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KAÇKAR MOUNTAINS (3932 Mt)

In the rainy and lush landscapes of Northeastern Turkey, the Kaçkar mountains form the Northern section of the Anatolian mountain chain. The Kaçkar-Kavron summit, at an altitude of 3932 meters, is the highest point in the range. Extensive glacier and water erosion have given these mountains their craggy, rugged look, and they are known for the complexity and power of the streams and rivers which rush down to the lower altitudes. In fact, this range is the third most important glacial region in Turkey following the Ağrı (Ararat) and Cile-Sat mountains.

The Kaçkar Mountains rise between the shores of the Black Sea to the North and the Çoruh River Valley to the South. On the Northern flank, an immense variety of vegetation flourishes in the rainy climate. Up to 500 meters above sea level, tea plantations and citrus orchards cover the hillsides. Chestnut, hornbeam, beech and other large-leafed trees forest the slopes to 750 meters. Between 750-1500 meters of elevation, pines mix in with the large-leafed trees until gradually they remain the only species of tree from 1500-2000 meters. Alpine meadows and other grassy vegetation cover the ground above 2100 meters. On the Southern faces of the Kaçkars, which receive strong sunshine and less precipitation, the agriculture is based on the cultivation of fruit and vines. On the Northern side, in the higher elevations, meadows of wildflowers and grasses blanket the slopes up to elevations of 2300 meters.

TREKKING IN THE KACKAR MOUNTAINS 

SCALING OF MOUNT KACKAR AND CROSSING OF THE KACKAR RANGE 

Yusufeli, Olgunlar, Dilberduzu, Lake Deniz,  Summit of Mount Kackar (3937 m), Caymakcur , Ayder

THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 22 

DAY 1: Flight from Istanbul or Ankara to Erzurum and transfer to Yusufeli highlands (L, D)

DAY 2: Hiking to Dilberduzu camp site and setting up a camp there Trekking  to the lakes in the neighborhood (to acclimatize) and return to camp (B-L-D)

DAY 3: Scaling of the Mount Kackar ( 3.932 m, the highest mountain of the Kaçkar range and returning to the camp in Dilberduzu  (9 hours). (B-L-D)

DAY 4:  Trekking from Dilberduzu to the Dobe Valley  (5-6 hours) and setting up camp  there   (B-L-D).

DAY 5:Trekking over the Caymakcur pass (3292 m) to reach Ayder and overnight at a pension or a camp site (B-L-D).

DAY 6:Transfer to Trabzon and visit to the Sumela Monastery. Overnight will be at our hotel in Trabzon.

DAY 7:Flight from Trabzon airport to Istanbul or Ankara (B).

PRICE: FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE.

TREKKING THROUGH THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF THE KACKAR MOUNTAINS

The Kackar mountains, whose valleys are crossed by wild running streams, stretch out from the Black Sea the Coruh river in the north east of Turkey.  Its pristine forests and vast highlands are still home to bears, wolfs, deer and many different birds of prey.  Abundant rainfall allows an almost subtropical flora on the northwestern slopes, where the tea plantations can be found that provide Turkey with its characteristic red golden tea.  In the isolated valleys, the Laz and Hemsin people carefully guard their old traditions and costumes and they still dance their lively "Horon" dance to the tunes of bagpipes and kemence, a sort of small violin.  Would you care to join ? 

DAY 1: Flight from Istanbul or Ankara to Trabzon, transfer to Ayder, stay in   

pension. (D)

DAY 2: Transfer by minibus to the highlands of Kavron - Trekking over the highlands while viewing the numerous lakes and the springs of the Hala stream (approx. 5 hours)- Descent to Yukari Kavron and by minibus back to the pension in 

Ayder. (B-L-D)

DAY 3: Transfer by minibus to the highlands of Hacizeni and Avusor and trekking over the pristine highlands of Peryatak, Camyatak and Huser (about 5 hours) and 

return to Ayder where we stay overnight. (B-L-D)

DAY 4: Trekking to the highlands of Hazindak and crossing of the mountain ridge between the Palovit and the Ayder valley, following a trail with view on both the Tatar and the Kackar mountains until we reach Pokut. Stay at an old wooden cottage there that  has been transformed to pension. A taste of local, on a wood-fire cooked "cuisine", accompanied by the bagpipe tunes of the local owner. (B-L-D)

DAY 5: Hiking to the highlands of Sal : Deep down in the valley the untamed Firtina Deresi (= Storm River) finds its way over boulders and rapids.  Our trail follows the ridge of the Palovit Valley to return to our pension

DAY 6: Departure for Ayder after breakfast. Hotel arrangements and going to the spa. Dinner and overnight. (B-L-D)

DAY 7 :Return to Ayder and transfer to Trabzon airport - flight to Ankara or Istanbul

PHYSICAL CONDITION REQUIRED :

Daily hikes, during which the extra material is left in the pension. A maximum of 6 hours hike per day. The trekkings are not technically difficult, but a good physical condition is required. The maximum difference in altitude covered per day does not exceed one thousand meter.

NECESSARY MATERIAL :

Backpack, raincoat or windbreaker, pullover, hat covering the ears,  water container, hiking clothes, walking sticks, sun screen, bathing suit, camera and film.  

SERVICES PROVIDED (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE):

Pension accommodations, (breakfast, lunch and dinner according to program consisting of high-energy, nutritious food), transfers Trabzon - Ayder, use of minibus to reach the highlands, guiding services.

The number of participants is limited to 12

This trekking follows trails from the western to the eastern end of the Kackar Mountain range in the Black Sea region of Turkey. This wild and sparsely inhabitant mountain range is covered with lush forests on its northwestern slopes, where tea plantations can also be found.  The south-east flank of the range are less fertile, but water is ubiquitous, in the form of countless streams, waterfalls and small lakes.

ITINARY :    

DAY 1: Flight from Istanbul or Ankara to Trabzon and transfer to Uzungöl - a hike in the immediate surroundings and overnight at hotel. (D)

DAY 2:  Transfer to the Mount Ipsil (by minivan) - trekking over the pastures of the Anzer highlands - From Anzer back to our hotel on the slopes of the Mount Ipsil by minibus. (B-L-D)

DAY 3: A 5-5.5 hour trekking over the ridges of the Cimil valley to the wild highlands of Vaşa-Puşula (B-LD)

DAY 4: Our extra material is loaded into the minibus and we drive to the village Mor, where we start our trekking to the Yedigöller area, where we enjoy the view of countless lakes at the foot of the Mount Verçenik. Then we hike to the village of Çat, where Hemsin people still dance to the tunes of their traditional bagpipes (6 hours tot.)

Overnight at the pension in Çat. (B-L-D)

DAY 5: Sightseeing of the Elevit highlands by minivbus. In Palovit we start our hike over the Hamlakit and Hazindak highlands to Pokut, where  overnight in a pension. (B-L-D)

DAY 6: Our trekking starts on the highlands, we pass the  Fane springs and the impressive waterfalls of Palovit down to Ayder where we overnight. (B-L-D)

DAY 7 : Transfer to Trabzon (if the schedule permits we visit the thermal springs of Ayder first) and flight to Ankara and Istanbul. (B)

OPTIONAL :

DAY 8 : A tour of Istanbul or Ankara and overnight at the hotel.

PHYSICAL CONDITION REQUIRED :

Maximum 7 hours of trekking per day.  Participants carry a daypack only; other luggage stays in hotel or pension.  A good physical condition, but no specific knowledge of mountaineering techniques is required.  The daily difference in altitude is a maximum of 1,000 meters. 

NECESSARY MATERIAL :

Backpack, raincoat, water container, protective clothing (pullover), walking sticks, medium duty or better hiking boots, sunscreen, bathing suit, hat, sun glasses, towel, camera and film.

ADMINISTRATION :

According to nationality, an identity card or passport is required to enter the country

SERVICES PROVIDED (AND INCLUDED IN THE PRICE)

6 nights pension accommodation, (breakfast, lunch and evening meals according to program consisting of nutritious high-energy food), all transfers, guiding services.

MSN: tempoturizm@hotmail.com