The two highest mountains in Turkey, Mount Ararat (16,945 ft.) and Suphan Dagi (14,547 ft.), are both isolated volcanoes in the extreme east of the country.

Mount Ararat is a snow-capped volcanic cone, located in extreme northeast Turkey, ten miles west of Iran, and 20 miles south of Armenia. A smaller cone, Little Ararat (12,877 ft.) rises just southeast of the main peak. The noble mountain rises in isolation above the surrounding plains and valleys, providing an extensive panorama for those who climb it.

Ararat is a holy mountain. Its sacredness comes from the Old Testament legend of Noah, whose ark came to rest on Ararat following the great flood.

Ararat has no crater, and no eruption has ever been recorded. However, an earthquake rocked the mountain in 1840, burying a chapel, convent, and village that had previously occupied the slopes. Today Nomadic Kurds reside on the mountain, migrating between the valleys and high pastures with their herds of cattle and sheep.

Facts of Mt.Ararat

• Other names/spellings       - Agri Dagi
• Elevation (feet)                 - 16,945
• Elevation (meters)            - 5,165
• Location                           - Middle East
• Latitude                            - 39'42' N
• Longitude                         - 44'18' E
• Best Climbing Months      - July, August, September
• Year First Climbed           - 1829
• First Climber(s)                - Frederic Parot
• Volcanic Status                 - Extinct
• Most Recent Eruption       - None
• Convenient Center(s)        - Dogubayazit, Turkey
• Nearest Major Airport      - Van, Turkey