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Mt.
Kackar & Mt. Ararat Trek (5165 m.)
The
little Caucasus, Kackar Mountains or Pontic
Alps are almost an unknown area on the extreme
south east coast of the Black sea. The people
of this region lead a nomadic life, travelling
with their cows and sheep between the lower
valleys and high pastures , where they live
for three or four mounts each year, pursuing
a way of life that has remained incitement.
This trek will be enjoyed by all those who genuinely
like exploring previously almost unvisited areas.
Than a 5 days will be on Mt.Ararat Eastern part
of Turkey Near Iran border and it is a magnificent
sprawling dome whose snow covered summit is
5.165m above sea level. Most Christians believe
it is the site where Noah’s Ark came to rest
after the great Flood. A climb of Mt.Ararat
is a tough walk (non-Technical) but requiring
a good deal of stamina. The upper third of volcanoes
covered in snow and the last hundred meters
to the summit is icy. (the actual climb to the
summit from camp II at 4.100m is optional.)
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Day
1
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Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul.
Meet and transfer to the hotel. |
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Day
2 :
Erzurum - Yaylalar village
In the morning
transfer to the airport and fly to Erzurum is
the hub of eastern Anatolia, and has been an important
center of civilization for centuries because of
its natural and geo strategic position. Drive
to Yusufeli village close to Coruh river. Possibility
to make a tour in the village to see local life.
Our minibus will take us to Yaylalar village where
the villagers did not change their life style
for centuries. Overnight camp 2100m. |
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Day
3 : Yaylalar
-Dilberduzu
We trek to through
the main Kackar range. The scenery of the region
is most impressive, green valleys lush with
vegetation and rich with wild flowers. Continue
trek to Dilberduzu. Today we pass the yaylas
that the villagers inhabit during the summer
in order to graze their flocks. On our way will
visit the nomad’s camps and lunch will be taken
in a local village. Fields of yellow line the
streams that the trail follows to the camp site.
The camp site is by a stream and has magnificent
views of the steep snowcapped majestic mountains
that surrounded it . (6 hrs.). Overnight camp.
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Day
4 : Climbing
summit of Mt.Kackar 3937 m
Free day to enjoy
the scenery and unique setting, or for optional
walks in the area. You may take the opportunity
to ascend Mount Kackar (3937 m). The view at the
top, however, offer a magnificent reward with
a vista to the Caucasus and mount Ararat. Enroute
, we pass the cold and refreshing Deniz lake.
Return to camp of Dilberduzu (2600m). 8 h. Overnight
at camp with all meals. Ascent 1337 m, descent
1337m. |
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Day
5 : Dilberduzu-Yaylalar
Yusufeli
we head for Hevek
village where visit the local people and take
our last picnic. On the way the scenery is spectacular
and the magnificent wild flora is the gift of
this days. From here we transfer to Yusufeli Village,
is at the corner of Coruh river, passing by tea
plantations into the mountains . Descent 500m..
Overnight at pension. |
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Day
6 : Yusufeli-Erzurum-Dogubeyazit
Continue driving
along the Tortum Valley to Erzurum. is the hub
of eastern Anatolia, and has been an important
center of civilization for centuries because of
its natural and geostrategic position. After lunch,
we visit Cifteminareli Medrese, built by the Seljuk
sultan Aladdin in 1253, Ulu mosque built in 1179,
has an unusual form with seven wide naves. Drive
to Dogubeyazit. 5h. driving . Dinner at Local
Restaurant. Overnight at hotel. |
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Day
7 : Dogubeyazit-Mt.Ararat
(base camp)
In the morning
transfer to Cevirme Village (2350m). Trek to the
base camp at 2.900m, about five hours trekking.
Dinner and overnight at camp. |
Day
8 : Acclimatization day
Trek to camp II
(4. lOOm), about 4 hours trekking time. Return
to camp 1. Free time for preparation. Dinner and
Overnight Camp. |
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Day
9 : Mt.Ararat
Trek to camp I
(4. lOOm), about 4/5 hours trekking time. All
luggage will be carried by pack animals. A short
course will be given on how to use ice-axe and
crampons. Overnight camp with all meals. |
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Day
10 : Mt.Ararat.
5165m Summit
Climb to the summit
( 5.165m) , Although it is not a technically difficult
climb, it does require stamina. Our ascension
starts early in the morning. About at 4500 m glaciers
and perennial snows are present, thus the most
part of the ascent is done with equipment necessary
for ice climbing. Anybody fit for high mountain
walking or acquainted with ice climbing. Return
to the base Camp I. Overnight at camp, with all
meals. |
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Day
11 : Mt.Ararat-Dogubeyazit
Descend to Cevirme
Village about 5 hours and return to Dogubeyazit
by minibus. Visit the Ishakpasa Palace 17th century
ottoman governor of the province, constructed
the palace in the 17th century with a mixture
of architectural styles. And nearby we will also
visit bas-relief of an Urartian King, and a rock
tomb from the 9th century B.C. Dinner at the Local
Restaurant . overnight in hotel.
Day 12 : Dogubeyazit-Van
In the morning,
drive to Van. (2h) Arriving and excursion to the
10th century holy cross church located on Akdamar
Island. On the island stands the 10th-century
Church of the Holy Cross, Architect monk Manuel
built the church between the years 915 and 921.The
Church, consecrated in honor of the holy cross.
Free time for swimming. Visit the 17th century
ottoman castle at Hosap and the ruins of Urartian
city (765B.C) at Cavustepe. Then driving for watching
the sunset over Van lake. Dinner at local restaurant
. Overnight Hotel. |
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Day
13 : Van-Istanbul
Transfer to the
airport and fly to Istanbul. Afternoon will be
spent by visiting the old Istanbul, was known
until the First World War as Constantinople, the
old capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
Nearly all the city’s main sites of historic interest
are in old Stamboul. We include a half-day walking
tour of the city, taking in the Blue mosque and
the hippodrome. The covered bazaar is not far
away and is well worth a visit. |
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Day
14 : Istanbul
Free day for further
sightseeing. Overnight Hotel . |
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Day
15 : Istanbul - Home
Transfer airport
Fly home. |
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Summits
: Mt.Kackar 3937 m, Mt.Ararat
5165 m
Season : July, August, September
PERMISSION
It is a requirement by
Turkish Minister of Tourism to have an official
permission in order to trek Mt.Ararat. We must
have all participant’s names, birthdays and
their passport numbers , 60 days before the
departure. Therefore, please book your Mt Ararat
trek as early as possible.
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