Turkey: Kaçkar Mountains

For those who are tired of staying home and long for adventures, a reconnaissance trip along the Kackar Mountains in Turkey! This mountain range is located in the north-eastern part of the country, in the Black Sea region. Turkey is one of the few states that are open to all tourists without tests and quarantine. In this hike we explore a new mountain area with beautiful nature and unique culture. The route is not easy, it will require endurance, readiness for adventure and lack of comfort.

Day 1

Arrival in Trabzon*. We meet at 10am and take the road along the Black Sea to the village of Ardesen. There we find a transfer to the village of Kale, where the pedestrian part of the route starts. Our goal today is to ascend along the canyon of Purnak River to the Kaleköy village, 2000m**. If time permits, then along the road we can see two ancient fortresses Zilkale and Kale-i Bala.

* Most flight connections are through Istanbul. You can fly a day or two earlier and spend time in Istanbul and/or Trabzon.

** The route and all places of overnight stays may be changed according to the situation.

Day 2

Today we gradually gain altitude along the Hüsam Deresi River to overnight stays in its upper reaches. Elevation gain is 700 meters, overnight at 2700m. We cook all days on gas, there’s no firewood.

Day 3

We take the first pass Şoroh Gocit - 3150 m. And then we descend along the Hunut Cayi river past the Şoroh Gölü lake to the sites near the village of Pınağros Yaylası. Ascent to the pass is without a path, on talus.

Day 4

From Pınağros Yaylası begins the ascent to a pass (3230, 1A). From the pass you can see Kackar Peak (3937m). We spend the night on Lake Döner Gölü (3050m). If there is time, we’ll take an acclimatization hike to an adjacent ridge, beyond which there is another lake.

Day 5

We go down to the village of Davalı Yayla (2530). And then ascend all day to Lake Deniz Gölü (3380m) through Lake Atsiz Gölü. We set up camp and try to rest.

Day 6

The climb of Kackar will begin before dawn. There is barely a path, and scree and talus slopes for the most part. We go without packs, leaving the camp on the lake. Estimated time of ascent - 5 hours. After the descent we have lunch in the camp, gather up and go down to the headwaters of the Buyuk Deresi River (2800m).

Day 7

We follow a wide path along the river to the village of Olgunlar (2100m). Then we go up to the headwaters of the Düpedüzü River, spend the night at about 2750m.

Day 8

The final pass is Naletleme (3220m), and then descent to Lake Büyükdeniz (2950m).

Day 9

We return to civilization. From the village of Yukarı Kavrun we arrange transport to Ayder. Depending on the time, we will either spend the night in Ayder (there are several waterfalls, arched bridges and thermal waters), or we will go straight to Trabzon.

Day 10

Transfer to Trabzon, flight to Istanbul and/or home.

This trip is for you if:

  • You love mountains and want to visit this little-known region of Turkey. Or you have long wanted to go on a serious mountain hike, but did not know with whom and where

  • You like to take pictures of nature and look for new places and interesting angles.

  • You want to meet new people and make friends

  • You are not afraid of physical exertion, altitude, movement on rocky slopes (with no path), and are ready to spend 10 days without the usual comfort (sleep in a tent, cook on a gas burner, wash yourself with ice-cold water).

Gear List

Weather in the mountains at this time of the year is very unpredictable. There is a high chance of rain and fog. Temperature during the day is +10-15 ºС, at night - 0 - +5 ºС, at an altitude of over 3,500m at night it can get below zero. Group equipment (burners, boilers, first-aid kit) will be provided by the organizer. Participants will need a good sleeping bag, mat, tent. Pay attention to warm clothing (preferably several layers: thermal underwear, fleece, dawn jacket, waterproof membrane), a comfortable backpack, trekking boots and poles, headlamp, small thermos, sunglasses and sunscreen. A detailed list of equipment is available here, and advice on choosing the right gear will be provided to everyone!

Entry to Turkey

Citizens of most European countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, do not need a visa to Turkey. US citizens can get an electronic visa. All participants will be provided with information support and assistance in preparing visa documents (if necessary).

Cost of trip is $300

Includes meals on the route (not in the cafe), gas and group gear, first-aid kit and organization.

Not included:

  • Flights

  • Medical insurance with coverage for hiking in Turkey (can be purchased through the organizer, various coverage options are possible)

  • Food in cafe’s and all additional food (ayran, lavash, fruit, beer, etc.)

  • Transfers to the beginning/from the end of the hiking part of the route (paid upon delivery of service, within $50)

  • Accommodation in hotels (we will help with booking if necessary)

  • Visa to Turkey (IF REQUIRED!)

  • All additional expenses and entertainment not indicated in the program. Any expenses caused by an emergency, weather conditions, force majeure. Any medical expenses and other personal expenses.

contact@waysofinspiration.com