Description
Ararat, the highest mountain in Turkey, stands at a towering 5165 metres above sea level. Locally known as Agi, this extinct volcano's last eruption occurred a staggering 10,000 years ago. Remarkably, despite its dormancy, Ararat still emits fumes that reduce the oxygen levels in the air. Much like Kilimanjaro, Ararat is a free-standing mountain, rising abruptly from the surrounding desert landscape. Its peak comprises two summits, with one reaching 5165 metres and the other standing at 3900 metres, separated by the Serdebulak pass at 2600 metres.
This majestic mountain is situated near the borders of Iran and Armenia, within an area predominantly inhabited by Kurds. It holds significant national importance for Armenia, as it is their national mountain. According to biblical accounts, the first person to reach its summit was Noah, whose Ark came to rest there after the Great Flood. To this day, numerous expeditions venture to Ararat, not only to conquer its peak but also in pursuit of the elusive Ark.
In modern times, the first ascent of Ararat's summit was achieved by Frederick Parrot in 1829. Following in his footsteps, the Polish climber Jozef Chodzko reached the summit during a blizzard, navigating through the challenging Serdebulak Pass. The optimal season for climbing Ararat spans from June to September. Although the technical difficulty of the ascent is relatively low, climbers must equip themselves with crampons and ice axes to navigate the snow.
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