When did you set a goal to climb Ararat?
I have always dreamed of Ararat. I walked its snow-covered slopes up and down in my dreams. I used to imagine myself reaching its top no less than a thousand times. Even now I cannot say what was more real – the ascent to Ararat, which I actually did, or my dreams about Ararat, no matter how fantastic they may seem.
What kind of obstacles did you face?
The only obstacle between me and Mount Ararat was a border on a map.
How did you imagine the ascent to Ararat?
I thought everything would be the same as during an ordinary mountain ascent.
And what was it like in reality?
In reality, everything turned out differently – not as I had imagined. I walked slowly and didn’t even feel like I was walking. I was neither cold nor hot. There was no fatigue, I was simply climbing to the top – to freedom. Maybe that is how happiness feels.
Lake Van / Lilit Hovhannisyan
What were your thoughts when on the peak of the mountain?
I was thinking about the sun! All my thoughts were about the sun.
What is one word to describe your emotions at that moment?
I can’t find just one word, so I’ll tell you about my emotions in a whole sentence: “My heart was filled with light”.
What was your most memorable moment?
Joy, which I experienced on the top of Ararat… I can hardly recreate that atmosphere again, but I can forever keep this moment in my heart.
Has the ascent to Mount Ararat changed your life?
I don’t know. What kind of things should have changed? I still feel like myself.
Climbing Ararat / Lilit Hovhannisyan
What has Ararat become for you?
It has always been our Ararat, “my” Ararat …
Are you planning to complete the ascent to Ararat again?
I don’t know.
What would you advise to people who are dreaming of climbing Mount Ararat?
Plan your ascent to the top of Ararat only when you feel ready: physically, and most importantly, mentally…
Don’t hurt Ararat, and it will never hurt you.
Lilit Hovhannisyan
Read more about Ararat ascent here.
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