Ski Touring in E. Turkey & Mt. Ararat (5137m)
Ski Touring above Lake Van in Eastern Turkey
The ski ascent of 'Artos' (3556m) on the south side of Lake Van, Turkey
Steep skiing off the N. side of Mount 'Artos' (3556m)
This fine ski peak can be done as an excellent day tour from a hotel base in the city of Van, Eastern Turkey. The Hakkari Mountain Range run south to the border with Iraq.
Fresh Fish Sandwich by the Golden Hourn Fish Market, Istanbul
A culinary highlight of any trip to Istanbul / Turkey and at 4 Turkish Lira a cheap & healthy meal!
The Famous Turkish Doner Kebab, Istanbul
All part of the culinary extravaganza of a trip to Turkey where fresh fruit, salad & vegetables feature highly in every meal and it is extremely easy to get your '5 a day!' Of course there are a lot of Kebabs, Baklava, Tukish delight, Efes beer, Raki and coffee too!
Akdamar Kilisesi (Church of the Holy Cross), Lake Van
Impressive 10th century church with immaculate Armenian carvings of biblical stories. A great view point of some of the fine ski touring peaks around Lake Van, Eastern Turkey.
Seljuk Cemetary, Ahlat
Lichen covered volcanic tuff headstones on the north shore of Lake Van. Small tortoises cruise the grounds.
Approaching Suphan Dagi (Mount Suphan, 4053m)
Mount Suphan is a fine and quite long (1700m & 7 hour) days ski touring and good acclimatisation for Mount Ararat (5137m)
Atmospheric Cumulus Build-up at 3500m on the ascent of Mount Suphan
Ski Touring around Lake Van, Eastern Turkey
The Ski Descent of Mount Suphan, Southeastern Anatolia
Ski Touring with the turquoise waters of Lake Van in the background
The hardy villagers of 'Elikoyu' and their ponies assist in the load carry to Mount Ararat Base Camp
The Ararat road head is reached in a bumpy 40min drive from the frontier town of 'Dogubayazit' near the Turkish - Iranian border
The ski ascent of Mount Ararat means springtime (april / May) which means wild flowers on the walk to Base Camp
Please send me flower name if you recognise it
Our excellent Turkish guide, 'Yildirin' regales the team with stories at Ararat Base Camp (C. 2900m)
At just under 3000m Ararat Base Camp was at the snow line and provided a good introductory night sleeping at altitude
Leaving Ararat High Camp in Mixed Weather on Summit Day
Poor weather descended the mountain to greet us and foil our Ararat summit plans. Another one to 'go back for!'
