Turkey’s highest mountain
Dominating the plains around Doğubayazıt in the far east of Turkey near the Iranian border, snowcapped Mt Ararat is often said to be the place where Noah’s Ark finally came to rest. The mountain actually has twin peaks: Büyük Ağrı (Big Ararat, 5165m) and Küçük Ağrı (Little Ararat, 3925m). The climb up Büyük Ağrı, the highest peak in Turkey, will be a highlight of a visit to this area for enthusiastic outdoor types, whether or not they’re interested in the Ark stories, although organising it can be time-consuming. It’s worth remembering that the mountain is sacred to the Armenians just across the border.
Venturing up Büyük Ağrı is a serious business not to be entered into without proper planning. The usual course of action is to take at least three days about it, climbing with a guide and porters. Since 2010 it’s been possible for local guides to obtain the necessary permits to climb the mountain in a single day. There’s also a shop in Doğubayazıt that sells basic mountaineering and camping gear although you’re still probably better off bringing your own.
The climbing season runs from June through to September and if you make it to the top you will no doubt look back on your visit to Doğubayazıt with great affection. Diana Darke’s Bradt Guide to Eastern Turkey offers a personal account of what to expect on the ascent.
Less hardy types will need to look for a hotel room with a view and then pray for a clear day.
Friedrich Parrot. The İshak Paşa Sarayı (Palace) in Doğubayazıt contains a room dedicated to the memory of Friedrich Parrot, a German traveller (1791-1841) and the first foreigner known to have climbed the mountain and left a record of it in modern times (1829).
Sleeping
Although the climb up the mountain will require you to camp you will probably start and end your trip by overnighting in Doğubayazıt, one of the least inspiring towns of Eastern Turkey with a range of accommodation that rarely rises above so-so.
Transport info
The nearest airport is in the town of Ağrı where you will have to travel to the town centre to find an onward bus to Doğubayazıt. Other airports at Erzurum and Van are likely to be busier.
