Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat, or Ağrı Dağı as it is known in Turkish, stands nearby the cities of Agri and Igdir, at the border of Turkey and Iran. Rising to 5137 m, it is an inactive volcano covered with ice and snow during the whole year. The Old Testament records that it was on this mountain that Noah’s Ark came to rest after the great flood. Southwest of the mountain, the Little Mount Agri (Ararat) reaches up to 3896 m and the Serdarbulak lava plateau (2600 m) stretches out between the two peaks. The setting sun throws the shadows of the two Ararats on Armenia and Azerbaijan like two gigantesque pyramids.

Climbing the spectacular Mount Ararat is a challenge and rewarding experience for every enthusiast willing to try this. The southern side of the mountain offers the easiest and safest climb to the summit. However, it is not recommended nor permitted to climb Mount Ararat alone and without a guide.The area surrounding Mount Agri has also preserved its natural beauty and the "yayla", or the summer pastures around the mountain are not only a source for the local villagers to find fresh grazing for their herds but also a landscape that once having seen them, everyone will remember. In 2004 Mount Ararat became 35th National Park of Turkey with the decision of the Parliament.