Aladaglar, camp & trek

Itinerary

• DAY 1

  Arrival at the Aladaglar Mountains

  Meet in Cukurbag village with Demavend Travels representative and drive into stunning Aladaglar mountain range, home to the highest peaks of the Taurus, famous for its gorgeous lakes, sheer rock walls, deeply cut valleys and canyons.

  Hike from Elekgolu to Emli valley via Kazikli canyon

  We drive to the area close to Elekgolu village and start from here for a short hike through Kazikli canyon, with 50 to 70 meters high walls. The canyon lies in the southern part of the Aladaglar and received its name over a century ago from a farmer called Ali who used wooden stakes (kazik) to climb cracks in the canyon to reach the honey of wild bees in the caves. Our trek permits us directly to our campsite in the Emli valley. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our staff with tea, coffee and cookies. The campsite is already prepared and you can directly move into your tents, whilst your cook is making final touches for your first evening meal in the mountains.

  Walking time: 2 - 3 h; walking distance: approx. 9 - 10 km; ascent: 250m; descent: 0m

  ON: in the Aladaglar national park at the Emli valley campsite 1.800m

  Meals:   - / - / D

• DAY 2

  Emli valley to Alaca Yayla (plateau)

  In the morning we hike up to Mangirci gorge and continue from there to Alaca Yayla (plateau) where we walk along oak trees and with spectacular views of southern Aladaglar region. On our route most probably some shepherds will be around to graze their flocks, as the high plateaus of the region surrounded by peaks and crags offer some nice pastures during summer season. After having lunch by a small spring we descend down to our camp via Oluksekisi, another old semi-nomad camp. We spend the night at the Emli valley campsite, within beautiful mountain scenery surrounding us. On a clear night, this remote terrain is also a great spot to view bright stars, constellations and enjoy an exceptionally clear view of the Milky Way.

  Walking time: 5 - 6 h; walking distance: approx. 8 - 9 km; ascent/descent: 650m

  ON: in the Aladaglar national park at the Emli valley campsite 1.800m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 3

  Emli valley to Sokulupinar via Siyirmalik & Eznevit plateau

  This morning we leave Emli valley behind us, as we walk through a beautiful forested area and on stabilized gravel roads towards Siyirmalik valley. After an easy ascent we reach Eznevit plateau, a campsite inhabited by semi-nomadic families who might invite us for some drinks and will visit their tents to see their original life style during the time they spent in the mountains. From here you also will be rewarded with good views over the surrounding area as you continue walking towards Sakartas and further to our next campsite in Sokulupinar where we are welcomed by our cook with biscuits and tea. We spend the night in Sokulupinar.

  Walking time: 5 - 6 h; walking distance: approx. 14 - 15 km; ascent: 788m; descent: 538m

  ON: in the Aladaglar national park at the Sokulupinar campsite 2.000m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 4

  Sokulupinar to Demirkazik village via Arpalik plateau & Cimbar canyon

  From our campsite we start our hike today and follow a stabilized road taking us to Arpalik plateau, a campsite inhabited by semi-nomadic families during summertime and with beautiful panoramic views to Demirkazik Mountain (3.756m). From here we enter into Cimbar canyon with its 15 to 100 m wide and hundreds of meters high walls. At the end of the canyon our vehicle awaits us and we drive to Cukurbag village where we will meet a local family and have lunch in their house with typical country cuisines; taste traditional and authentic Turkish dishes. Our trip concludes after lunch at the village of Cukurbag.

  Walking time: 2 - 3 h; ascent: 200m; descent: 500m

  Meals:   B / L / -