Spend 8-Day trekking in Turkey’s Kaçkar Mountains on the guided tour
This tour takes on the lower slopes of the Kaçkar and can already take place in July, the beginning of the trekking season in this mountainous region. It is relatively quiet and trekkers have a greater chance of observing wildlife than in the more crowded weeks of August. Wildflowers cover every slope and the snowmelt streams gush in every valley. This is a tour for those who don’t aspire to do the summit and prefer to stay in village houses and pensions. July and August are the best times to visit this heaven on Earth. You will walk from one mountain yayla (pasture) to the other and see glacial lakes, flowers and snowcapped peaks along the way.
Highlights of the Trek the Kaçkar Valleys
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Kackar Valleys Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
On arrival at Trabzon Airport, you will be met by your tour guide and driver. Depending on your arrival time you can make a short walk or transfer straight to the accommodation in Çamlıhemşin (2hrs) for your dinner and overnight.
Overnight Location: Pension in Çamlıhemşin
Distance: None
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Çamlıhemşin & Ortan
Today you’ll explore Çamlıhemşin village at the foot of the Kaçkar mountains and will enjoy lunch at a restaurant with local delicacies. In the afternoon you’ll walk to the lovely village of Ortan to admire the old wooden houses. Dinner and overnight in the same pension in Çamlıhemşin.
Overnight Location: Pension in Çamlıhemşin
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Pokut - Amlakit
You’ll be driven to Pokut Yayla from where you’ll walk through dense forest and green pastures to the typical mountain village of Hazındağ. After a traditional lunch in a village house, continue to Amlakit, partly along a forest road. Dinner and overnight in a pension in Amlakit.
Overnight Location: Pension in Amlakit
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Kormukereç glacial lake
You’ll make a circular walk today. Climb up to Kormukereç glacial lake located on the slopes above Amlakit. It will be a great day for wildflowers, especially orchids. During the lunch break on the lakeshore, you can dive into the icy cold waters. Dinner and overnight at the same pension in Amlakit.
Overnight Location: Pension in Amlakit
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Amlakit - Palovit
Today you’ll walk from Amlakit to Palovit via the authentic mountain pasture (yayla) of Samistal. A steep climb takes you out of the Amlakit valley. Mist and clouds compete with the sun and offer wonderful views of the valleys on both sides on this high, scenic walk. Return by car or on foot. Dinner and overnight in the same pension in Amlakit.
Overnight Location: Pension in Amlakit
Distance: 15km, 6hrs, 970m of ascent, 1,020m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Palovit - Yukarı Kavrun
You’ll walk up to Apevanak pass from Palovit and descend to Yukarı Kavrun. On the way, you will have our picnic lunch on the shores of Derebaşı glacial lake. Dinner and overnight in pension at Yukarı Kavrun.
Overnight Location: Pension in Yukarı Kavrun
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Yukarı Kavrun - Çeymakçur & Ayder
You’ll walk up to Yildiz and Büyükdeniz Lakes in the morning. You’ll have your picnic lunch by the lakes and walk down to Çeymakçur Yaylası. You’ll meet with the vehicle and drive to Ayder. There will be free time to relax at the thermal hot springs there before driving to Çamlıhemşin for your last overnight.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Çamlıhemşin
Distance: 16km, 6hrs, 750m of ascent, 750m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 8 Departure
Transfer to Trabzon airport.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Kackar Valleys Trek Price and Dates
Pricing for this guided hiking tour in Turkey is run as a fixed-departure tour for a mixed group, however, if you are willing, you can open your own date and have others join you.
Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on Kackar Valleys Trek
This tour is based in pensions and local village houses. The accommodations here are basic but full of character and a friendly atmosphere.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible (please enquire about the pricing). Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Pensions and local houses in Kackar Region
Come to know the real Turkey as you stay in small villages along the route, soaking up local traditions and charm in cozy hotels and pensions.
What’s Included in the Kackar Valleys Trek?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from Trabzon airport. Local or international flights are not included.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
Not included
- Any domestic or international flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Entrance fees to museums and monuments
- Spa at Ayder
Optional Extras
- Single supplements
- Spa at Ayder
Frequently Asked Questions about Trek the Kaçkar Valleys
Middle Earth Travel started business in 2001, owned by some very experienced and established guides, determined to make a living doing what they like best: trekking tours. Over the years we expanded our area of expertise to archaeological, cultural and family tours and have become a leader in biking tours as well, but we still focus on small, private groups and personal guided or self-guided travelling experiences. We are licenced by the Turkish Tourism Ministry and registered by the Union of Turkish Travel Agencies.
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