, we drive to the base of Mount Süphan. From there, we begin our ski ascent to the summit, enjoying stunning views of Lake Van from the top. The total ascent and descent will take 8–9 hours. After skiing down, we transfer to Doğubayazıt.

Dinner and Overnight: Hotel in Doğubayazıt.

Day 4: Doğubayazıt to Ararat Camp 1

After breakfast, we pack our equipment and drive to Çevirme Village, near the base of Mount Ararat. Porters will carry our luggage while we ski to the Winter Base Camp (2,800–2,900 m). Once at camp, we will have lunch, drink hot tea, and pitch our tents.

Overnight: Camp 1.

Day 5: Ascent to Ararat Camp 2

After breakfast, we pack our gear and begin skiing to Camp 2, carrying limited equipment ourselves. Porters will assist by carrying the rest. Camp 2 will be at 3,500–3,700 meters, depending on snow conditions.

Dinner and Overnight: Camp 2.

Day 6: Ararat Summit, Return to Doğubayazıt

We wake up early, eat breakfast, and start skiing towards the summit of Mount Ararat (5,137 m). Before leaving camp, we’ll prepare our duffle bags, which will be transported directly to Camp 1. Depending on snow and ice conditions, it might be necessary to leave skis at 4,800–4,900 m and continue the ascent with crampons.

After reaching the summit, we will ski down to the snowline and then descend to the pickup point, where a vehicle will take us back to Doğubayazıt.

Overnight: Hotel in Doğubayazıt.

Day 7: Spare Day

This day is reserved in case of bad weather. If not needed for skiing, we will enjoy a cultural tour around Doğubayazıt, visiting the Ishak Pasha Palace (a 17th-century Ottoman palace), the Meteor Crater, and the Durupınar Site, which some believe is the footprint of Noah’s Ark.

Overnight: Hotel in Doğubayazıt.

Day 8: Transfer to the Airport

After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer you to the airport in Van based on your departure time.

End of the Tour.

Important Notice

The itinerary and campsite locations on Mount Ararat may change due to weather and snow conditions.

All-Inclusive Tour Price Includes

Transportation:

• Airport transfers in Van.

• Transfers between Mount Artos, Mount Süphan, and Mount Ararat.

• Transfers between Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat.

Guides and Support:

• Professional local guide service.

• Pack animals (horses) to carry equipment on Mount Ararat.

Accommodation:

• 1 night in a hotel in Van (with breakfast).

• 1 night in a hotel in Adilcevaz (with breakfast).

• 2 nights in a hotel in Doğubayazıt (with breakfast).

Meals:

• All meals and soft drinks during the Mount Ararat portion of the tour, with cooking service.

• Lunches and dinners during the ski tours on Mount Artos and Mount Süphan

Equipment:

• Tents (1 tent for every 2 people) and sleeping pads.

• Crampons (if needed).