When did you set a goal to climb Ararat?

I have always dreamed of something fantastic – this is my habit. As a child I  would imagine that I had wings and then could fly. Now, as an adult, I think the most important thing in life is to set a goal. Everything you plan will definitely come true, you just have to want it. Ararat has never been an unattainable dream to me.

What kind of obstacles did you face?

No matter how difficult the path to our goal may be, we should remember that any obstacle seems insurmountable, but only if you look at it from the bottom up. Figuratively speaking, I walked towards my goal until a mountain path opened up to me, leading to the very top of Ararat.

How did you imagine the ascent to Ararat?

To put in a nutshell, the events that I worried and thought about just did not happen. For this reason I think as if “vice versa”: trying not to think about the good, so as not to bring bad luck. But I needed some time to think about my actions in the event of possible difficulties.

How difficult was it in reality?

It was beautiful. The ascent was inexplicably beautiful. I got unforgettable memories.

Again, no unexpected or unwanted things happened during the descent.

What were your thoughts when on the peak of the mountain?

I remember our group went up. It seemed to me that there were about 10 steps left to the top. And suddenly I noticed that the guys stopped and even started doing photos. And then I thought: “Have we already arrived? This is the top?!”

What is one word to describe your emotions at that moment?

I don’t know if it was because of the blindingly bright light or the lack of oxygen, but up there I felt a little lost. My mind was in turmoil. I was in a state of indescribably strong euphoria, which was arising with every step as we were climbing to the top of Ararat.

What was your most memorable moment?

It was when I was blinded for a few seconds by the whiteness of the snow-capped peak and looked around for someone to hug. Your ascent becomes truly completed only after you have had friendly hugs with the guys who  overcame all difficulties and reached the peak of Mount Ararat with you.

Has climbing Mount Ararat changed your life?

You know, it’s not the mountains themselves that change us, but the journeys to them. And it was on the way to their peaks, on snowy mountain paths, that my life changed 5165 degrees and 5165 times. Returning from a mountain hike and descending “down’, I look at life with different eyes.

What has Ararat become to you?

Now Ararat is one of those mountains I am not able to live without. “Talking” to Ararat has become a spiritual need for me. Looking at Ararat, I smile as if meeting an old friend – kind and sweet.

Are you planning to climb Ararat again?

Yes. And it makes me think about a story. It happened at an old cemetery near the village of Akoriat several years ago. I came very close to the foot of Mount Ararat then. I remember the view of Ararat seemed very impressive and mysterious. And I am sure there are many more interesting places from where you can enjoy the view of this mountain. So returning to Ararat – it’s not just about climbing to its top from my point of view.

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

If climbing Ararat is your cherished dream, it will definitely come true. As some people say, if you strive for the light, you need to follow it, and then the cherished light will finally light up in your heart.

 

Astghik Torosyan

Read more about Ararat ascent here.

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