When did you set a goal to climb Ararat?

It takes some time for a dream to “mature”, you know. More than a year passed before I realized it was the right time to make my dream come true.

What kind of obstacles did you face?

The only obstacle was my internal doubts whether I really deserved the boundless happiness of being on the top of Ararat, the legendary mountain from the Old Testament. Those doubts dissipated when I realized that I had freedom of choice. After all, the final decision is made by me and me only.

How did you imagine the ascent to Ararat?

I guess, everyone who completes the ascent to Ararat wants it to be a moment of triumph when you raise the flag of your country with tears of joy in your eyes and congratulate your peers. Of course, I dreamed about it too. But at the same time, I realized the ascent wouldn’t be easy, and everything in reality might be different, not as I had imagined it.

And what was it like in reality?

It took me almost two months to fully understand my feelings on the ascent. It’s hard to describe in words, you know. Besides, I’ll probably never want to share such deep experiences with someone else. Maybe there is something that a person experiences differently. Perhaps it seems selfish, but I would like to save these feelings and emotions for myself only. The only thing I say is that my ascent to Ararat was a unique experience that gave me completely new emotions.

Climbing Ararat / Liana Aghabekyan

What were you thinking about, being a few steps from the very top of Mount?

I couldn’t think at all at the time. It was the least romantic moment of the ascent because of the cold wind, lack of oxygen and headache. It was impossible to think about anything else but just moving forward. Paradoxically, the more you approach your dream, the stronger is the desire to give it up. Whether you are worthy of happiness, whether your dreams come true – it all is decided at this fateful moment.

What is one word to describe your emotions on the top of Ararat?

HAPPY!

What was your most memorable moment?

I don’t want to highlight any single moment because I appreciate every second of the ascent.

Has the ascent to Mount Ararat changed your life?

Yes… I began to have a different attitude towards dreams that at first glance seem unattainable.

Climbing Ararat / Liana Aghabekyan

What has Ararat become for you?

Ararat is in my heart, it is kind of a part of my personality. But it was like that even before the ascent.

Are you planning to complete the ascent to Ararat again?

Ararat is always with me in – my thoughts, so there is no question of returning to it or not. I don’t know whether I will complete another ascent. Maybe yes, maybe no. After all, I already have found what I went to Mount Ararat for.