trip
NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

8 Days$1990USD

Activities
  • 4 day trek
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotel
  • 2 nights camping
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts
3
Introductory
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Trek to the summit of Mount Kackar (3937m)
  • Discover the ancient city of Erzurum, once the caravan crossroad of the Silk Road
  • Relax at the Tortum waterfall
  • Visit Trabzon & the Sumela Monastery
  • Experience Black Sea culture & the warm and Turkish hospitality
  • Discover Barhal church, an 11th century Georgian churc
  • Enjoy beautiful mountain landscapes on this scenic hike

Experience the friendly local Turkish culture while trekking through the stunning Kackar mountain range. Beginning in the ancient city of Erzurum, once the caravan crossroad of the Silk Road, take in the local historical monuments. We make our way to the Tortum waterfall, discover local villages and enjoy cups of traditional Turkish tea. As you hike, delight in the mountain culture and beautiful scenery. A highlight of this active adventure is trekking to the summit of Mount Kackar (3937m). This fascinating journey concludes with a visit to Trabzon and the Sumela Monastery.

Trip Code: KMT

If you are arriving in Erzurum today, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel located in the city centre (approx. 15-20 minute drive, 12 kms from the airport to city centre). Erzurum is known as a city of history and, because of its geographical location a strategically important town for generations. Once caravan crossroad of the Silk Road; Erzurum today is an economic and cultural centre of East Anatolia. Many ancient structures such as its fortress, mosques, madrasas, tombs and caravanserais are located within the city centre. Depending on everyone's arrival times, we will have a short walk through the city centre, where we visit historical Rustem pasha caravanserais, also known as Tashan, which serves today as Oltu stone bazaar. We will visit the Erzurum castles, originally constructed by the emperor Theodosius, stands guard on a hill in the centre of the old town and offers a beautiful view of the entire city. Close to the castle we will also visit Twin Minaret Madrasa, a famous architectural monument of the late Seljuk period with a colourful history and known as the largest madrasa in Anatolia. In the early evening we head to historical Erzurum houses museum-restaurant for dinner. Consisting of 11 historical houses under the same roof, the restaurant is decorated with hundreds of centuries old items, and has become one of the most unique venues in the city. Here we will have the opportunity to taste a variety of traditional Turkish dishes in a lively and unique atmosphere. We will spend the night in Erzurum at a hotel. Overnight: Rafo Hotel, or similar

Meals:  D

We will leave Erzurum in the morning and drive towards the Kackar Mountains. Along the way we will take a break at the Tortum waterfall, falling from a height of 48 meters, and enjoy a cup of traditional Turkish tea, known as cay. In the afternoon, after 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. Upon arrival we take time to taste a cup of traditional Turkish tea, while enjoying the authentic atmosphere. Driving time: approx. 3 hours, 190km Overnight: Altunay pension, or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will hike along Buyuk Cay Deresi to Dilberduzu, accompanied by horses carrying the luggage. We walk approximately 30mins until we reach the Olgunlar village. From there we follow the walking path and climb with an easy ascend until we reach the Dilberduzu campsite. On the way it is sometimes possible to meet local shepherds grazing their animals during summer season. We will spend the night at the Dilberduzu camp. Walking time: approx. 3 hrs; Ascent: 640m / Descent: 0m Overnight: Camp at Dilberduzu

Meals:  B,L,D

It is an early morning departure (before sunrise) to the Kackar summit. We climb up approx. 2 hours until we reach Denizgolu Lake at 3300m. From here we continue for approx. one hour, to get to the bottom of the Kackar massive. 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 clear skies, we might see the whole Kackar mountain range and even Mt. Ararat from a distance. Afterwards we return to Dilberduzu camp where we stay for one more night. Walking time: 9-10 hrs. Ascent/Descent: 1097m Overnight: Camp at Dilberduzu

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning we walk down to Olgunlar village, along the route we 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 nearby are inhabited by nomadic herders who bring livestock here to graze high pastures in spring and 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. We spend the night at the pension in Yaylalar village. Walking time: 2-3 hrs; Ascent: 0m / Descent: 640m Overnight: Altunay pension, or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

We leave Yaylalar village after breakfast and walk up to Olgunlar, from there we follow 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 make our ascent to the Naletleme pass (3100m) and continue towards the highland village of Yukari Kavron. Yukari Kavron is set in a valley on the northern flanks of the Kackar Mountains, where our vehicle is waiting for us. After a short break and a cup of Turkish tea we drive down to Ayder village, boasting a beautiful pasture with traditional stone and wooden houses, where we spend the night. Walking time: 7-8 hrs, Ascent: 900, Descent: 800/850m Overnight: Yesilvadi Hotel in the Ayder village, or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

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. Trabzon is located on the historic 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 386AD 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: approx. 3 hrs Transfer Distance: 165 km (Ayder village to Trabzon) Transfer time: 40-45 mins Transfer Distance: 45 km (Trabzon to Sumela monastery) Overnight: Horon hotel, or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

Trip arrangements conclude this morning after breakfast. You will have a transfer from the hotel to the airport, and we wish you a good onward journey. Transfer time: 10-15 mins Transfer Distance: 10 km

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • hotel/pension accommodation on a twinshare basis
  • fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis
  • English speaking local guide
  • airport transfers (days 1 & 8 only)
  • private transport
  • group camping equipment including tent and mat
  • group emergency medical kit
  • entrance fees to sites stated in the itinerary

  • international airfares and taxes
  • additional sightseeing and meals other than stated
  • sleeping bag and pillow while camping
  • bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • items of a personal nature such as beverages, phone calls, laundry, etc
  • visa
  • travel insurance
  • tips

Departure dates


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Priceper person from

$1990USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$380
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Kackar Mountains Trek trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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