Aladaglar & the Kackar Mountains

Itinerary

• DAY 1

  Arrival Istanbul

  Meet at the Istanbul Int. airport with Demavend Travels representative and drive to the historical peninsula, known as Sultanahmet, where you spend the night at the hotel.

  Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 45 - 50 km (Istanbul Int. airport to hotel in Sultanahmet/Sirkeci)

  ON: in Istanbul at the hotel

  Meals:   - / - / -

• DAY 2

  Istanbul sightseeing historical peninsula - fly to Kayseri & drive to Aladaglar Mountains

  After breakfast we head out for a fantastic tour through Istanbul, we start the day with a visit to famous Hagia Sophia, considered to be one of the world’s most important monuments, a masterpiece and example of great architectural beauty. The marvel complex anchors the old city of Istanbul and has served for centuries as an Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later as a mosque and as museum. On our way we also pass through Hippodrome square, once a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. The surviving monuments of the Spina (the middle barrier of the racecourse), the two obelisks (Obelisk of Thutmose III & Walled Obelisk) and the Serpentine Column, now sit in holes in a landscaped garden. Our final visit takes us to blue mosque (Sultan Ahmed mosque), built between 1609 and 1616. The design is the culmination of two centuries of both Ottoman mosque and Byzantine church development. It incorporates some Byzantine elements of the neighbouring Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture and is considered to be the last great mosque of the classical period.

  In the late afternoon we drive to Istanbul Int. airport and fly to Kayseri and continue from there to 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.

  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.

  Depending on arrival time: hike from Elekgolu to Emli valley via Kazikli canyon

  At an early arrival it is possible to 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.

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

  Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 45 - 50 km (hotel in Sultanahmet/Sirkeci - Istanbul Int. airport)

  Transfer time: 2 h; transfer distance: 145 km; (Kayseri airport to Aladaglar Mountains)

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

  Meals:   B / - / 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 Yedigoller (seven lakes) via Celikbuyduran pass 3.450m & Mt. Emler summit ascent 3.723m

  Today we have a challenging trekking day as we go to our highest camp at 3100m. After breakfast we head up to Karayalak valley and climb up to Celikbuyduran pass (3.450m). Just before the pass we stop by a spring and enjoy a well-deserved break after 5 hours ascending and enjoy here the great views on the mountains surrounding us. After the pass we climb up to amazing Mount Emler, one of the most famous summits in the area. The ascent doesn’t require any technical skills, we follow stabilized walking paths to the summit.

  From the peak it is possible to see the Mt. Erciyes (3.917m) to the north, the Mt. Hasan (3.268m) to the west, the Bolkar range to the south and all important summits of the Aladaglar. After enjoying a spectacular panorama we walk down to the pass on the same way and continue descending down to Yedigoller (3.100m) plateau, a reddish desert of stones and rocks, with a gentle downhill slope. Our fantastic high camp is set near the biggest lake of the area and when the weather conditions allow, it is even possible to have a refreshing swim.

  Walking time: 7 - 8 h; walking distance: approx. 15 - 16 km; ascent: 1.723m; descent: 623m

  ON: Aladaglar national park at the Yedigoller campsite 3.100m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 5

  Yedigoller plateau to Karagol Lake

  In the morning we load our luggage on our horses again and leave seven lakes plateau. Following walking paths we arrive at the second biggest lake of the area; from here ascend to Teke Kalesi pass (3.517m) offering spectacular views down to Yedigoller plateau and surrounding Aladaglar summits to the north-west. Here sometimes it is also possible to see ibexes grazing, a species of wild mountain goat with long, curved horns, known as the undisputed master of terrifying heights. After resting a while we start our descent towards Yildiz (Star) lake, via remote terrain and some small green pastures, we reach or campsite at Karagol Lake where our tents for tonight are already set up and tea and coffee awaits us.

  Walking time: 7 h; walking distance: approx. 13 - 14 km; ascent: 417m; descent: 717m

  ON: Aladaglar national park at the Karagol campsite 2.800m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 6

  Karagol to Pinarbasi via Maden gorge - drive via Derinkuyu underground city to Cappadocia

  Our last day trek in the Aladaglar takes us down to Maden gorge; we descend following mine roads and little creeks to Pinarbasi village.

  At the end of the valley our vehicle awaits us and we drive to Cappadocia, on route take time to visit incredible underground city of Derinkuyu, opened to visitors in 1965. The city is approximately 85m deep, but only 10 % can be visited, and contains all of the usual rooms found in an underground city, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches and wineries. Apart from these, a large room with a barrel vaulted ceiling on the second floor served as a missionary school, the rooms to the left used as study rooms.

  In Cappadocia, after check in at our overnight accommodation and some time to refresh, we head out to visit fascinating three fairy chimneys of Uc Guzeller, one of the most famous natural beauties and symbols of Cappadocia. In the late afternoon we also visit Devrent; a pretty small valley, famous for its lunar landscape. Also known as imagination valley, the formations, colours and resembling animals and different creatures of Devrent are unique. Here you can also find one of the landmarks of Cappadocia, the famous ‘camel’ rock formation.

  Optional activity: Turkish bath (Hamam)

  In the afternoon it is possible to visit a traditional Turkish bath, better known as Hamam, combines the functionality and the structural elements of its predecessors in Anatolia, the Roman thermal and eastern Roman baths. In Turkish culture it stands for far more than getting a leisurely bath, it is a special place of relaxation designed to regenerate body and mind.

  Walking time: 2 h; ascent: 0m; descent: 900 - 1.100m (depends on road conditions & pick up point of the vehicle)

  Transfer time: 2 h; transfer distance: 125 km (Aladaglar National park to Cappadocia via Derinkuyu)

  ON: in Cappadocia at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 7

  World heritage Cappadocia - in the evening drive to Kayseri and take the night train to Erzurum

  Optional activity: Hot air balloon ride

  In the early morning before Sunrise it is optional possible to go on a Hot Air Balloon Flight. Cappadocia is awarded as one of the world's best balloon flight areas and it is one of the best ways to discover the unique landscapes of this impressive wonder of nature.

  Hiking, culture & sightseeing: Kiliclar (sword) valley & Goreme open air museum, Meskendir & red valley sunset

  We start the day with a short walk through Kiliclar (Sword) valley, one of the smallest valleys in the area with many interesting fairy chimneys and ruins. Sword valley is known for its fantastic views of Cappadocia; on our route there are tracks where it is possible to explore abandoned caves which were homes of past citizens in this region. In the early afternoon we reach Goreme open air museum; one of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. The Christian people at the heart of the Cappadocia realized that the soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches and monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post iconoclastic period. The frescoes inside the Goreme open air museum are a unique artistic achievement from this period. Afterwards we continue our hike through Meskendir & red valley area, another beautiful valley in Cappadocia with spectacular formations and colours; full with old cave houses, complexes and hidden churches from the old Christian civilization. Although it is not definite, the common believe is that most of the churches and complexes carved out of the cliff face date back to the 8^th and 9^th centuries and its decorative reliefs and frescoes added in the 10^th and 11^th centuries. In the early evening we conclude the day with a visit to red valley panorama point, the best sunset spot in Cappadocia. The sunset here is glorious; the ever deepening light makes the colours of the rock formations richer than usual. Here in a beautiful atmosphere we taste a cup of traditional Turkish tea whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery of continuously changing reds, pinks and yellow colours.

  In the early or late evening (night) we drive to Kayseri and take the night train to Erzurum. We spend the night at the train’s sleeper wagon. (2 participants per cabin / single reservation not available)

  Walking time: 1 - 2 h; walking distance: 4 km; ascent: 0m; descent: 90m (Kiliclar valley)

  Walking time: 3 h; walking distance: 8 - 10 km; ascent: 85m; descent: 135m (Meskendir & red valley)

  Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 80 km; (Cappadocia - Kayseri)

  ON: in the night train to Erzurum at the train’s sleeper wagon

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 8

  Erzurum to Yaylalar via Tortum waterfalls, Yusufeli & Barhal church

  Via Erzurum we drive towards Kackar Mountains, on our way take a break at Tortum waterfall, falling from a height of 48 meters and to taste here cup of traditional Turkish tea, known as cay. In the afternoon after having lunch in Yusufeli village we continue to Barhal, a tiny small village where life style of people didn't change for many generations. The village consists of small clusters of stone and wooden houses located along a series of vegetable terraces connected by paths. Ancient conduits have been built to allow water diverted from the river to flow alongside each path and irrigate the terraces below which are edged with white mulberry, apple, pear, plum, persimmon, walnut and Cornus mas fruit trees. In Barhal we take time to visit Barhal church, a substantial Georgian 11th century church of the four Apostles nestling on a slope on the village outskirts. Afterwards we continue to Yaylalar village, where we spend the night at a family run pension. After arrival we take time to taste a cup of traditional Turkish tea, whilst enjoying the authentic atmosphere.

  Transfer time: 3 h; transfer distance: 190 km (Erzurum to Yaylalar via Tortum, Yusufeli & Barhal)

  ON: in Yaylalar village at the pension

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 9

  Via Olgunlar village to Dilberduzu camp (2.840m)

  Hike along Buyuk Cay Deresi to Dilberduzu, accompanied by horses carrying the luggage. We walk approximately 30min. until we reach the Olgunlar village. From there we follow the walking path and climb with an easy ascend until we Dilberduzu campsite. On the way it is sometimes also possible to meet local shepherds grazing their animals during summer season. We spend the night at the Dilberduzu camp.

  Walking time: 3 h; ascent: 640m; descent: 0m

  ON: in Dilberduzu at the campsite 2.840m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 10

  Kackar Summit (3.937m)

  Today we have an early morning departure (before sunrise) to the Kackar summit.  We climb up approximately 2 h until we reach Denizgolu Lake at 3.300m. From here we continue to get to the bottom of the Kackar massive for another hour. On our left hand we have the scene of a giant glacier; from here to get on the peak takes another hour, climbing up without any certain path, on sheer rocks. With a clear sky, we might see the whole Kackar range and even the Mt. Ararat from a distance. Afterwards we return to Dilberduzu camp where we stay for one more night. 

  Walking time: 9 - 10 h; ascent/descent: 1.097m                                                                                                 

  ON: in Dilberduzu at the campsite 2.840m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 11

  Dilberduzu to Olgunlar & Yaylalar village

  In the morning we walk down to Olgunlar village, on our route pass green pastures and unique small clusters of stone and wooden houses. The people in Olgunlar village come from all over the region; the small mountain settlements around are inhabited by nomadic herders who bring livestock here to graze high pastures in spring & summer months. After taking time for a break and enjoying the scenery around us, with beautiful views to the high summits of the Kackar Mountain range, we arrive back in Yaylalar village, where we spend the night at the pension.

  Walking time: 2 - 3 h; ascent: 0 m; descent: 640m      

  ON: in Yaylalar village at the pension

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 12

  Via Dupeduzu to Naletleme pass (3.100m), Yukari Kavron & Ayder village

  We leave Yaylalar village after breakfast and walk up to Olgunlar, follow from there the Buyuk Cay stream, in the middle of the Mezovit Mountain range. After reaching the Dobe Yaylasi (plateau) we continue our walk towards Palovit and Hevek Yaylasi and after a short and easy descent reach famous Dupeduzu. From here we ascent to Naletleme pass (3.100m) and continue towards highland village of Yukari Kavron, set in a valley on the northern flanks of the Kackar Mountains, where our vehicle is already waiting for us. After a short break and a cup of Turkish tea (cay) we drive down to Ayder village, a beautiful pasture with traditional stone and wooden houses, where we spend the night.  

  Walking time: 7 - 8 h; ascent: 900m; descent: 800 - 850m       

  ON: in Ayder village at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 13

  Trabzon & the Sumela monastery

  After breakfast we leave Ayder and drive via Rize, located along the Black Sea coast with its beautiful tea gardens and endless lush green plateaus, to famous Trabzon, located on the historical Silk Road, a melting pot of religions, languages and cultures. Being open towards other cultures and religions plays a significant role in the lifestyle of the Trabzonites; Muslims and Christians have lived together in the past as well as today, making the city a proud heir to a rich cultural heritage. Here we take time to visit the monastery of Sumela, a Greek Orthodox monastery at the foot of a steep cliff facing the Altindere valley. Founded in the year 386 AD during the reign of the Emperor Theodosius I., legend has it that two priests undertook the founding of the monastery on the site after having discovered a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave on the mountain. After visiting Sumela we drive back to Trabzon city centre and conclude the day with a cup of traditional Turkish coffee.

  Transfer time: 3 h; Transfer distance: 165 km (Ayder village – Trabzon)       

  Transfer time: 40 - 45 min.; Transfer distance: 45 km (Trabzon – Sumela monastery)

  ON: in Trabzon at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 14

  Trip concludes at Trabzon airport

  After breakfast; transfer to Trabzon airport where the trip concludes.          

  Transfer time: 10 - 15 min.; transfer distance: 10 km (hotel in the city centre – Trabzon airport)

  Meals:   B / - / -