Trans Aladaglar & Legendary Mt. Ararat Trek

Trans Aladaglar & Legendary Mt. Ararat Trek

Total Time

14 days / 13 nights

Tour Calender

From Jun. to Sep.

Max Person

15 Person

Min Person

5 Min

Qverwiew

Embark on a 14-day journey through Turkey’s most iconic mountain landscapes—from the rugged ridges of the Aladaglar to the glacier-capped peak of Mt. Ararat. This demanding yet deeply rewarding trek includes summit climbs, alpine lakes, ancient cities, cave churches, and sacred landmarks. Whether traversing high passes or wandering through UNESCO sites, every day reveals another side of Anatolia’s diverse geography and deep history.

Highlights

  • Multi-day alpine trekking in Aladaglar Mountains

  • Summit climb to Mt. Emler (3,723m)

  • Crossing Seven Lakes Plateau (3,100m)

  • Mt. Ararat summit climb (5,137m)

  • Visit Ishak Pasha Palace & Dogubeyazit

  • Explore Akdamar Island & 10th-century Holy Cross Church

Best Season Program

You’ll be greeted at Istanbul International Airport by a representative of Nature and Sea Travel and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district. Spend the evening exploring the surroundings or relaxing after your flight.

  • Transfer time: 1 hour
  • Distance: 45–50 km
  • Overnight: Hotel in Istanbul
  • Meals: – / – / –

Start the day with a guided walking tour of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, including visits to the Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Blue Mosque. In the afternoon, fly to Kayseri and transfer to the Aladaglar National Park. Depending on arrival time, you may hike from Elekgolu to Emli Valley via Kazikli Canyon.
Upon arrival, settle into your pre-set tents and enjoy your first mountain dinner.

  • Walking time: 2–3 hours
  • Distance: 9–10 km
  • Ascent: 250m
  • Transfer time: 1h (Istanbul) + 2h (Kayseri – Aladaglar)
  • Overnight: Camp in Emli Valley (1,800m)
  • Meals: Breakfast / – / Dinner

Today’s scenic trek crosses valleys and high plateaus. Begin with a gentle forest trail, climb towards Eznevit Plateau, and possibly meet semi-nomadic families. Enjoy panoramic views before continuing to your campsite at Sokulupinar.

  • Walking time: 5–6 hours
  • Distance: 14–15 km 
  • Ascent: 788m
  • Descent: 538m
  • Overnight: Camp at Sokulupinar (2,000m)
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

One of the most demanding days. Hike through Karayalak Valley to Celikbuyduran Pass. From there, make a non-technical summit attempt on Mt. Emler. After panoramic views, descend to the remote Yedigoller Plateau.

  • Walking time: 7–8 hours
  • Distance: 15–16 km 
  • Ascent: 1,723m
  • Descent: 623m
  • Overnight: Camp at Yedigoller Plateau (3,100m)
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Pack up camp and cross to Karagol Lake via the remote and beautiful Teke Kalesi Pass. You may spot ibexes and enjoy pristine alpine terrain.

  • Walking time: 7 hours
  • Distance: 13–14 km 
  • Ascent: 417m
  • Descent: 717m
  • Overnight: Camp at Karagol Lake (2,800m)
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Trek through Maden Gorge and descend to the village of Pinarbasi. Afterward, visit the underground city of Derinkuyu en route to Cappadocia. End the day with a visit to Uc Guzeller and Devrent Valley.

  • Walking time: 2 hours
  • Descent: 900–1,100m
  • Transfer time: 2 hours
  • Distance: 125 km
  • Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Optional early morning hot air balloon ride. Explore Kiliclar Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum, Meskendir, and Red Valley. Enjoy sunset tea at Red Valley viewpoint before boarding a night train to Erzurum.

  • Walking time: 4–5 hours
  • Distance: 12–14 km | Ascent: 85m | Descent: 225m
  • Transfer time: 1 hour
  • Distance: 80 km
  • Overnight: Sleeper wagon (2-person cabin)
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Arrive in Erzurum and transfer to Dogubeyazit, near the base of Mount Ararat. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Ishak Pasha Palace with its fusion of Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian architecture.

  • Transfer time: 4 hours
  • Distance: 280 km
  • Overnight: Hotel in Dogubeyazit
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Drive to Eli Village (2,000m) and begin the ascent to Camp I. Luggage is transported by mules. The trail passes green plateaus used by semi-nomads.

  • Walking time: 4 hours
  • Ascent: ~1,200m
  • Overnight: Camp I at 3,200m
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Climb to Camp II (4,200m) for acclimatization. Enjoy a picnic, then descend back to Camp I in preparation for the summit climb.

  • Walking time: 5–6 hours
  • Ascent/Descent: 1,000m
  • Overnight: Camp I at 3,200m
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Move up to Camp II. Optional afternoon acclimatization hike. Early dinner and rest for the summit push.

  • Walking time: 3–4 hours
  • Ascent: 1,000m
  • Overnight: Camp II at 4,200m
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Pre-dawn summit push via rocky terrain and glacier crossing. After enjoying the views, descend back to Camp I.

  • Walking time: 9–10 hours
  • Ascent: 937m
  • Descent: 1,937m
  • Overnight: Camp I at 3,200m
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Descend to Eli Village and drive to Dogubeyazit for lunch. Continue to Van and, depending on arrival time, take a ferry to Akdamar Island and visit the Holy Cross Cathedral. Optional visit to Van Castle.

  • Walking time: 3 hours
  • Descent: 800–1,200m
    Transfer: 2–3 hours (Dogubeyazit to Van)
  • Ferry: 15–20 mins one way
  • Overnight: Hotel in Van
  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Transfer to Van Airport where the trip concludes.

  • Transfer time: 15 minutes
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Meals: Breakfast / – / –

Included / Excluded

Included

Trekking 360° and Tour Maps

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