lets go to Mt. Ararat

[Agri Dagi]

I'm going to climb the Mount Ararat between Aug 11-15. I'm a Hungarian guy who is actually living in B'ham.

My tour is over the planning stage. It's a self-organized tour. Except, that you must climb with a guide and pay for him. Of course they always give more than only being with you. They organize the food, porters and the accommodation on the mount.

The extinct volcano, Agri Dagi (Mount Ararat)
at 5,165 metres is the highest peak in
Turkey. The southern route spreads the climb over three days up and one day down, using two campsites
at 3,200m and 4,200 metres, and mules to
carry supplies to the first camp.

The path, though rocky, is clearly marked. Above 5000m are permanent ice fields, so crampons, ice axes and ropes are required.

It is a requirement by Turkish Minister of Tourism to have an official permission in order to trek Mt.Ararat. My guide can accept new applicants until 13 June, in order to have enough time for the authorities to process the permit application.

This trip is graded where it gets serious. You need complete confidence in your physical condition and your ability to participate in the activity, perhaps for long periods of time, over consecutive days or under difficult circumstances.

If you are interesting in to join me let me know it.
If you have a question or more just fire away me.

Some of the details:

Tour is start from Dogubeyazit, Turkey on 11 August. It takes five days the ascend and descend. The tour leaves from Dogubyaazit early in the morning. This means that you must arrive at Dogubayazit on the previous day.

The price of the 5-day tour is 420 EUR + 50 USD.
[360EUR + 50USD (depending on the final group size)]

I've made a quick budget for myself:

---

Sum in GBP: £850

---

Climbing permit £ 25
Tour £330
Flight tickets £400
Bus tickets UK £ 45
Bus tickets TR £ 10
accommodation (2 nights) £ 20
Visa £ 20

[Diplomatic Mike]

My apology's if this is genuine. A friend of mine climbed it a couple of years ago.
As far as i'm aware, it isn't compusary to have a guide. And, you don't need a climbing permit. You just have to give 1 months notice.

[Agri Dagi]

Well, my English is still weak, but as I interpret the
document what I've found on the site of Republic of
Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I have to accept your
apologise.

you too should read the particular document on
http://www.mfa.gov.tr and correct me if I'm failed by my
weak English.

This is the Protocol Concerning Mountaineering
Activities of Foreign National Citizens for Tourism And
Sports Purposes at the Mountains Located Within Military
Restricted Areas and Security Zones

I. PURPOSE:

This protocol regulates the essentials and procedures
relating to the mountaineering activities of the foreign
national citizens for tourism and sportive activity purposes
at the mountains located within the military restricted
areas and security zones in our country.

…

1. Mountaineering activities of foreign national citizens in
our country at the mountains under the scope of 2565
numbered Law on Military Restricted Areas and Security Zones
are subject to authorization within the frame of Essentials
and procedures set forth in the 9th article of Regulation on
Military Restricted Areas and Security Zones.

…

3. Regardless of the purpose of the mountaineering
activities by the foreign nationals at the mountains under
this protocol, the foreign nationals must be accompanied by
a mountain host commissioned and authorized by
Mountaineering Federation of Turkey.

…

10. This protocol is implemented and executed by the
Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Culture and
Tourism, Environment and Forestry and the Minister of the
State responsible from Youth and Sports.

You can read the entire document here: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/this-is-the-protocol-concerning-mountaineering-activities-of-foreign-national-citizens-for-tourism-and-sports-purposes-at-the-mo.en.mfa

[Diplomatic Mike]

After a brief internet surf, i found this couples account of a trip up Ararat. They went themselves but stomach problems got in the way. http://www.peakbagging.com/Turkey/AraratReport.html

I spoke to my friend and he climbed it with 2 other guys whilst on vacation in Turkey with no permit and no guide.
I've been to Turkey myself and can't think of any problems that you might have.

[Agri Dagi]

Thanks for that nice story, but they had guide on the mount as well.

"Our guide, Sinan Halic" "Sinan agreed to lead a trip with just the two of us and also to include some sightseeing after the climb."

Well, I have some experiences from there, not the first time that I'm going to see a part of Turkey. I think I can solve my problems when I need.

I was there by hitchhiking because I prefer to come to know the local people in a foreign country and I like Turkish people.

In addition I have an advantage against other nations, I'm Hungarian. Many of Turkish belive in we are brothers because they originated themselves from Attila as well as Hungarians. Even if it's just a legend for us and Turkish as well.

My experience in Turkey you can find a local person at all time who can sort out everything for you, but you too pay for it.

[Diplomatic Mike]

That's cool. Have a nice trip. If i ever decide to do it though, i would just get a cheap flight and miss out all that official stuff. :)

[Agri Dagi]

Good luck for you, when the time comes to do your own tour!

[Sven Klingemann]

As they engaged in a warm embrace … lol

[Agri Dagi]

Welcome my friend Sven. I still can save some hug for you as well. :)

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