Armenians call this mountain the Giant - in circumference it reaches 40 kilometers. Meltwater draining from the tops of Ararat, turns part of the Anatolian plain into fertile land. The peak of the mountain is called Agri-Dagi, which means "mountain of suffering". It rises above the plain of the Arake River and looks like something unearthly compared to the harsh landscape.

First of all, Ararat is famous due to biblical legends. According to one of the versions, it was to this mountain that Noah's ark came after the waters of the World Flood overflowed.

First of all, Ararat is famous not for its natural beauty of the slopes, but due to biblical legends. According to one of the versions, it was to this mountain that Noah's ark came after the flood of the world flood. The book does not give exact instructions, but Armenians believe that the ark sailed to Mount Agri-Dagi. Also, residents of the country are sure that Armenians were the first who populated the Earth after the flood.

How to get

Today, Mount Ararat is on the border of Armenia and Turkey and 16 km from Iran..In fact, this is the territory of Turkey, which, incidentally, does not prevent Armenians from counting these places as part of their great history..You can get to Mount Ararat both from Turkey, where it is located, and from Armenia, where more beautiful species are opened..Since the crossing of the Armenian border can be complicated, it is easier for Russians to get through Turkey .So, you can fly to Istanbul, and from there - by bus or car drive to Dugubayzita, a city located near Mount Ararat .There you can find a good guide that will take you to the foot of the famous mountain and to the most interesting and meaningful dreams of it..

If you want to make an ascent, then you can join the climbing club of Dugubayzit. You can also fly to Yerevan and go from there on an excursion to Ararat and its surroundings.

Search for air tickets to Yerevan (nearest a / p to Ararat)

Climate of Ararat

The mountain climate is not very hospitable, therefore, hotels offering accommodation at the foot have, as a rule, wall heaters to provide comfortable accommodation to their guests .The climate of the Ararat plain is arid .In January, the average air temperature drops to -5 ºС, in July it rises to +25 ºС .Naturally, the presence of mountain relief adds a twist to the weather conditions of these places - between different corners there can be a big difference both in height and in climatic conditions and the surrounding nature .Mountainous rocky ridges, flowering valleys, azure waters, peaks of volcanoes - Ararat never tires of astonishing travelers .

Entertainment, excursions and attractions of Ararat

Ararat National Park in Turkey

To date, Mount Ararat is part of the National Park of Turkey, an area of ​​more than 87 thousand hectares. Every year, crowds of tourists come here to not only climb the mountain, but also to see with their own eyes the famous glaciers and ice caves where, according to legend, once Noah's Ark was located. Glacier of St. James - the longest of the glaciers of Ararat: about two kilometers.

Friendly local people are always ready to share interesting stories and legends about these places. Moreover, most tourists come here just to see and feel with their own eyes the great history of this place, considered the cradle of life on earth.

Sights of Armenia

In addition to Ararat with its glaciers, tourists are attracted to other interesting places in the vicinity of the mountain. In Armenia it is, for example, the Khor Virap Monastery, an ancient architectural monument of Armenia, considered to be the most sacred and revered temple for Armenians, a unique place of faith attracting tourists from all over the world.

Monastery Khor Virap is an ancient architectural monument of Armenia, considered to be the most sacred and revered temple for Armenians, a unique place of faith attracting tourists from all over the world.

The monastery is on the hill of Maly Vedi village in the Ararat region. According to legend, Gregory the Illuminator for preaching Christianity was thrown into a deep pit, which is located on the territory of the monastery. When Grigory miraculously cured King Trdat III, who threw him into the pit, from a serious illness, he freed Gregory and proclaimed Christianity as the official state religion. The monastery has a very convenient location - it is located near Mount Ararat, which allows you to contemplate this legendary attraction.

Ararat
You can go on a bus tour to the monastery of Khor Virap from Yerevan, contacting one of the many travel agencies. So, the cost of guide services, transportation costs, entrance tickets and soft drinks in a group of several people will cost you about 5-6 thousand Russian rubles.

The Khosrov Reserve, also located on the territory of Armenia deserves special attention. The reserve was established in 1958 and covers an area of ​​about 30 thousand hectares. More than 1,500 species of plants grow on the territory of the Khosrov Reserve, of which 146 are listed in the Red Book. Landscapes and views of the reserve are amazing with their beauty.

If you travel from Armenia, also visit the city of Dvin, the capital of ancient Armenia, now destroyed, but retained memories of old times in the wreckage of ancient buildings, ancient hills, ruins of the fortress and palaces, half-ruined cathedral.

Ihak Pasha Palace in Turkey

A lot of attractions from Turkey - for example, the magnificent palace of Yitzhak Pasha in Bayazet, built in the 18th century .Decorating the valley architectural ensemble of red volcanic stone can be seen from afar - for several kilometers .Its scale surpasses the usual concept of "palace" - it is a grandiose complex that includes several buildings at once: a facade, two palaces, a mosque, a harem, halls for entertainment and ceremonies, barns with ammunition and food, a mausoleum, a bakery and many $ .dr .The palace of Yitzhak Pasha is of great value as a pearl of Turkic architecture and architectural craftsmanship .

Palace of Yitzhak Pasha