MOUNTAINEERS FROM PED "MAJEVICA" CONQUERED MOUNT ARARAT – AGRI DAGI

Members of the Mountaineering and Ecological Society "Majevica" – Mirko S. Trifković, Vladan Spasojević, and Dubravko Blagovčanin – successfully reached the 5,137-meter summit of Mount Ararat (Agri Dagi) in Turkey. The expedition, organized by the Mountaineering Association "Abonos" from Banja Luka, took place from August 17 to 24 and gathered 25 climbers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, France, and Austria.

PHOTO: Info Bijeljina

Months of preparation led to the successful ascent of the sacred volcanic peak of Ararat, whose upper 200 meters are covered in eternal snow, ice, and fierce winds. Known as the legendary resting place of Noah’s Ark, Ararat lies at the tri-border area of Turkey, Iran, and Armenia.

"For us, this was more than just an expedition – it was a true challenge. We started from the flatlands of Brčko and Bijeljina to reach the heights by airplane. I’ve been a member of PED ‘Majevica’ for 15 years and spend almost every weekend in the mountains. Still, this climb required special physical and mental preparation, as it was a demanding expedition 2,650 kilometers away from Brčko," said Mirko S. Trifković.

The team departed on August 17, flying from Sarajevo to Istanbul and then on to Igdir. Equipped with mountaineering boots, crampons, and sleeping bags for extreme conditions, they began their ascent from the plains toward their goal. From Igdir (850 m) to Dogubayazit (1,625 m), the team gradually adapted to altitude. After reaching the mountain base by van, they continued on foot to the first camp at 3,200 m – a barren volcanic landscape without greenery or water sources.

The second base camp, at 4,200 m, was reached after six hours of climbing. Due to the high altitude, proper acclimatization was essential. “We drank three to four liters of water daily and took aspirin at night to thin the blood,” said Trifković, explaining that the weather changed from minute to minute – extreme temperature differences, strong winds, and high UV exposure were constant challenges. Many groups had failed to reach the top due to 80 km/h winds.

“At midnight, 24 of us and two guides began the final ascent – two kilometers of climbing and 1,000 meters of altitude difference. Many felt sick and struggled to breathe. At 4,900 meters, just 200 meters below the summit, we reached the icy section – snow, frost, and minus temperatures. Many gave up, but no one from our team. We put on extra layers, ski goggles, and crampons for the final push. After about an hour, we reached the top of Ararat under the rising sun and manageable winds of 30 km/h. It was an indescribable feeling – photos for eternity at 5,137 meters,” said Trifković.

Dubravko Blagovčanin shared the same excitement: “I’m thrilled to have reached the summit of Mount Ararat. You prepare mentally, tell yourself ‘I can do this,’ and take it step by step. It was a unique and beautiful experience – the most demanding climb I’ve done so far.”

The Mountaineering and Ecological Society "Majevica," founded in 1988, now counts 223 members and has organized more than 20 activities this year. Their next goal: peaks higher than 6,000 meters. Until then, they proudly say – Clear skies from the condor’s heights!