Trek in the Kaçkar Range – Eastern Anatolia — Aventures Anatoliennes

8-day trek in the Kaçkar Mountains: summit ascent at 3,937 m, glacial lakes, traditional villages and the Sumela Monastery.

In northeastern Turkey, the majestic Kaçkar Mountains rise their snow-capped peaks to nearly 4,000 metres. A true paradise for hiking lovers, this range combines green valleys, glacial lakes, flowering pastures and traditional villages. A National Park, it captivates with the beauty of its wild nature and the richness of its local cultures. A trek in the Kaçkar means a unique experience between alpine adventure and warm encounters.

8 days · Level 4/5

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. France – Istanbul – Erzurum — Arrival in Istanbul and domestic flight to Erzurum, a major city of Eastern Anatolia. Welcome by our team and check-in at the hotel in the city centre.
  2. Erzurum – Yaylalar village (2,000 m) — Visit of Erzurum: Ulu mosque, madrasa with carved facades and majestic minarets. Transfer to Yaylalar (4 h). Dinner and overnight in a family guesthouse.
  3. Yaylalar – Modut plateau – Yaylalar — Hike through green valleys with views of the high snowy peaks. Return to Yaylalar. 5 to 6 h walking – Ascent: +1,150 m / Descent: -1,100 m.
  4. Yaylalar – Nastaf hamlet – Dilberdüzü camp (2,800 m) — Gradual climb through Nastaf village to the Dilberdüzü plateau. Overnight in tents. 4 to 5 h walking – Ascent: +950 m / Descent: -50 m.
  5. Ascent of the Kaçkar summit (3,937 m) — Early departure for the ascent. Exceptional panorama over the Caucasus and Mount Ararat. Return to camp. 8 to 9 h – Ascent/Descent: ±1,250 m.
  6. Dilberdüzü – Naletleme pass (3,450 m) – Ayder village — Crossing the range via the Naletleme pass. Descent towards Lake Karadeniz, arrival at Çaymakçur then transfer to Ayder. Overnight in a guesthouse. 7 to 8 h – Ascent: +1,050 m / Descent: -1,500 m.
  7. Ayder – Sumela Monastery – Trabzon — Road to Trabzon with a stop at the Sumela Monastery. Check-in at the hotel. 2 h walking (±200 m). 3 h transfer.
  8. Trabzon – Return flight — Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

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