|
| |
Trekking
on the summits of Turkey ( Cappadocia – Mt. Taurus
and Mt. Ararat 5165m)
We
begin from Mediterranean Mercantile city Adana
to the top of Turkey Ararat the legendary resting
place of Noah’s Ark. First we discover the uniqueness
of Cappadocia. 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 dwelling, all of which are
set against a textured moonscape of bizarre volcanic
erosions. After our short warm-up in Cappadocia,
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 5-days trek trough the Taurus
Mountains towards the rich and fertile plains
of Southern Turkey. Then a 5 days will be on Mt.Ararat
Eastern part of Turkey Near Iran border and it
is a magnificent sprawling dome whose snow covered
summit is 5.165m above sea level. Most Christians
believe it is the site where Noah’s Ark came to
rest after the great Flood. A climb of Mt.Ararat
is a tough walk (non-Technical) but requiring
a good deal of stamina. The upper third of volcano
covered in snow and the last hundred meters to
the summit is icy.(the actual climb to the summit
from camp II at 4.200m is optional. |
|
Day
1
:
Ankara
Meet at the airport
and transfer to the hotel. Overnight hotel.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Day
2 :
Cappadocia (Red valley- Pasabaglari)
In the morning
transfer to Cappadocia region.(4h) We begin our
first trek trough red valley, Sometimes known
as the ‘’red hole’’ Kýzýlcukur is probably the
hottest valley in region. Hidden in its array
of fairy chimneys is The church with grapes where
there are frescos depicting viniculture and fruit
growing.(The vine produced here now is very sweet
and heavy ) we go on the walking through Pasabaglari
, known as the valley of the Priests. Many of
the chimneys here are only partially divided,
showing us the continuous erosion process. Interestingly
too there is a small minaret transformed from
a church belfry indicating that this place was
inhabited by Moslems after the Christians. This
valley is also noted for the many caves in the
fairy used by hermits for their retreats . A three
capped chimney was the retreat to the monk Simeon,
who unlike his counterpart in Syria, lived inside
the pillar instead of on top of it! Overnight
pension. 4h walking. |
|
|
Day
3 : Cappadocia
White valley – Mt Taurus
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. If we are lucky we can also see some wild
birds.(like hoopoe) and some wild animals(like
fox). In 3h walk our way gets us up to Uchisar
village where we have lunch break in a restaurant.
Uchisar village is settled around a high promoter,
which is called citadel. We visit it walking
to the top where we have rewarding panoramic
view on all the surrealist Cappadoccia area.
Afternoon transfer to Mt. Taurus (2h) Arrive
to the Taurus mountain and walking to our campsite.
On the way we may see ship flocks with shepherds.
Overnight at campsite 1800m. 5h walking. |
|
|
|
Day
4 : Emli
– Sokullupinar
Departing our campsite
we ascend the Emli Valley, before climbing up
again to the high pastures of the Eznevit yaylasý
(2538 m). Depending on the time of year, we may
encounter the semi nomads of this area grazing
their flocks. After lunch we gradually descend
to our campsite at Sokulupýnar (2000 m). About
6-7 hours walking. Overnight camp with all meals.
Ascent = 688 m - Descent =538 m. |
|
|
|
 |
Day
5 : Sokullupinar
– Mt. Embler (3723 m) - Yedigoller
We start trekking
south in earnest along the Yalak Deresi trail
to a narrow canyon with spring water. Then cross
the rugged Celikbuyduran Pass (3450 m). Here we
will have our picnic and You may take the opportunity
to ascend Mount Embler at 3723 m (sometimes also
called Engin Tepe) This is a non-technical 4-5
hours round trip, but does demand some scrambling
and is considered moderate to strenuous. The views
at the top, however offer a magnificent reward
with a vista towards the southern face of Mount
Demirkazýk Overnight camp with all meals. M =
1723 m ; D = 623 m. |
|
|
Day
6 : Yedigoller – Sogukpinar (cold
spring)
Today begins with
a descent to the tree line of hacer bogazý valley
and continue on to our overnight camp at the yayla
or summer meadow of Sogukpýnar (cold spring) at
1850 m. En route, we could possibly come into
contact with some of the local mountain people
- in particular, members of “Yörük” tribe who
may invite us in to their black goat hair tents
as guests. About 5 hours walking. Overnight camp
with all meals. D = 1300 m. |
|
|
|
Day
7 : Sogukpinar
–Waterfalls – Kayseri : sleeper night train to
Erzurum city
Trekking through
the forests with their aroma of pine, we come
across the primitive village of Barazama. Here,
the people live a strongly traditional way of
life, spinning their own wool and weaving brightly
coloured rugs on the looms. We may stop by at
one of the village homes and be welcomed by its
friendly family, witnessing the simple life at
first hand. After an hour’s break we continue
towards Selale; its name translating to waterfall,
for that is exactly what we’ll find here. Waterfalls
of many strengths and sizes flood from the rockface
- an impressive sight. Rejoining our vehicle our
drive takes us along a rough road, with the final
spectacular views of the Taurus mountain , Zamantý
river and the canyon. After we finish walking
we take our bus to Kayseri. We take a night sleeper
train to Erzurum city at 20h00. Overnight train
D = 800 m. |
 |
|
|
Day
8 : Erzurum -Dogubeyazit : 200 km
drive – Visit Ishakpasa Palace
Arriving to Erzurum
by train 09.00. Erzurum is the hub of eastern
Anatolia, and has been an important centre of
civilisation for centuries because of its natural
and geo strategic position. Many Ottoman and Seljuk
monuments, tombs and mosques stand in Erzurum
and Transfer and drive to Dogubeyazit town 3.30h
Dogubeyazit has been established front of Ararat
mountain. Here we will visit Ishakpasa Palace
. Ottoman governor Ishakpasa constructed the palace
in 17th century with a mixture of architectural
styles. The palace was made by using red clay
stones and it resembles the Topkapi and Edirne
Palace. After visiting transfer to Dogubeyazit
back. Overnight at hotel. |
|
|
|
Day
9 : Dogubeyazit
– Mt Ararat (Camp I)
In the morning
transfer till Eli village . We begin to trekking
to the Mt Ararat. it is a magnificent sprawling
dome whose snow covered summit is 5.165m above
sea level Trek to the base camp at 3200m, about
five hours trekking. Our baggages will be carried
by horses or mules. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Ascent : 700 m. Descent : 0. |
|
Day
10 : Acclimatisation
day
Trek to camp II
(4. 2OOm), about 4 hours trekking time. Return
to camp 1 yesil camp 3200m . according to legend
it is the site where Noah’s Ark came to rest after
the great Flood. Free time for preparation. Dinner
and Overnight Camp. Ascent = 1100m - Descent =1100
m. |
|
|
|
Day
11 : Mt
Ararat (Camp II)
Trek to camp II
(4. 2OOm), about 4/5 hours trekking time. All
luggage will be carried by pack animals. A short
course will be given on how to use ice-axe and
crampons. A climb of Mt.Ararat is a tough walk
(non-Technical) but requiring a good deal of stamina.
The upper third of volcano covered in snow and
the last hundred meters to the summit is icy.
Overnight camp with all meals. Ascent = 0m - Descent
=1200 m.
Day 12 : Mt.Ararat.
5165m Summit
Climb to the summit
( 5.165m) While is not technically difficult climb
it does require stamina. Our ascension starts
early in the morning. About at 4500 m glaciers
and perennial snows are present, thus the most
part of the ascent is done with equipment necessary
for ice climbing. Anybody fit for high mountain
walking or acquainted with ice climbing. Return
to the base Camp I. Overnight at camp, with all
meals. Ascent = 1065mm - Descent =2265 m. |
 |
|
|
Day
13 : Mt.
Ararat – Dogubeyazit – Van :190 km
Descend to Cevirme
Village about 2 hours and return to Dogubeyazit
. After Lunch we drive to Van, is one the most
important cities of the old Vaspurakan region.
it is located on the east coast of Van lake and
its ancient name is Tooshpa; the Urartian capital
of Tuspa. Van Lake is the largest lake in Turkey
. Overnight at hotel. |
|
Day
14 : Van
– Istanbul
In the morning
transfer to Van airport and fly to Istanbul. Istanbul
is the only city in the world which embraces two
continents, one arm reaching out into Asia, the
other into Europe. Considered as a leading metropolis
in the world, for culture, arts, history, trade
and business. After installation to our hotel
opportunity to visit old part of Istanbul we may
visit the Blue Mosque, . Stroll in the world's
biggest covered market then spend the Afternoon
free visiting sites of interest at your leisure.
Overnight at hotel *** |
|
Day
15 : Istanbul - Home
Transfer to the
airport and fly home. |
|
Summits : Mt. Embler : 3723 m, Mt. Ararat :
5165 m
Season : July- September
PERMISSION
It
is a requirement by Turkish Minister of Tourism
to have an official permission in order to trek
Mt.Ararat. We must have all participant’s names,
birthdays and their passport numbers , 60 days
before the departure. Therefore, please book
your Mt Ararat trek as early as possible.
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bike Trip in Cappadocia