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Title image - BAI takes you to:  Mount Ararat & the Wonders of Turkey
Why climb with Berg Adventures

Mount Ararat FAQ

Here is where you will find answers to some of your questions about this expedition. If you do not find what you need here, please contact us at info@bergadventures.com.

Choose the specific question to link to your answer

  1. How much mountaineering experience do I need in order to climb Mt. Ararat?
  2. How demanding is the climb?
  3. What is the food like on the trip?
  4. Should I bring snacks?
  5. Which kind of weather should I be expecting?
  6. Do I have to carry my gear up the mountain?
  7. What equipment does Berg Adventures provide?
  8. Can I rent some gear for the climb?
  9. What is the accommodation like? Can I request a single room?
  10. Why do we spend the first nights in Istanbul and Cappadocia?
  11. Can I join the group only to climb Mount Ararat?
  12. Will I have internet access? Can I use my cell phone?
  13. How much money do we need to bring?
  14. What kind of currency do I need in Turkey?
  15. Do I need a visa for Turkey?
  16. What is the weight allowance on domestic flights in Turkey?
  17. Can I store my luggage somewhere?
  18. What vaccinations do I need to travel to Turkey?
1. How much mountaineering experience do I need in order to climb Mt. Ararat? Back to Top
No prior mountaineering experience is necessary. While the climb does involve some glacier travel and you will wear crampons during the ascent, your guides will help you prepare for summit day by discussing proper technique and telling you what to expect on the mountain. From this trip you will gain experience using crampons, you will learn to dress for changeable mountain conditions, you will practice basic glacier travel techniques and you will experience being at altitude. These skills are valuable assets which will help you enjoy future outdoor adventures.
2. How demanding is the climb? Back to Top
Walking with crampons on Mount Ararat

Walking with crampons on Mount Ararat

We will climb two mountains on this trip, Mount Hasan at 10,672ft/3,253m and Mount Ararat at 16,854ft/5,137m. The climb of Mount Hasan is a long and pleasant day hike of moderate difficulty. Mount Ararat is a 5-day climb with 4 nights camping on the mountain. Most days on Ararat will involve 3 to 6 hours of hiking, and summit day will be between 10 and 12 hours covering about 3,400ft/1,040m of elevation.
If you have never been to altitude before, it is important to note that 16,900ft/5,150m is high enough that you will need to pay attention to your body’s ability to acclimatize. Our program itinerary includes acclimatization activities which will help your body to prepare for the altitude of Ararat including visiting Cappadocia and climbing Mount Hasan. Your guides are experienced with altitude and will help you make good decisions.
Mount Ararat is a suitable climb for people of a variety of ages, from young teenagers and up. Having good cardiovascular conditioning and strong hiking muscles will make the trip more enjoyable.
3. What is the food like on the trip? Back to Top
We will enjoy first-rate meals in fine restaurants and hotels in Istanbul and Cappadocia. On the mountain, we will have a cook who will prepare simple, but nutritious meals. On all of our trips, we make sure that food is expertly and hygienically prepared, and we serve a mixture of local & international dishes. We aim to provide as much variety as possible to ensure that our menu meets your dietary needs and preferences. We are happy to accommodate a variety of diets including, but not limited to, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. Please let us know in advance if you have dietary needs or requests.
Typical days meals:
  • Breakfast: scrambled eggs or omelets, hot cereal/oatmeal, toast, fresh fruit, coffee, tea and cocoa (hot beverages available at every meal).
  • Lunch: Hearty sandwiches with fresh bread, cheese, avocado, salami, or peanut butter and jam, potato chips, trail mix, and fresh fruits.
  • Afternoon Tea: Hot drinks, popcorn, crackers with cheese, and cookies.
  • Dinner: Soup, chicken schnitzel, rice or pasta, fresh boiled vegetables, Mediterranean or shepherd salad. Fresh fruits, cakes or local treats for dessert.
4. Should I bring snacks? Back to Top
Take a look at the typical menu listed above and ask yourself, “What else will I really want?” We find many people bring far too much “emergency” snack food. If you have special dietary needs or prefer a particular energy bar, go ahead and bring some snacks along, but do not get carried away with the quantities. You will have plenty of high quality, nutritious food and excellent variety in your menu options every day.
Lots of trail mix options in Turkey

Lots of trail mix options in Turkey

5. Which kind of weather should I be expecting? Back to Top
Weather in Istanbul and Cappadocia is similar to other southern European cities in the summer. Highs may be around 80°F/27°C with lows around 65°F/18°C. Hotter temperatures are possible, but extreme heat is uncommon. Summers throughout Turkey are typically warm and dry.
Mount Ararat has classic variable mountain weather. The mountain creates its own climate at different altitudes. It will be warm at the base of the mountain, but it will quickly cool down as we climb higher. At our first camp, low temperatures may dip down to 40°F/4°C. At high camp, temperatures may be as low as 20°F/-7°C. High winds and cloudy conditions are always a possibility in the mountains. Because you will be at altitude where your body will feel colder than normal, you will want to bring plenty of warm layers. Refer to the BAI Gear List for Mount Ararat to make sure you are prepared with the appropriate clothing and gear.
6. Do I have to carry my gear up the mountain? Back to Top
You will only have to carry the personal items that you need during your hike. This includes extra layers, camera gear, water bottles and any other personal items that you would like to have with you. On summit day, you will need to carry warm layers, and crampons. You will need a medium sized rucksack 2500-3000 cubic inches/40-50 liters that can hold your layers of clothing for changing temperatures and activity levels throughout the day.
The rest of your gear and personal belongings will be carried by pack animals. Each person is allowed up to 33lbs/15kgs. We recommend that you bring an expedition duffel bag for the gear that will be carried by the pack animals.
7. What equipment does Berg Adventures provide? Back to Top
We provide four season mountain tents and mattresses. For additional comfort, you may want to bring a Therm-a-Rest. You will have a kitchen tent with tables and chairs for breakfast and dinner. This service may not be available at the high camp which has a very limited space. If that is the case, we will bring the food to your tent.
Base Camp on Mount Ararat

Base Camp on Mount Ararat

8. Can I rent some gear for the climb? Back to Top
Yes, you can rent crampons. Contact our office for details and availability. Gear will be delivered to you in Turkey.
9. What is the accommodation like? Can I request a single room? Back to Top
Our hotel in Cappadocia is carved into the rock

Our hotel in Cappadocia is carved into the rock

As with all of our trips, we stay in first class accommodations whenever possible. In Istanbul, we will stay in a beautiful boutique hotel within walking distance of the city’s major attractions. When we move on to the Cappadocia region we will stay in a truly incredible hotel which has been carved into the rock to match the traditional architecture of the area.
In Dogubeyazit, we stay in a very comfortable hotel that is one of the nicest in the town. It will be the perfect place for us to rest and prepare for our climb. On the mountain, we will stay in four season tents.
Double occupancy accommodation is included in the trip cost. Single rooms at hotels and single tents are available at an additional cost. If you are traveling alone but would like to stay in a double room, we will do our best to pair you with another person of the same gender. In the event that we are unable to find a roommate for you, we will split the single supplement cost with you. Contact our office for single supplement prices.
10. Why do we spend the first nights in Istanbul and Cappadocia? Back to Top
Istanbul at night

Istanbul at night

In our opinion no trip to Turkey is complete without a visit to Istanbul and Cappadocia. One feels world history as a tangible and living presence in these storied cities. The opportunity to visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia in Istanbul and especially the multilevel underground cities in Cappadocia are priceless and should not be missed.
11. Can I join the group only to climb Mount Ararat? Back to Top
Yes, please call our office for the schedule and price which will depend on the services required.
12. Will I have internet access? Can I use my cell phone? Back to Top
Internet access in Turkey is widely available. You should be able to access the internet at all of our hotels unless services are down, which happens from time to time.
We will have cell phone coverage for most, if not all, of the trip. Most cell phones will work in Turkey. You should always check with your service provider regarding coverage and costs abroad so you don’t come home to unexpected charges. Most companies have international plans available.
13. How much money do we need to bring? Back to Top
Istanbul and Cappadocia are often more expensive than people expect. Needless to say, dining and shopping opportunities in both cities are endless, therefore budget accordingly.
Dogubeyazit has shops where you will have a chance to buy last minute items, but don’t expect to find a fully equipped mountain shop. You will also find shops offering carpets, at a more reasonable price than in Istanbul.
Expect to spend at least 400 Euros, or between $500 - 600 USD in cash on your trip. This includes tipping local staff at the end. Some travelers will spend more cash, but it should not be necessary. You can use credit cards in the cities, but we recommend having cash as well. ATM cards work well in Istanbul, but it would be wise to check with your bank regarding international fees before leaving home.
14. What kind of currency do I need in Turkey? Back to Top
Turkish lira is the local currency, but US dollars and Euros are welcomed everywhere.
15. Do I need a visa for Turkey? Back to Top
Visas are required for Canadians, Americans, Britons, Australians and most Europeans. Your visa can be easily obtained at the airport in Istanbul upon arrival. If your country is not mentioned here please check the Turkey embassy in your own country or contact our office for more information.
Also, check to make sure that your passport is up-to-date and valid for at least 6 months after your trip.
16. What is the weight allowance on domestic flights in Turkey? Back to Top
We will be allowed 33lbs/15kgs on domestic AnadoluJet flights within Turkey.
17. Can I store my luggage somewhere? Back to Top
Your trip starts and ends in Istanbul. If you wish, you may store some of your travel items at the hotel there. You can also store some of your luggage at your hotel in Dogubeyazit while you are climbing Mount Ararat.
18. What vaccinations do I need to travel to Turkey? Back to Top
No special vaccinations are required for Turkey. We always recommend that you visit your doctor before any trip in case they have any alternate suggestions for you. It is also good to see a doctor before you begin a new training and conditioning program.