Kackar Kaçkar

Kaçkar Mountains

Turkey

Kackar Mountains
7 days Grade B or C  Vehicle and Mule Supported
Dates and Prices
This trip can be arranged for private groups between June and September.
Book Now See also 4 day programme

Olgunlar to Kavrun Traverse

Mount Kaçkar Ascent

Yaylalar to Mikelis

Doğa Hotel area and beyond

The Kackar (Kaçkar) Mountains are composed of several ranges lying in the north-east of Turkey, just south of the Black Sea. The many summits between 3000 and 4000m and deep forested valleys cover a vast area some of which is inaccesible on account of the deep snow between November and April.

Bears, ibex, wolves, mountain goats, deer, Persian red-squirrels, wild pigs amongst other animals inhabit the forested slopes and numerous birds, many on their migration routes, may be seen. In fact the Kackar are one of the world's most biodiverse regions and the flowers from spring through to late summer are stunning. The northern slopes are heavily forested up to about 2000m and are affected by the humid air to the north; they are misty and rain and snowfall are quite high. The southern Kackar are drier but still receive more precipitation than other areas in Turkey. Maximum precipitation occurs between late April and mid-June.

Our 7 day trip explores some of the more remote yaylas, valleys and ridges, before an ascent of the highest summit, Mt Kackar 3937m. This provides a non-technical trek but there is a rocky section where you have to use your hands and some sections of boulders and scree to negotiate. Early in the year crampons may be useful. This ascent provides excellent acclimatisation for anyone wishing to make an ascent of Mount Ararat. Those preferring an easier day can visit the Deniz and Atsız Gölü lakes. The trip finishes with a traverse of the mountain range to the lusher northern side with an optional visit to the Ayder thermal baths. It is fully mule and vehicle supported with all food provided and an English speaking guide.

The programme is available as a private trip throughout the summer, contact us for more details.

Included:

• Half board, en-suite accommodation in Olgunlar and Çamlıhemşin
• Mountain Guide
• Cook and all meals on the trek
• Tents and sleeping mats.
• Mule Support

Not Included:

• Transfers to and from the area.*
• Personal Equipment
• Alcoholic Drinks

* Olgunlar may be reached by public transport from Yusefeli from where there is an afternoon bus. Yusefeli is reached easily from Erzurum which in turn has excellent connections by rail and air with Istanbul and Ankara. The last bus from Erzurum leaves at 1pm. The journey takes about 4-5 hours by bus. To reach Olgunlar in the morning from Erzurum a very early start by private transport is necessary. We can arrange private transfers on request from Erzurum or other locations in and around the Kackar.

The Doğa Hotel is a short taxi drive from Çamlıhemşin from regular dolmuses connect with Rize and Trabzon.

Purchase detailed guidebook and map to the Kackar.