The choice of your mountain companions is crucial

My friend Dalar, who knew I had been dreaming of climbing Ararat, made me fulfill my dream. I realized there was no point in putting it off any longer.

Climbing Ararat / Nare Manukyan

Dalar’s emotional support, coupled with the active formation of a group of hikers planning to climb Mount Ararat, strengthened my determination. And I made a final decision when I found out my close friends would be in the group. After all, it is very important to know with whom you are going to the mountains.

I have never experienced such emotions

Frankly speaking, I wouldn’t say that I remained calm throughout the entire ascent. Of course, I experienced that feeling of anxiety associated with being at high altitude. I didn’t know how my body would react to such high altitude, or what if it would be unbearably cold and if I, as an inexperienced hiker, would not be able to put on my crampons correctly. Yes, I was worried, but everyone experiences similar feelings when encountering new and unusual situations.

The members of our group were generally in a cheerful mood and the atmosphere was unforgettable. To be honest those few moments spent on the top of Mount Ararat were one of the best in my life. I have never experienced such emotions. No trip I had done before impressed me as much. I remember how we greeted the sunrise on the last day of the ascent. The view of the rising sun against the backdrop of the mountains was magnificent! I should also note that the organization of this trip was perfect. Our guides were people with extensive experience. So we were just following their instructions and having a whale of time.

Those 10 minutes to the top of Mount Ararat

Many interesting and exciting events happened during our seven-day tour. However, what stuck in my mind the most were the last few steps to the top of Mount Ararat. Some members of the group were moving faster than the main group, allowing them to reach the top first. Someone was behind, and I found myself walking right in the middle, humming a song. There were some people from different groups on the top of Mount Ararat then. We were hugging those strangers as if they were our long-lost friends. I deeply regret not having a professional film camera at that moment; we could have created a wonderful short film from the footage of our ten-minute experience. Approaching the top, I could already distinguish the faces of my friends Arthur, Dalar and Mariam. They were smiling and looking at me and chatting with each other. Although I couldn’t hear their voices from such a distance, I might say they looked very cute. I was very happy and proud of myself when I finally joined my friends on the very top of Mount Ararat.

My condition, both physiological and psychological, could be described as “weathered”. All the groups were mixed up on the top of Ararat. Questions and requests echoed through the space: “Can I take a photo with you?”, “From which side of Ararat can you see Armenia?”, “Oh, I’m cold. When will we go down?”, “Is this your glove?”, etc. People were talking simultaneously so that nothing could be heard. My emotions and thoughts were jumbled so much that I still can’t even remember myself at that moment.

The 5165 meters that enriched my life

You know, I did not return from Mount Ararat empty-handed. The gifts I got from it are increased self-confidence, a fantastically beautiful sunrise in the mountains, several new friends, a couple of songs and many warm memories.

From my point of view, Ararat is not only a mountain everyone knows. Reaching the top of Mount Ararat helped me feel a special connection with it. It is not just Ararat, it is “my” Ararat now. Yes, I consider Ararat “mine”. When I walk around the city and look at this majestic mountain, I feel so comfortable. I want to reach the top of Ararat again.

What would you advise to people who are dreaming of climbing Mount Ararat?

Do some training before, take part in various ascents, find enthusiasts who dream of climbing Ararat just like you. Of course, you can do it without any preliminary training, but then your ascent will be too difficult and exhausting. Anyway, it seems to me that climbing Ararat should bring you immense joy.

Nare Manukyan