Trek across Turkey’s dramatic Kackar Mountains towards the Black Sea
Want to really dive into a world that feels far, far away from your everyday life? The Trans Kackar Mountains Trek takes you into the spectacular portion of the East Black Sea Mountain Range, where the mountains are blanketed in lush green, tiny villages dot the hills, and thousands of years of history colour your experience.
Each day you’ll wake and take on a new hiking challenge, passing through orchards and meadows of flowers and crossing by brilliant alpine lakes and ancient ruins. As an old stronghold of the Silk Road, this region combines history, culture, and nature in a way you just can’t forget. Sip tea with local families between hikes and spend a night camped out in the forest- the Trans Kackar Mountains Trek is so much more than just a hiking tour!
Highlights of the Trans Kackar Mountains Trek
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Trans Kackar Mountains Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival and Hike at Yaylalar
When you touch down in Erzurum, you’ll be picked up and taken to Yusufeli, where you can stretch your legs by the Coruh River. You’ll finish your drive in Yaylalar, a quintessential mountain village.
Get a warm-up hike in as you head up to the Korahmet Valley, a gorgeous green mountain valley with a small river tracing the valley bottom.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Yaylalar
Distance: 5-6km
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Day Hike in Modut Valley
Enjoy a day hike up to the Modut Valley, where quaint huts are built into the lush valley walls and mountains surround you in the distance. You’ll rest up back at the guesthouse.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Yaylalar
Distance: 8-12km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Trek to Dilberduzu Camp
Today you’ll trek from Yaylalar to Dilberduzu Camp (3000m, 9842ft). You’ll reach the foot of Kackar Peak, so enjoy impressive views as you eat dinner and set up camp.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Yaylalar
Distance: 10-11km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Deniz Golu and Olgunlar Village
Waking up in a gorgeous remote camp, you’ll enjoy breakfast before setting out to Deniz Golu, a stunning glacier lake 3370 metres above sea level.
Descend to Olgunlar Village, where you can refresh yourself at a local guesthouse.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Olgunlar
Distance: 13km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Yukari Kavron Alpine Lakes Hike
This morning, head out towards Yukari Kavron via a stunning alpine pass dotted with lakes. Enjoy each one as you make your way to your destination, a remote mountain guesthouse. This area divides the Anatolian Plateau and the Black Sea region, so you’ll notice a change in weather over the next few days of hiking as you draw closer to the ocean.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ayder
Distance: 13km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Samistal Plateau and Ayder Village
This morning you’ll head out across the Samistal Plateau, where colourful little buildings line ridges and old stone walls trace the land.
Once you reach Ayder, take a dip in their natural hot springs. They’re a huge draw for visitors, and you’ll love them after all the hiking you’ve done in the last few days.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ayder
Distance: 11-13km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Exploration Around Ayder
Today you’ll enjoy everything that the area around Ayder has to offer, checking out the nearby villages, old historic houses, fortresses, waterfalls, and tea plantations (care for a cup?). This area was an active trade route in the days of the Silk Road, so there’s plenty of history to discover.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ayder
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Transfer to Trabzon and Depart
After an incredible week of trekking through Turkey, it’s time to wrap up! You’ll be drive to Trabzon, and on the way, you’ll enjoy a cup of tea with a local family and have lunch at an organic trout farm.
Finally, you’ll be taken to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Trans Kackar Mountains Trek Price and Dates
This guided tour in Turkey is run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the number of participants.
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided groups of 4: $2,495 USD* per person
* Pricing for this tour depends on the size of your group. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the Trans Kackar Mountains Trek
This tour is based in hotels, guesthouses, and campsites. Hotels on this trip are small and full of character, offering private bathrooms. You’ll have camping supplies provided, so you’ll just need to bring a sleeping bag.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible (this may not be available in all accommodations). Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Altunay Pension in Yaylalar
A welcoming guesthouse will be your home base in Yaylalar, where you can enjoy basic amenities and lovely mountain views.
Camping in the Kackar Mountains
Get out under the stars, enjoying a mountain campsite. Everything you need will be provided so you can just fall asleep to the sounds of nature.
Guesthouse in Olgunlar
Freshen up with the amenities at your guesthouse, which will feel wonderful after your camping night and day spent hiking.
Natura Hotel in Ayder
This hotel is nestled right into a treed hillside in the mountains, and you’ll fall in love with the truly unique scenery.
What’s Included in the Trans Kackar Mountains Trek?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners are included. Bottled drinking water is included with each meal.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement. Your camping equipment (except sleeping bag) is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport.
Also Included
- English-speaking local guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Mules for Day 1
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
- Museum entrances
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about Trans Kackar Mountains Trek
Hike n' Sail understands that travellers want a meaningful vacation, balancing physical activity, adventure, and cultural immersion. Hike n' Sail hasn't just mastered the art of land and water-based tours that leave their mark, but they've managed to create itineraries that both excite and offer the time needed to truly appreciate a destination.
Offering hiking and sailing tours across Turkey and the Greek islands, Hike n' Sail uses their 30+ years of experience to craft carbon-neutral adventures with the best local guides, ensuring your visit to Turkey is better than you'd imagined it could be.
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