Climbing Mount Ararat this summer. Valentina Adulyan

For a long time, reaching the summit of Mount Ararat was a dream I held onto – something that felt out of reach, almost impossible. I could never have imagined that one day I’d be the one taking that journey myself.
I tend to plan my vacations well ahead of time – usually around six months in advance.

Ararat 2025

This time, my friend and I had decided to turn one of my long-time dreams into reality – to travel to the Hawaiian Islands in the summer and finally try surfing. But after thinking it through, we realized it would require much more time than we could commit, so we ended up postponing the trip.

This climb reshaped my perspective

For a long time, I perceived climbing Mount Ararat as nothing more than a destination I had to “reach.” But along the way, I realized the real value was in the journey itself. Every step, every pause, every challenge became part of a path that reshaped how I see myself – and what I’m truly capable of.

The physical challenges were exactly as I had expected, but I never imagined I would feel so inspired and strong—especially with the support of the group. In the best possible way, the reality completely surpassed my expectations.

More than a group – a family

Even now, just thinking about our group brings a wave of emotion and a deep sense of longing. I could have never imagined climbing Mount Ararat alongside such incredible people.
I didn’t expect to find myself in a group where everyone would be so caring and attentive toward one another – whenever someone wasn’t feeling well, the rest were always ready to step in and help in any way they could.

Valentina Adulyan / Ararat 2025

The ascent to Camp 2 was especially memorable – filled with laughter and songs, it felt like we had endless energy. One of the most emotional moments came near the summit, when it was time to put on our crampons and take those final, decisive steps. Some people were so exhausted they couldn’t even manage to strap them on. And in that moment, everyone stepped in to help without hesitation. It’s in situations like these that you truly realize: on climbs like this, what matters most is the human care and the support we give each other.

The choice to keep going

From the very beginning, I set one rule for myself: no matter what happens, no matter how hard it gets, I won’t stop. I believe that mindset carried me through the entire climb. Of course, the role of our group was just as invaluable – an extraordinary mix of truly special people.

Our guide, Gevorg, deserves special mention – his care and attention to each of us were beyond measure. It’s hard to imagine this climb without his presence and support.

You are your only boundary

When you finally reach the summit of Mount Ararat, you’re overwhelmed by a rush of emotions – pride, peace, triumph, and deep gratitude all at once. I looked around, almost in disbelief, unable to fully grasp that I was actually there. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Every hardship, every ounce of fatigue, the long journey – it all faded away. I felt myself becoming one with something far greater – my inner strength, nature, and history. In that moment, I understood this was more than just a climb. It was a journey inward – a way of discovering my limits, facing my fears, and realizing what I’m truly capable of.

Yes, it was physically demanding, but emotionally it was beyond priceless. Even now, sometimes I close my eyes and find myself back there – surrounded by the sound of the wind, the warmth of the sun, and a silence that says everything.

Climbing Mount Ararat taught me something deeply important—something that changed the way I see life forever: you are your only boundary. Now I feel filled with an endless sense of strength, and nothing can hold me back from pursuing my goals and dreams anymore.

More than a mountain – Ararat

Honestly, I still haven’t fully processed the fact that I actually climbed Mount Ararat.

It was such a powerful and almost unreal experience. Sometimes I look at the photos and realize that this story is now a part of my life – but I still need time to truly accept that it’s something I achieved.

Ararat is more than just a mountain. It’s a journey where every step brings you closer not only to the summit, but to self-discovery. Along the way, there will be exhaustion, doubts – moments when it feels like you have nothing left. But it’s exactly in those moments that you realize how strong you truly are.

Hiking Memoirs / Valentina Adulyan

Climbing Mount Ararat is one of those experiences that transforms you from within. When you stand on the summit, it doesn’t feel like you’ve reached just a physical height, but a point where you truly understand that nothing in life is impossible.

Don’t wait for the day you finally feel completely ready. You already are. Just keep moving forward – the summit is waiting for you.

In conclusion, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire team at Armenian Geographic for making all of this possible. I’m deeply thankful to every guide I’ve shared this long journey with – from the preparation hikes all the way to the summit of Mount Ararat. You are truly the best, and I’m incredibly grateful to have walked this path with you.