Mt Ararat offers a challenging climb. Unlike the Kackars, it has no green glens, canyons, rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.  It is a bare mountain with a majestic peak which is difficult to reach.

Water is sparse on the mountain.  In general, it is very difficult to find water outside the designated camp grounds. Since the source for this water is melted “wormy” snow, drinking it may cause diarrhea. Therefore it is advisable to bring filters and/or disinfectants.

Agri is covered with volcanic rocks.  It exhibits the characteristics of all volcanic mountains, that is, slopes with a gentle initial incline become steep very quickly as the elevation increases.  There are no trees on this mountain, climbers should not dream of resting on green grass under a shade tree.

There is 2 main camp site over  south route. 3200m and 4200m. The greenest area is at camp 3200m, and it is only 1000 m2. It is used for tents only.  Camp 4200 m is rocky.  The space for 20-30 tents is packed earth which has been cleared of rocks.  If needed, one can pitch tents on leveled rocks.  It is difficult to sleep at this camp, because of sulphorous emissions from the rocks.

Environmental protection is not enforced.  Therefore one frequently encounters garbage. There no rest areas for toilet facilities, but the dirt accumulated in secluded spots used for bathroom purposes, is washed away with the winter snow. 

The southern route from camp 3200 to the peak is equipped with signs bearing the coordinates.  But most of the posts have been demolished either by people or the harsh winds.

The view from the peak, on a clear day, is extraordinary.  To the east and south  you can see into Iran and Armenia , the Suphan dag and sometime the Lake Van .  To the north, the Kackar Mountains and the Caucuses may be visible.

Ararat Mountain generates its own weather conditions; it is not wise to depend on weather forecasts.  The peak is subject to severe winds, and sudden changes in temperature.  Every year several deaths have been recorded due to weather conditions. One has to be equipped for the worst, and one has to know when to quit.

After you leave Doguayazit, you can reach the village of Eli at 2200 m. In fact the road could take you to 2800 m but, in the severe winter in 2002 damaged the higher portion of the road.  That is to say to one has to walk after reaching 2200m.  There is however, no difficulty in finding mules.  In fact, the mule packers will find you whether or not you want to find mules. 

Rental prices for mules are a matter of bargain.  Usually one mule carries three backpacks.  The mule packers will insist on two backpacks a mule if the packs are over 25 kg. In general, the mules are rented for the whole climb, the rental is for the distances 2800-3200; 3200-4200 and 4200-2800 and should be between 190 Euro and 210 Euro each mule  

Sometimes the packers will ask separate prices for the mules and the packers.  This mode of payment is to be avoided.  Bargain for a single price for the packer, the mule and for the whole trip, both the ascending and descending parts.  If you provide meals for the packer, and a bit of extra money the packer may be persuaded to look after your tent while you climb.  The packer may also carry you smaller bags like the sharpas.

Mount Ararat or Mount Agri
Feet: 16,945
Meter: 5,137
Longitude: 44° 18' E
Latitude: 39° 42' N
Best Season for climb: July, Agust, and mid September.
First Climb: 1829 Frederic Parot
Airports: Agri, Van, Kars, Erzurum.
Place for Accomodation: Dogubayazit.

Camping Equipment:

If you go with a tour, most of the camping equipment will be provided by the agency.  For example Buklamania will provide, free of charge, Expedition tents,  70 backpacks, sleeping bags that are   at -18 centigrade,   2 cm thick mats, semi automatic crampons, ice picks, safety belts... 

Tent: Expedition tent. Suitable for winter conditions. 
Sleeping bag: Min -15C
Rucksuck: 40 and 70 lt.  (If there is a mule for carrying, type of rucksuck is not important)
Mat: 2 cm thick
Gaiter: Gore-Tex will be best
Balaklava: Preserving your nose, ears and mouth
Hat: Fleece hats ara suitable.
Socks: Mountaineer socs are suitable.
Gloves: Polypropilen gloves inside the  Fleece gloves. and Gore Tex cover.
Underwear: Synthetic easy dry underwears
Mid wear: Windproof fleece
Up wear: Breathable gore-tex jacket and panth
Glasses: Full protected glasses like ski glasess
Compass: GPS or claasical compasses
Survival Kit: Full equiped.

Technical Equipment
Stone: MSR Whisperlite Int 600 (If you will join a company organisation you do not need this. because all food organisation is made by them.)
Boot: Waterproof, vibram, and semi aotomatic crampon attachable boots.
Crampon: Suitable for your boots
Axe: suitable for your height
Helmet 
Harness
Rope: 50m 9mm static rope
Carabin: at least 6 carabin
Perlon: 10m x 2
Ice Crew: 4 crew
Other equipments for station.

Foods
Dehidrate expedition foods
Isostar
Traditional mountain menus.