# Mount Ararat climbing expeditions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mount-ararat-climbing-expeditions
> Updated: 2026-09-05T00:58:12.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

In August, a group of climbers led by guide Resul Çivaş encountered an unexpected and intense snowstorm while attempting to summit Mount Ararat. The blizzard conditions caused heavy snowfall and significantly reduced visibility at high altitudes.

By September, Venezuelan mountaineers Franz Sunyovszky and Jorge Abello announced the ‘Expedición José Gregorio Hernández’. This mission, part of the Misión APO project, aims to complete the first Venezuelan ascent of the 5,137-meter volcano. The expedition is intended to serve as training for future high-altitude climbs, including Chimborazo in Ecuador and Mount Everest.

As of early September, the climbers are preparing for the ascent in Turkey. The mission utilizes high-altitude climbing to promote messages of discipline and resilience. The name ‘Apö’ is derived from the Pemón language, signifying resilience, and the project serves as a preparatory step in a broader climbing route toward Mount Everest.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Mount Ararat expedition: Venezuelan climbers attempt first ascent

Venezuelan mountaineers Franz Sunyovszky and Jorge Abello aim to lead the first Venezuelan ascent of Mount Ararat in Turkey as part of the Misión APO resilience project.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mount-ararat-expedition-aims-for-first-venezuelan-ascent

### 2026-08-15: Mount Ararat climbers encounter unexpected August snowstorm

Climbers led by guide Resul Çivaş faced an unexpected snowstorm and heavy blizzard while attempting to summit Mount Ararat in August.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mount-ararat-climbers-encounter-unexpected-august-snowstorm

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Cite as: Mount Ararat climbing expeditions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mount-ararat-climbing-expeditions