Mount Ararat is one of the most iconic landmarks of not just one, but two nations—Armenia and Turkey. Many people may not know this, but Ararat can rightfully claim the title of the tallest mountain in the world—if judged by relative height. While Everest towers at an absolute elevation of 8,848 meters above sea level, its prominence from base to summit is only about 3,300 meters. In contrast, Ararat rises 4,365 meters above its surrounding terrain, making it uniquely dominant and visually more imposing despite its overall height of 5,165 meters.
Standing as the highest peak of the Armenian Highlands, Ararat features two majestic summits. Greater Ararat soars to 5,122 meters, while its companion, Lesser Ararat, reaches 3,896 meters. The two peaks are separated by the Sardar Bulak Saddle, an 11-kilometer-long natural corridor.
Technically speaking, Ararat isn’t a mountain in the strictest sense—it’s a volcano. Geological evidence suggests that volcanic activity in the region began around ten million years ago. The current summit of Greater Ararat, however, only took shape about 200,000 years ago. Its most violent period occurred during the third millennium BCE. Scientists discovered tools from the Early Bronze Age buried within ancient lava flows, confirming that people once lived near the volcano—only for their settlements to be wiped out by a catastrophic eruption.
But the mountain’s danger did not end in antiquity. One of its most devastating eruptions occurred in 1840, preceded by a powerful earthquake. Torrents of molten lava engulfed entire villages at the foot of the mountain, killing thousands. After examining the site, geologists concluded that the eruption was accompanied by a phreatic explosion—a colossal blast triggered when searing magma met subterranean ice. The ice vaporized instantly, resulting in a violent eruption of steam, ash, and rock. That event marked the last known eruption of Mount Ararat. Today, the volcano is officially classified as dormant.
The ideal time to visit Ararat depends on the type of journey you’re planning. There are three main ways to explore this majestic mountain, each with its own season.
Trekking Adventures:
The best time for trekking along the mountain trails is between mid-June and September. During these months, most slopes are snow-free, and summer brings calmer winds and clearer skies—perfect conditions for hiking and outdoor exploration.
Scenic Viewpoints:
For those who prefer to admire the mountain from afar, panoramic viewpoints are accessible year-round. However, the most favorable months for clear views are April–May and September–October. During these periods, the weather is mild and sunny, with little rainfall and many cloudless days to catch an unobstructed glimpse of the snowy peaks.
Climbing to the Summit:
Summiting Ararat is best attempted in summer. Because mountain weather can be unpredictable, it’s wise to schedule a few extra days in your itinerary in case of sudden fog or storms. Typically, conditions improve within a day or two. Note that a climbing permit is required and is checked by border authorities. Fortunately, local tour companies in the nearby Turkish town of Doğubayazıt can help arrange the necessary paperwork and provide experienced guides for the ascent.
Few mountains in the world are as steeped in legend as Ararat. Towering and solemn, it has long captured the imagination of poets, pilgrims, and seekers. Most of the myths surrounding it are rooted in the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, which, according to the Book of Genesis, came to rest on the “mountains of Ararat” after the Great Flood. The idea that the remains of the ark might still lie hidden among the icy slopes has spurred countless expeditions and feverish hopes of discovery.
The first reported modern account of the ark’s possible remnants came in 1916, from the crew of a Russian military aircraft flying over the mountain. Throughout the 20th century, explorers and adventurers scoured the massif for any sign. In 1955, French climber Fernand Navarra claimed to have found wooden planks beneath layers of snow and ice. Excitement soared—until radiocarbon testing revealed the wood to be just 1,400 years old, far too recent to belong to the vessel of Noah.
The origins of the name “Ararat” are as mysterious as the mountain itself, with multiple traditions offering different explanations:
– The Biblical Tradition
According to the Old Testament, Noah’s Ark came to rest “in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat” (Genesis 8:4). In this context, “Ararat” refers to the ancient kingdom of Urartu, rather than a single peak. Over time, however, the name became inextricably linked to the lone volcanic giant believed to cradle the ark.
– The Assyrian Version
Another theory traces the name to the Assyrian rendering of “Urartu,” the Iron Age kingdom that flourished at the mountain’s base between the 9th and 6th centuries BCE. Linguists and historians often associate the evolution of “Urartu” into “Ararat” with the way names were transcribed and translated across languages and empires.
– The Babylonian Legend
A more romantic origin emerges from ancient Babylonian lore. As the story goes, the Armenian king Ara the Beautiful once spurned the advances of Queen Semiramis of Babylon. Enraged by rejection, she sent her armies against him. In the ensuing battle, Ara was fatally wounded. Semiramis, tormented by grief, ordered his dying body brought to her tent, where he passed away in her arms. In her sorrow, she commanded that his body be laid at the foot of the mountain where he had fallen. According to this legend, the mountain was named “Ararat” in honor of the fallen king.
There are stunning viewpoints offering panoramas of Mount Ararat on both the Armenian and Turkish sides. The route you choose depends on the country you’re visiting and the landmarks you hope to explore along the way.
From Armenia
Your journey will begin in Yerevan. From the Armenian capital, the easiest route to a close-up view of Ararat is to drive to the Khor Virap Monastery—roughly an hour away. The monastery sits just beside the border with Turkey, and the nearby viewpoint offers the most iconic postcard view of the mountain, with both peaks clearly visible on a clear day.
If you’re pressed for time, you can still enjoy a spectacular view of Ararat right from Yerevan itself. The best vantage point within the city is the fifth and highest terrace of the monumental “Cascades” complex. This giant stairway of stone and fountains rises nearly 100 meters above the city, lifting you above the skyline and providing a breathtaking panorama of the snowcapped Ararat, looming like a guardian over the capital. On clear days, it feels so close that you could almost reach out and touch it.
From Turkey
The most convenient international hub for reaching Ararat from the Turkish side is Istanbul. From there, you’ll need to make your way to the town of Doğubayazıt, nestled at the foot of the mountain. Though Doğubayazıt has no airport of its own, it’s easily accessible from several nearby cities.
The closest airport is in Iğdır, about 50 kilometers away. Slightly farther is Ağrı, located 100 kilometers from Doğubayazıt. The city of Van, with its larger airport and better transport links, lies approximately 170 kilometers away. From any of these, you can reach Doğubayazıt by bus, taxi, or private transfer.
Once in town, you can enjoy splendid views of Mount Ararat from nearly every corner—its immense silhouette rising silently above the rooftops, both a landmark and a legend.
