When did you set a goal to climb Ararat?

Climbing Ararat has been my dream since childhood and I even think every Armenian has this dream in the genetic code. I was getting closer to making my Ararat dream come true after each mountain hike I participated in.

What kind of obstacles did you face?

Although I hadn’t any problems in terms of physical training I faced a few technical problems. I have been planning to climb Ararat since 2017, you know.

How did you imagine the ascent to Ararat?

All I wanted was nice weather. I even made a wish when I looked at Ararat on the day of the ascent. ‘Nice weather – smooth ascent’ thought I.

How difficult was it in reality?

Thank God everything went as expected. After we had climbed to the top of the mountain the guides said we were lucky enough to see how nice the weather was. Even now I can’t describe my feelings when I heard that. It was the first time I was smiling and crying at the same time.

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

Well, I couldn’t help thinking I wanted to climb to the top as fast as possible. I put on my crampons at an altitude of 4800 meters and was literally running up to the top. You see, I wanted to reach the summit as quickly as possible.

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

I was the Winner, the Lucky one and even the Engaged one: I proposed to my girlfriend on the top of Ararat.

Marriage proposal on the top of Ararat

What was your most memorable moment?

Everything was really unforgettable. I absorbed positive emotions from every moment. But, of course, the most lovely one was the marriage proposal I made to my bride Ani on the very top of Mount Ararat.