24-25 May 2025 | Strabon’s Argeus, Spring Climbing To The Central Anatolian’s Highest Mountain
This climb is a true mountaineering event for those who want to experience real mountaineering. Central Anatolian mountains, still covered with snow in this season, offer breathtaking views and exciting climbing routes, making them irresistible. We invite you to an exhilarating climb!
Mount Erciyes, standing at 3,917 meters, is the highest peak in Central Anatolia and one of Turkey’s largest volcanoes. It is one of our top choices, especially for short yet enjoyable climbs. There are multiple routes to the summit, featuring short technical sections. We recommend this climb to participants who are proficient in using ice axes and crampons, have basic mountaineering and camping experience. This event will be particularly beneficial for those aiming to challenge themselves and take on more technical climbs in the future.
This is a camping-based event, and our campsite will be set up in the heart of Erciyes, in the area known as Çoban İni. Depending on snow conditions, weather, and the state of our team, we will choose one of several alternative routes to reach the summit. It is worth emphasizing that this is a serious mountaineering activity.
The most unforgettable moment of this climb will undoubtedly be the breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains from the summit! Don’t forget to bring your cameras.
This ascent is also a great preparatory activity for our upcoming expeditions to higher mountains this year. Remember, this time it’s different, this time it’s with Montis!
Day 1: Departure from Ankara by private vehicle. Arrival at Erciyes Ski Facilities. Ascent to the campsite.Day 2: Erciyes summit climb. Packing up the camp, preparation, and return to Ankara.
Mountaineering 3/8 – Moderate: Suitable for fit individuals, such as weekend hikers. These tours involve short trekking days at medium altitudes, with one long summit day. The hikes usually take place on well-defined trails and routes. There may be low-angle snow crossings or short, easy rock climbing sections that do not require safety equipment. Ropes and belay gear are generally not necessary. No prior climbing experience is required.
Click here to see all difficulty levels.
The operation of chairlifts depends on weather conditions and maintenance operations carried out by Erciyes AŞ. Our company is not responsible for any chairlifts that cannot be operated. In such cases, alternative chairlift routes may be used, or participants may need to hike to the campsite.
For this tour, at least 2 tour leaders will accompany groups of 8-14 people to provide guidance and support.
In this tour, camping equipment and personal technical equipment (tent, sleeping mat, helmet, ice axe, crampons) are provided free of charge.
Meals at Camp
An additional fee of 35 € applies for single occupancy in a tent.
Day 1: Departure from Ankara – Arrival at Erciyes Ski Facilities – Ascent to Camp
We will depart from Ankara at 06:00 AM. According to our plan, we will arrive in Kayseri around noon. We will take a short break in the city for last-minute shopping and lunch. Without wasting much time, we will head towards the Erciyes ski facilities.
After a short preparation at the ski center, we will take the chairlift up to approximately 2,750 meters (Please note that chairlift operations may be suspended due to maintenance or other reasons). From there, a relatively short hike will bring us to our campsite.
Our camp location is the Çobanini Plateau, a flat area known among mountaineers. Welcome to the playground of true mountaineering! Resting well is crucial, as we will begin our ascent at dawn.
Day 2: Erciyes Summit Climb – Camp Breakdown – Return to Ankara
We will set off in the early hours of the morning. Our route will be determined by our experienced mountain leaders, selecting the safest and most suitable path based on snow and weather conditions. We may encounter short technical sections along the way.
While others are still asleep or just beginning breakfast, you will be standing at the summit of Mount Erciyes. Below us, the cities and plains stretch out, while in the distance, the majestic peaks of Central Anatolia will complete the breathtaking panorama. Don’t forget your camera!
After a short break to enjoy the view, we will carefully begin our descent, retracing our route back to camp. Once we have rested and packed up, we will descend to the ski facilities, where we plan to take advantage of the chairlift for the descent.
Before heading back, you’ll also have a chance to experience the rich flavors of Kayseri cuisine!
Tents for accomodation.
For Participants Arriving with Their Own Vehicles:The meeting point is Erciyes Tekir Kapı Ski Facilities.
For Participants from Ankara:
06:00 – MONTIS Trips & Expedition OfficeTunus Cad. Üniversite Bus StopsDeparture Time: 06:15
Milli Kütüphane (National Library) FrontDeparture Time: 06:25
Ankara Train StationDeparture Time: 06:50
For Participants Arriving by Bus from Distant Cities:
Ankara Intercity Bus TerminalMeeting Time: 07:00
For Participants Arriving by Air from Distant Cities:
Kayseri City CenterPlease contact our office for meeting points, times, and suitable flight options. You can also purchase flight tickets through our office. For flight ticket needs, inform us during reservation or email us at bilet@montis.com.tr.
For Participants from Nearby Cities:
Kayseri City CenterContact our office for meeting points and times.Participants arriving from outside Ankara must confirm meeting and return details by contacting us.
Backpack:A backpack large enough to carry essentials during the activity is important. For camping climbs and winter activities, we do not recommend carrying items in your hands or strapped outside the backpack. A 55–65L trekking/mountaineering backpack is ideal for such activities.Note: You can combine both needs in one backpack. Backpacks with ice axe and crampon attachments are ideal. Rain covers, now standard on many backpacks, are essential for rainy weather. If your backpack lacks a rain cover, we recommend purchasing one separately.
Hiking Boots:For your health, avoid walking long distances in flexible or soft-soled shoes. If you are a regular hiker, we recommend investing in sturdy, orthopedic trekking boots. For winter climbs, insulated, rigid, and high-ankle mountaineering boots are essential. Waterproofing is also crucial during wet seasons.
Spare Sports Shoes:We recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes for comfort during travel and as a backup after hikes.
Socks:Synthetic trekking socks with reinforced soles and toe areas are more comfortable and healthier for hiking. Always carry a spare pair. Winter mountaineering and ski socks are suitable for cold weather.
Gloves & Beanie:During cold seasons, it’s important to carry a pair of gloves (inner, mid, and outer layers) and a beanie. Beanies that cover the ears are ideal for outdoor activities. Don’t forget spares in case of wet conditions. Balaclavas, buffs, and ear warmers are also recommended.
Hat:We recommend carrying a wide-brimmed hat that covers your neck in all seasons. Bandanas and buffs are also great alternatives or additions.
Rain Jacket / Technical Jacket:Lightweight, breathable, and waterproof rain jackets or anoraks are highly recommended. Gore-Tex or similar materials are preferred for their breathability and waterproofing.
Fleece Jacket & Insulating Layers:Fleece jackets and half-zip fleece sweaters are lightweight, moisture-resistant, and ideal for outdoor activities. Avoid wool and cotton as they retain moisture and lose insulation when wet. Down-filled jackets are heavy and bulky, so breathable rain jackets paired with fleece layers are more comfortable.
Pants:Synthetic or semi-synthetic trekking pants are recommended. Denim and cotton materials are unsuitable as they restrict movement and dry slowly. For winter climbs, windproof and waterproof shell pants are essential.
Base Layers:Bring at least one set of synthetic base layers.
Food & Drinks:Lunch is not included in this activity. We recommend bringing practical snacks. For hiking tours, carry 1.5–2L of water. Sugary drinks are not recommended as they increase thirst. You can also bring hot drinks in a thermos, especially during autumn and winter.
Thermos:We recommend carrying a plastic or steel thermos (not glass) for hot drinks during activities far from the campsite.
Headlamp / Flashlight:Days are short during winter hikes, so always be prepared for darkness. A headlamp is essential year-round.
Camera:Bring a camera with extra film or memory cards and batteries. Protect your camera in wet or rainy conditions.
Sunglasses:UV-protected sunglasses are essential for outdoor activities, especially during snowy winter days to prevent retina burns or snow blindness.
Sunscreen, Moisturizer, & Lip Balm:We recommend high-SPF (at least 45) sunscreen year-round.
First Aid & Medication:MONTIS Trips & Expeditions guides carry comprehensive first aid kits and are certified in International Wilderness First Aid (ECSII). However, always carry personal medications and a small first aid kit.
Environmental Note:We leave no trace in nature. Please ensure all items brought on hiking tours are taken back after use. Carry a small trash bag or reuse plastic bags for waste.
Repair Kit:A small repair kit with needles, thread, duct tape, etc., is always useful during camps.
Tent:If bringing your own tent, 4-season models are recommended.
Sleeping Bag:Minimum comfort rating of -10°C to -15°C.
Sleeping Pad:At least 10mm foam pads or inflatable mats for better comfort.
Stove:All camping stoves are suitable for this trip, provided they are well-maintained and safe.
Fuel:
For gasoline stoves: 0.5L of unleaded gasoline per person.
For butane/propane stoves: 2 small cartridges per tent.
Stove Repair Kit:Always useful if your stove has an original repair kit.
Cookware Set:A 2-piece set with a lid is sufficient. Lidded pots save energy.
Cup:Lightweight, unbreakable, and preferably with a handle.
Utensils:Lightweight, unbreakable fork and spoon sets.
Matches or Lighter:Essential for stoves. Use waterproof matches or flint lighters. Magnetic lighters may fail at high altitudes.
Knife or Multi-tool:Always useful to have on hand.
All technical equipment is provided free of charge by our company. Please specify during reservation.
Participants should be prepared for sudden weather changes and unexpected heavy rainfall.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items.
Guides can provide hot drinks and water. Bring a plastic or steel thermos to carry hot drinks during hikes.
Avoid overpacking extra food. Plan meals carefully to simplify preparation.
Participants organize their own meals during this camp.
As it’s a short camp, a detailed meal plan is unnecessary.
Simple cold sandwiches are sufficient.
Alternatively, you can create a delicious camp kitchen with a basic stove, cookware, and easy-to-carry food.
You can find the difficulty levels of our tours at:https://montis.com.tr/tur-zorluk-dereceleri/
