|
| |
Cappadocia
& Taurus
First
we discover the uniqueness of Cappadocia. In the
summertime it’s real joy to walk through this
amazing and limestone area. There are wild flowers
everywhere; isolated gardens that abound with
fruits and vegetables. We follow old paths to
visit the rock-cut churches, monasteries and cave
dwellings, all of which are set against a textured
moonscape of bizarre volcanic erosions. Then we’re
ready to tackle a week’s moderate to strenuous
trekking through mighty Taurus range passing glistening
mountain lakes. This is an embarkation on a challenging
and adventurous 7-days trek through the Taurus
Mountains towards the rich and fertile plains
of Southern Turkey. The formation of Taurus range
is continued as rocky promontories and Islands.
An intricate topography of lofty gorges and compact
valleys make this part of the Taurus (known as
Aladaglar) a very attractive challenge to trekkers
like us. Nomadic groups inhabit the high meadows
or pastures during the summer months of June to
September - in particular, the yorük, who are
Turkoman in origin and whose traditional occupation
is grazing their goats and sheep. On our trek,
we will often meet with the hospitality of nomads
and local villagers of this area. |
|
Day
1
:
Ankara
Meet at the airport
and transfer to the hotel. |
|
Day
2 :
Ankara - Ihlara valley
Leaving the capital city
behind, we head south east towards Cappadocia.
We pass the massive ‘ Tuz Golu’- one of the salt
lakes in Turkey and also stop at the 13th century
Agzikarahan caravanserai. It is constructed to
develop the trade about at every 40km. The gate
is a fine example of Seljuk architecture and is
a reminder that we are travelling one of the ancient
caravan routes linking Asia to Europe. Arriving
to Selime village where we begin our first walk
, at the northern end of the Ihlara valley and
overnight in the valley itself. Overnight in regular
camp with shower and WC. 5 h. |
|
 |
|
Day
3 : Ihlara
Valley - Cappadocia
The Ihlara valley,
due to its morphological formation, has proved
to be a potential seclusion and worship area
for monks and priests and to high away and defence
area for people. During our 4 hours walking,
we'll have opportunity to visit several churches
with good conserved frescoes. Our lunch-breach
is in Ihlara village. In the afternoon we join
our bus and drive to the centre of Cappadocia
where we’ll spend night in regular camp with
shower and WC. |
|
|
|
Day
4 : Akvadi
– Goreme
We trek thorough the Akvadi
(white valley) eroded so perfectly by time, rain
and wind during centuries. On our way following
a seasonal river, many strange curious rock formations
and fairy chimneys round us. In 3h walk our way
gets us up to Uchisar. We visit Uchisar citadel
that walking up to the top where we will have
panoramic view on all the surrealist Cappadoccia
area. In the afternoon we follow a path to the
Pigeon valley, and we will see some pigionaries
that is holy for Moslem people. at the end of
the walking we arrive to Göreme village. Overnight
in regular camp with shower and WC. 5 h. |
|
|
|
 |
Day
5 : Cappadocia
- Taurus Mountain
This morning we
leave the surrealistic Cappadocian area and drive
to Taurus range. En route visit of the fascinating
underground city of Derinkuyu. (8 floors on 57
m under the ground). On arrival in Cukurbag, the
trailhead village, we have a lunch-breach in a
guesthouse and we begin our Trans-Taurus trek
with 3 h hike to Emli valley. Overnight camp with
all meals 1850 m. Depending of the season, we
may get in contact with some nomadic families.
Overnight camp with all meals. Ascent = 200 m
- Descent = 0 m |
Day
6 : Alaca Plateau
After breakfast, we trek
up to the Alaca plateau (2450 m) passing through
the pine forest of Emli Valley. After picnic we
may discover the exceptional scenery of the area.
On the warm-up trail we may see some local people
coming from different villages of the area. Return
to our campsite at 1850m. Total trekking time
5/6 hours. Overnight camp with all meals. Ascent
= Descent = 600 m. |
|
 |
Day
7 : Emli
- Sokullupinar
We go up to the
Siyirmalik Valley before climbing up to the high
pastures of the Eznevit Yayla (2538 m) with a
magnificent panoramic view of all the Southern
slopes of the Aladag range. Depending on the time
of year, we may encounter the nomads of this area
grazing their flocks. After lunch we gradually
descend to our campsite at Sokullupinar. About
5/6 h. walking. Overnight camp with meals. 2000m.
Ascent = 638 m - Descent = 488 m. |
|
|
Day
8 : Cýmbar canyon
The day is to enjoy the
spectacular scenery of the northern face of Mount
Demirkazýk (3756 m). More impressive scenery as
we trek through the impressive Cimbar Canyon.
We pause in the Demirkazýk village (1550m) for
a while to absorb the scenery and have lunch-break
in a village house. We’ll contact with the habitants
of the village whose lifestyle hasn’t change for
centuries. It may be possible to observe some
women spinning wool and working on their looms.
We return to Sokulupýnar camp site on a footpath.
5 h. walking. Overnight camp with all meals .Ascent
= Descent = 450 m |
|
|
|
Day
9 : Sokullupinar
- Yedigoller
Trek to the Yedigoller plateau
(Seven lakes) valley, with its areas surrounded
by spectacular mountain walls offering wonderful
photo opportunities. We cross the celikbuyduran
pass 3450m. Descending to our camp maybe will
we be lucky to be invited into the black goat-hair
tents of nomads for refreshment. Overnight camp
with all meals at 3100 m. (6-7 hours trekking
time). Ascent = 1450 m - Descent = 300 m |
 |
Day
10 : Yedigoller-
Mt Embler
Trek to Mt. Embler and take
advantage of the easy ascent to the summit 3723m.
Splendid scenery opens up with the chance to see
the whole Taurus range included Mt. Bolkar and
other summits (Mt Hasan and Mt Erciyes). Ascent
and descent takes about 4 h. Afternoon free to
relax or visit the lakes and nomads. Overnight
camp with all meals at 3100 m. Ascent = 623 m
- Descent = 623 m. |
|
|
|
Day
11 : Yedigoller
- Sogukpinar
Trek through the
canyon-like Hacer valley and camp at Sogukpinar
(Cold Spring) at 1800 m. On the way to our camp
we will trek through beautiful pine forests, meet
nomads called Yoruk and certainly be invited into
their tents as their guests. Our campsite is impressive
with majestic views of the Hacer valley. Night
fire will be arranged. Overnight camp with all
meals.6 h. Ascent = 0 m - Descent = 1300 m.
Day
12 : Sogukpinar
- Selale
We trek through
a beautiful pine forest and camp near some waterfall
1000 m, (about 5/6 hours walking). On the way
we pass through Barazama village, where life has
not changed for centuries. The people are very
poor, but very friendly and hospitable. In the
afternoon we continue to our camp by the waterfalls
(Selale) along the Barazama River. On the way
we pass some large pools which are perfect for
a refreshing swim. Overnight at camp, down to
the waterfalls in a small village Kucuk Cakýr
with all meals. Ascent = 0 m - Descent = 800 m |
 |
|
|
Day
13 : Kayseri
– Istanbul
In the morning drive to Kayseri
airport and fly to Istanbul. Transfer to Hotel
and afternoon free. Overnight hotel |
|
Day
14 : Istanbul
Free day: you can visit yourself
the old sight of what was the capital of the civilised
world. Topkapi palace, the Blue Mosque, chapel
of St Sophia. Stroll in the world's biggest covered
market then spend the Afternoon shopping or visiting
sites of interest at your leisure. Overnight at
hotel *** . |
|
Day
15 : Istanbul - Home
Transfer to the airport and fly
home. |
|
Summits
: Mt. Embler 3723m
Season : June – October
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bike Trip in Cappadocia