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Commonly known as the Agri Mountain, Mt. Ararat is
considered as the tallest peak in Turkey. Rising at an elevation of
5137 meters along the borders of Turkey and Iran. It is considered
as a dormant volcano covered with ice and snow all year round.
Located in the Southwest of the mountain, is the modest Mount Agri
(Ararat) and the Serdarbulak lava plateau that stretches out between
the two pinnacles.
Records from the Old Testament of the Bible says that it is the
place where Noah’s Ark landed after the great flood, thereby making
it an interesting place to venture to explorers, historians,
archeologists, and of course of curious people. |
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Ararat is the great prize however for mountain
collectors, not only because it is the tallest peak in Turkey but
also for its historical significance and symbolism especially to the
Armenians for since ancient times it has been revered by them to be
their spiritual home and as the home of the Gods of the Armenian
pantheon.
To get there, one must take The Trabzon- Erzurum- Iran International
Transit Highway; from there tarmac streets skirt the western and
southern flanks of Agri before coming into Iran. 270 kilometers from
Erzurum and near Igdir, Dogubeyazit, which is the closest city to
the mountain, is accessible from this route. In addition, Connecting
Erzurum with Ankara is buses, planes and trains.
Since Mt. Ararat is covered by ice and snow throughout the year, it
is popular for those who love skiing and other snow based sports and
mountain climbing. However, one must put into mind that in the
summer, the weather in the area is sunny, warm and dry; in the
winter and spring, cold and harsh conditions exist, that eventually
mountain climbers encounter blizzards and turbulent weather. July,
August, and September are the months when lots of mountain climbers
come to the area; climbing up the mountain is pleasurable during
this period. However, despite the usual sunny and clear weather at
that time of year, the elevated height of this mountain swirls
around above 3000 meters. During the climb the southern side of the
mountain offers the easiest and safest to summit. With this route
one has access to the best route communication and transportation
facilities and it is safe. It is recommended to climb with a guide.
It is also an advantage if one knows how to use axe and crampons.
Natural beauty has been preserved well in this area not to mention
the local population still goes about their traditional lifestyles
so it is wise to spend your time not only by climbing the mountain
but also visiting the tourist attractions located nearby.
On the way to Dogubeyazit, one can stop by Muradiye waterfalls to
take pleasure in the sceneries and drink in Turkish tea and Turkish
Kebaps for dinner.
A magnificent 17th century castle of a local potentate boasting of
its decorative schemes and elegant courts of palatial usage is
available in the Ishak Pasa Palace
Visit the Village of Ortulu which is particularly renowned as the
center of stunning handicrafts like carpets and
kilims in time
honored designs especially if you’re going to buy souvenirs for your
family and friends.
Finally, visit a Meteor Crater near the Iranian border. And to relax
from a very unwinding trip, the nearby town of Doğubeyazit offers a
couple of
hamams – just the ticket after an ascent of the tall
mountain.
Since this trip requires time, it is recommended that you choose
your hotel in city center Taksim which provides basic needs for the
trip like mountain equipments, change offices, air ticketing
services, etc. Hotels in the Taksim area includes the Lares Park
Hotel and the Seminal Hotel which provides a great place for lodging
due to its welcoming services and facilities which includes
internet, pets allowed, laundry service, Turkish Bath, Sauna,
massage, health centers, and a lot more according to Anatolian
Adventures.
What are you waiting for? If you’re looking for an adventure of a
lifetime that you will never forget, then indulge yourselves into
the climb of Mt. Ararat and witness before your very eyes the beauty
of nature as it begins to unfold on the panoramic sceneries of the
plains and valleys in the frontiers of Turkey, Armenia and Iran!
Peace of mind could definitely be obtained here especially in the
summer months when the villagers move to the yayla to find grazing
for their herds of sheeps, horses, cattles and goats.
Don’t miss the opportunity, book now!
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