Trans Aladaglar trek & Cappadocia

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

  After breakfast we head out for a fantastic tour through Istanbul, we start the day with a walk through the historical peninsula area where we visit Topkapi palace, Istanbul archaeology museum, Basilica cistern and covered bazaar (Kapali Carsi).

  The Topkapi palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years of their 624 year reign. As well as a royal residence, the palace was a setting for state occasions and royal entertainments. The palace is among the monuments contained within the "historic areas of Istanbul", which became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985. Next to Topkapi palace we also visit Istanbul archaeology museum, consists of three museums and houses with over one million objects that represent almost all of the eras and civilizations in world history. The museums consist also parts of statues from the temple of Zeus found at Bergama, busts of Zeus and Alexander the great and fragments from the temple of Athena at Assos.

  Our next visit takes us to amazing Basilica cistern, the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. Ancient texts indicated that the basilica contained gardens, surrounded by a colonnade and facing the Hagia Sophia, Historical texts claim that 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern. Our last stop takes us to famous covered bazaar (Kapali Carsi), one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. We conclude the day with a traditional cup of Turkish tee, known as cay and afterwards return to our hotel.

  ON: in Istanbul at the hotel

  Meals:   B / - / -

• DAY 3

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

  Today we continue our exploration 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.

  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 4

  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 5

  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 6

  Sokulupinar to Yedigoller (seven lakes) via Celikbuyduran pass 3.450m

  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 start 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. 13 km; ascent: 1.450m; descent: 350m

  ON: Aladaglar national park at the Yedigoller campsite 3.100m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 7

  Mt. Emler summit ascent 3.723m

  After breakfast 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 back to Celikbuyduran pass and start from here our ascent 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 from there back to our campsite at the lake.

  Walking time: 5 - 6 h; walking distance: approx. 9 - 10 km; ascent/descent: 623m

  ON: Aladaglar national park at the Yedigoller campsite 3.100m

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 8

  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 9

  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 10

  World heritage Cappadocia

  Hiking, culture & sightseeing: Uzengi & Pancarlik valley, Ortahisar and Ibrahimpasha village & Avanos

  Today we go out to explore the Uzengi & Pancarlik valleys; we go for a ramble on a plateau offering a magnificent view on the Uzengi valley; then enter into Pancarlik valley in order to see numerous cones and fairy chimneys decorating our way and also to visit Kepez, Sarica & Pancarlik churches for their architectural interest. Afterwards we arrive in Ortahisar village; famous for its friendly inhabitants, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets and lovely churches as well as the castle like rock formation after which the town is named.

  Via Ortahisar we continue our walk through a beautiful scenic valley with amazing geological formations towards Ibrahimpasha village, where the historical stone bridge and original Greek stone houses draw our attention.

  Here we take time to enjoy the authentic atmosphere and taste an original cup of Turkish tea or coffee. We conclude the day with a visit to Avanos, where the most famous historical feature, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery. It is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has always been used. We will take time to visit one of the pottery studios and you will try to shape by your own.

  Walking time: 2 - 3 h; walking distance: 6 km; ascent: 155m; descent: 80m (Pancarlik valley to Ortahisar)

  Walking time: 1 - 2 h; walking distance: 4 - 5 km; ascent: 110m; descent: 40m (Ortahisar to Ibrahimpasha)

  ON: in Cappadocia at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 11

  World heritage Cappadocia

  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: Uchisar citadel to Akvadi valley, Cavusin village, Pasabaglari & Zelve monastery valley

  We start todays fascinating tour through Cappadocia in Uchisar village where we visit the high viewpoint known as “the fortress”. Many rooms hollowed out into the Rock, are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels and passages. The top of the Citadel provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. After visiting the citadel we walk through narrow and pictures streets of the village down to Akvadi, a famous valley following an old river bed, used today for vineyards. Especially a special section at the end of the valley is worth seeing. In the early afternoon we arrive in Cavusin village, one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia area; a small village made up of rock cut dwellings and elegantly carved stone houses. From here a walking path, close to beautiful rock formations and with magnificent views, permits us directly to nearby Pasabaglari (monk) valley. Here the fairy chimneys are unique and feature bizarre large toadstool like caps which protect the rest of the chimney from erosion. The area was formerly a monastic retreat and used to be known as monk’s valley and features a rock cut church dedicated to St Simeon. Close to Pasabaglari we also visit Zelve monastery valley, where once Christians moved during the Persian and Arab invasions and the region, though recently uninhabited, became an important settlement and religious area. Spreading out over three valleys, of which two are connected by a tunnel, the amazing cave town is famous for its honeycombed dwellings, religious and secular chambers. The monastery is rich in its own beauty; main decorations are high relief crosses representative of the Iconoclastic doctrine. We conclude the day with a cup of traditional Turkish coffee and afterwards drive back to our hotel.

  Walking time: 2 h; walking distance: 6 km; ascent: 0m; descent: 280m; (Uchisar to Cavusin village via Akvadi valley)

  Walking time: 1 h; walking distance: 4 - 6 km; ascent: 60m; descent: 70m; (Cavusin village to Pasabaglari)

  ON: in Cappadocia at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 12

  World heritage Cappadocia

  Hiking, culture & sightseeing: Ihlara valley, Selime monastery and Guzelyurt

  After breakfast we drive to Ihlara, where we start our hike in famous Ihlara valley, a 14 km long canyon with hundreds of rock cut rooms and churches. This valley proved to be an ideal place for Monks to worship in seclusion, as well as provide a safe hideaway and place of defense for people during times of invasion. There are numerous dwellings, some of which are connected by tunnels and corridors. The decorations in the churches date from the 6^th to the 13^th centuries. After having lunch in Belisirma village we continue our walk to Selime where we visit Selime monastery, a visit to this complex of buildings on a steep mountain slope is a must in the region. In the late afternoon, on our way back to Cappadocia, we also visit Guzelyurt village, formerly Gelveri, an area of great natural beauty and an important place in the history of Christianity.

  Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 95 km (Cappadocia to Ihlara / one way)

  Walking time: 3 h; walking distance: 8 - 9 km (Ihlara to Belisirma)

  Walking time: 1 - 2 h; walking distance: 5 - 6 km (Belisirma to Selime monastery)

  ON: in Cappadocia at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 13

  World heritage Cappadocia

  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.

  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)                           

  ON: in Cappadocia at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 14

  Trip concludes at Kayseri airport

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

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

  Meals:   B / L / D