Mount Ararat
The Resting Place For Noah’s Ark.​​​
Also known as Agrı Dagı (mountain of pain) it is the highest mountain in Turkey.
Mount Ararat, has held a significant place in the world's history.
Its two peaks, Great Ararat (Büyük Agrı, 5137 meters and Little Ararat (Küçük Agrı, 3895 meters
were revered by the people of ancient Urartu (13th to 7th centuries BC), who gave their name
(Urartu = Ararat) to the mountain.
The name Ararat has been in use since at least the 13th century BC and is what the Assyrians
called the Uraratu Kingdom and is thought to mean the ( mountain of mountains ).
Other ancient names for the mountain are Marsis or Massis (worthy of reverence)
to the Armenians and Tanniz from the Semitics.
The name Agrı for the mountain has been in place for more than 1000 years and some claim
that it is a Yakut word for “great god” while others claim that it has roots from the
word Agra which in itself is a corruption of the village of Ahora located on the northeast
slopes of the mountain.
Now days the Turkish translate for Agrı is pain, leaving the true meaning behind the word lost in the mists of history.
​
​
Trust us
you won't regret it
Ararat Mountain
Van Lake View
Khor Virap View
Mount Ararat
The Legends Of The Mountain
In different religious traditions Mount Ararat is considered to be the place where Noah’s Ark landed after the great flood.
In the Bible about the flood, God instructed Noah to build an ark and gather two of every kind of animal, and after the flood waters receded
the ark came to rest on the top of Mount Ararat.
This story is also shared in the Quran where the mountain is referred to as Mount Judi.
In Judaism Mount Ararat is also associated with the story of the Great Flood.
According to Jewish tradition, the ark landed on the mountain, and Noah and his family offered
sacrifices there.
In some stories the mountain was said to be inhabited by powerful beings who could
control the elements and were responsible for the natural phenomena of the region.
These beings were often depicted as fierce warriors or magical beings who could shape
shift into different forms.
In Turkish folklore Mount Ararat is considered a holy mountain associated with various legends
and myths.
According to one legend a young shepherd named Kara Hasan saw a beautiful maiden
on the mountain and fell in love with her.
He went to the mountain every day to meet her but one day, he slipped and fell to his death.
The maiden, who was actually a supernatural being, mourned for him and turned into a waterfall.
In the mythology of the ancient Greeks Mount Ararat was associated with the story of
Jason and the Argonauts.
According to legend the Golden Fleece was hidden on the slopes of the mountain, and Jason
and his companions journeyed there to retrieve it.
The mountain was said to be guarded by fierce creatures, including a dragon, which the heroes had to defeat in order to claim the prize.
In classical antiquity, particularly in Strabo’s Geographica, the peaks of Ararat were known in ancient Greek as (Abos) and (Nibaros).
In Urartian mythology Haldi was believed to reside on the highest peak of the region, which was often identified with the Mount Ararat.
In Urartian religion mountains were seen as sacred places where the gods could be contacted and worshipped.
Temples dedicated to Haldi and other deities were often built on high places and mountain peaks, and were designed to allow worshippers to communicate with the gods.
The association of Haldi with mountains and high places is reflected in his iconography, which often depicts him standing on a lion or riding
a bull, symbols of strength and power that were associated with the mountain god.
Overall, the mountain was seen as a symbol of Haldi’s divine power and authority, and was a central element of the Urartian religion.
The mountain was believed to be the gateway to the afterlife, and the souls of the deceased were said to ascend to the heavens from its summit.
The Urartians also believed that the mountain was the source of life giving waters that flowed down its slopes and nourished the surrounding lands.
They constructed numerous canals and aqueducts to harness these waters for irrigation and agricultural purposes.
In addition to its spiritual and cultural significance, Mount Ararat also played a strategic role in the military campaigns of the Urartian kings.
Its elevated position and natural defenses made it an ideal location for fortifications and observation posts, enabling the Urartians to monitor and control the surrounding territory.
In conclusion, Mount Ararat has deep religious and divine significance for various cultures and religions. Its association with the story of the Great Flood has made it a symbol of God’s power to cleanse the world of sin and to give a new beginning to humanity. It is also an important cultural symbol, and its beauty and significance have captured the imagination of people throughout history.
Haldi, also known as Khaldi
Are you allowed to climb Mount Ararat?
Mount Ararat National Park has a special status, and anyone who wants to climb the mountain, including Turks, must apply for permission from local authorities in advance. Once the application is approved, climbing is allowed.
​
Rocktype : Andesite.
​
Mountain Section :
South Face (Topcatan or Cetilik Koyu)
Starts either from the village of Topcatan or Cetilik Koyu.
Cross temporary summer settlements / pasture areas : Eli Yaylasi (at about 2500m) and Ibrahimkara Yaylasi
(at about 3200m).
Camp one is at 3200m, known as Yesil kamp. Camp 2 is at 4100m at the border with the snow.
​
East Face (Serdarbulak Yaylasi)
Starts from the village of Uretme Cittligi (driving form Igdir) and crosses the temporary (summer) settlements / pastures of Serdarbulak Yaylasi (2500m) and Haciosman Yaylasi (3000m).
This is the shortest route to Mt. Ararat Camp 1 is at 4200m on Mishtepe.
The Mishtepe camp is common with the Northeast Route. Fresh water from the glacier is available here.
​
Northeast Face (Haydar Dagi Yaylasi)
Start from the village of Gundogan Koyu and cross the temporary settlement / pasture of Haydar Dagi Yaylasi.
Camp 1 is at 3300m on a green plateau with yellow andesite boulders scattered around. Fresh water from the glacier rivers is available here.
Many already build fire places. If you hike a little above the plateau you'll gain over the glacier at your right side.
Camp 2 is at 4200m on Mishtepe and is a rocky terrace at the limit with the snow. Water from the glacier is available here as well during the summer.
The snow starts soon after leaving the camp and long but easy climb brings you on top of Mt. Ararat (Agri Dagi).