The Caucasus region has always aroused my curiosity, from romance novels and adventure, something like an inhospitable place, half savage, great wrestlers. Many of the countries that compose it have been under the Russian orbit much of the twentieth century, such as Armenia, a mountainous country that borders Georgia with Azerbaijan and Turkey and Iran and from its capital, Yerevan, you can see the magnificent and mythological Mount Ararat.

Leaving aside the fact that they have found evidence that the history of the universal flood is much older than the version Bible, on the slope of this mountain is said to have rested at last Noah’s Ark after the rains ceased, and there have been sought for centuries, remains of this powerful boat. Also, for some, the geography of Armenia is where in the beginning of time there was the Garden of Eden. Yes, Mount Ararat is in Turkish territory, but it is the symbol of the Democratic Republic of Armenia.

The mountain measures 5165 meters and is a dormant volcano whose summit snows eternal rest. It is a site chosen by climbers and walkers and on its slopes can be practiced both sports. Furthermore, organizing tours of issue that might last several days and include an escalation to the top. To make such trips, and while tourists are meant to regulate, you have to be in good physical condition and where possible be prepared with some exercise or walking before.

Travel to Mount Ararat begin at the airport of Turkish Van, after 2 hours and a half journey to reach the town of Dogubayazit and there, before sunset, you can visit an ancient palace of the seventeenth century. The 2 days leading up the mountain by truck, others are two hours of travel, and started climbing to 2200 meters, but after 4 or 5 hours of walking we reach the base camp located at 3200 meters and there are going night. Landscapes, others are saying, are superb.

The third day of acclimation to not feel bad with the altitude, we walk at this point a few hours and spent the night in one place. During the remaining days, we went to another camp at 4200 meters and finally to the fifth day if the weather permits we reached the summit of Mount Ararat, walk over glaciers and enjoy the sunset. Do not spend the night there and come back down to Camp 2 where we spent the night before. After the tour again, we spent a day at camp and finally down the truck and takes us back to Dogubayazait time to spend the night in the hotel and give us a good shower.

The tour does not include everything and we must bring our own equipment and clothing, but it offers the processing of permits to the authorities. I have no doubt that it can be quite an experience.