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The Great Mount of Aрrэ (Ararat) 5137m
 Rising
at the borders of Turkey and Iran, Mount Aрrэ, an inactive
volcano capped year round with ice and snow, rises to 5137
meters. 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 meters; the Serdarbulak lava plateau (2600 m)
streches out between the two pinnacles. Climbing the spectacular
Agri is a challenging and rewarding experience.
In the summer, the weather in the area and on Mount Agri
is sunny, warm and dry. However, in the winter and spring,
cold and harsh conditions prevail, and mountain climbers
occasionally face blizzards and turbulent weather. July,
August, and September are the months when most world mountain
climbers come to the area. Climbing up Agri is most enjoyable
during this period. However, despite the usual sunny and
clear weather at that time of year, high altitude mountain
weather swirls around above 3000 meters. The southern side
of the mountain offers the easiest and safest climb to the
summit. With this route one has access to the best route
communication and transportation facilities and it is safe.
It is not recommended to climb Mount Agrì alone and
without a guide.
 GETTING
THERE
The Trabzon- Erzurum- Iran International Transit Highway,
an asphalt road skirts the western and southern flanks of
Agri before leading into Iran. Dogubeyazit, 270 km from
Erzurum and nearby Igdir, the two closest towns to the mountain,
are located on this route. Planes, trains, and buses connect
Erzurum with Ankara.
REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS
The area surrounding Agri has retained its natural beauty.
The local population still engages in a traditional life
styles. In the summer months the villagers move to the yayla,
the summer pastures, to find fresh grazing for their herds
of sheep, goats, cattle and horses. Women continue to weave
carpets and kilims in time _ honored designs; Village of
Ortulu is particularly renowned as a center of beautiful
handicrafts. Other nearby tourist attractions include the
Ishakpasha Palace, a fabulous 18th century castle of a local
potentate, and the meteor hole near the Iranian border.
Activities
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