The Ala Dag constitutes the highest and most compact group of peaks in the
Eastern Taurus mountains. Although small in area, less than 750 square
kilometres, it packs in a great variety of scenery and terrain in a complex
system of mountains and valleys. The bare limestone crags, often moulded into
savage outlines typical of this rock, are softened by the forests to the south
and east, and lakes in the centre. The Ala Dag supports a very rich flora and
fauna, attracting numerous botanists and ornithologists every year. The July
departure is the best from the point of view of flora - fruit lovers should
come later! Ancient Cappadocia, situated just an hour's drive away from the Taurus, offers
some of the most fascinating day-walks to be enjoyed anywhere in the world. The
famous troglodyte (underground) villages and the amazing scenery are best
enjoyed on foot. The lunar landscape of Cappadocia is formed from tufa, a
compacted volcanic ash which erodes easily and is very suitable for carving
caves. Since the earliest times men have burrowed into this rock, making
underground houses, churches and even large cities. There are dramatic cave
houses at Zelve and Uchisar, and a complete underground monastery at
Göreme.
The insides of the caves are decorated with religious frescoes in the Greek
Orthodox style, almost a complete record of Christian art over almost 1,000
years. One of the oldest and largest settlements in Cappadocia is Derinkuyu, a
complete underground city, with tunnels said to extend for 14 kms. 15 day itinerary Grade C Day 1: Istanbul
On arrival at the airport we have a city tour including a visit to the famous
Blue Mosque. In the evening we take the ferry across Bosphorus then the night
sleeper train to Konya. Dinner and breakfast included on the train. Day 2: Konya – Ilhara – Mustafapasha (Sinasos)
After an early breakfast on the train we arrive in Konya and drive to the
Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia,
about 2 -3 hours. We will walk up trails from Belisirma where we have lunch
in a restaurant beside the Melendiz river to Ilhara following the canyon beside
the river visiting several ancient churches, (4 to 5 hours walking). Drive 1
hour to the atmospheric Greek House in Mustafapasha for dinner and night. Day 3: Mustafapasha - Kizilçukur (Red valley)
We now continue our trek into the spectacular Pancarlik valley. The interesting
sweeping curves on the sides of the valley are peculiar to the region. We stop
at Ortahisar village for lunch in a typical restaurant not far from the
outstanding carved fortress rock. Our walk in the afternoon takes us through
the Kizilçukur valley with its magnificently sculptured, red-tuff rock
formations. We will see churches dating back to the early Christian period.
Overnight at our pension on Goreme. (6 hours walking). Day 4: White Valley - Pidgeon valley
We trek through the Akvadi (White valley) eroded so perfectly by time, rain and
wind during centuries. Lunch-break in a restaurant in Uçhisar village and
visit
of the densely settled citadel. A great panoramic view of the surrealist area
is available from the top. Walking in the pigeon valley, we descend to
Göreme
village, where the fairy chimneys go hand in hand with houses. Back to our
hotel. (5 hours walking). Day 5: Zelve - Alvanos
Walk to Zelve passing through the ancient rock carved town of Chavushin 3
hours. Visit the open air museum of Zelve (entrance fee included). Drive a few
minutes to Avanos for lunch and free time to visit Avanos and its world-famous
potteries. Return to Goreme. Day 6: Cappadocia – Taurus Mountains
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 57m under the ground). On arrival in Pınarbası village, the
trailhead, we have a lunch-break in a guesthouse and we begin our Trans-Taurus
trek with 3 hours hike to Pınar valley. Camp. Day 7: Çömce Göl
We continue our trek through the Ala Dag mountains by walking up the Maden
gorge, possibly seeing nomads at the yayla or mountain pasture where we stop
for lunch by a river. After lunch we climb up to our camp at Karagöl lake
(2750m, 4-5 hours trekking) where the hardy can enjoy a well-earned swim.
Fritillaries and grape hyacinths abound here in July. The energetic may like to
continue up past the lake towards Sigirasan pass, for superb views of Dipsizgol
and the north face of Demirkazik peak. Camp. Day 8: Çömce Göl - Yedi Göller
We have a beautiful walk to Yildiz Golu (lake) and then head south to our
campsite at Yedi Göller, or the seven lakes, so called because of the many
lakes forming here in the early summer from melt water flowing down from the
surrounding mountains. Direktas at 3,510m. towers above the campsite and to our
right we see the massive ridge of Kizilkaya at 3,725 m. Our camp is at
approximately 3,000m. On July departures there will be some snow on the
mountains and near the lakes. Camp. Day 9: Yedi Göller - Mt. Embler 3723 m.
The ascent of Mount Embler, (or Mt. Engin Tepe) is a non-technical 2-3 hours
walk from the camp via the East Face. The summit offers a magnificent view
towards the southern face of Mount Demirkazik (the highest summit in the
range), the Bolkar range, Mt. Hasan and Mt. Erciyes. Return to the Yedi
Göller
campsite. There is time to relax in the afternoon. Day 10: Yedi Göller - Tülü
A 1 hour climb takes us from the lakes to the Celikbuyran pass at 3,450 m.
Descending to our campsite at Tülü, 1,900 m. we pass some bizarre
sandy-coloured rock formations on the way. Its beautiful grassy setting
provides a dramatic contrast to the barren, high mountain setting of Yedi
Göller. Day 11: Tülü - Emli valley ( 1900m).
İn the morning we gradually ascend up to the high pastures of Eznevit Yayla
(2450m). Depending on the time of year, we may encounter the semi nomads of
this area grazing their flocks. After lunch we gradually descend to the
Sıyırmalık valley and then through a fragant pine forest reach our camp near
the Emli valley at 1900m. (5 – 6 hours walking). Day 12: Emli ( 1900m) - Alaca Plateau (2400m.) - Emli
After breakfast, we trek up to the Alaca Yayla (2400m) passing trough the
Mangırcı valley. After 3 hours trekking we arrive to Alca Plateau. We may meet
some semi-nomads coming from different villages of the area then picnic will be
here. After the lunch we continue to descent to our camp from the Olukseki
valley. 5 / 6 hours trekking time. Ascent / Descent : 500m.
ith all meals. Ascent : 450m. Descent :550m. Day 13 Emlı -Elekgölü-Alagöz
Trekking in the range into direction of Elekgölü village. We go over
a pass and
walk along a stream. We arrive to the village where take a lunch in the tea
house and we will have opportunity to discover their life and the hospitablty.
After lunch we go down to Ecemiş river to have svimming opportunity. We will
arrive to our camp site to pass through fruit gardens. This camp will be also
our last camp site in Taurus mountain. Overnight at camp. DAY 14 - Kayseri - Istanbul
Wew get up at 6 am in the morning drive to Kayseri airport and fly to Istanbul.
Transfer to Hotel and afternoon free. Overnight hotel BB DAY 15 - Istanbul - Home
Transfer to Airport, fly home. Land cost generally include: - All transport within Turkey (including domestic flight)
- Local English-speaking guide
- All accommodation
- All camping equipment (1 tent for 2 people), mattresses, cooking equipment and
eating utensils
- Cook, mule-drivers and mules, jeep for carrying luggage
- All meals except lunch in Istanbul
- Permits
Not included:
- Insurance. All expenses of a personal nature eg drinks
- Lunches in Istanbul
- Entrance fees to historical sites
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