Trekking Kackar North East Turkey
Initial region
Kackar Mountains
Duration
8 Days
Language
English
Price
€ 2.350 / person
Barhal
Mount Kackar
Dilberduzu
Trekking Kackar North East Turkey
Day 1: Meeting at Erzurum airport and transfer to Barhal Village
We meet at Erzurum Airport with our participants arriving on the flights listed below. After a short introduction and briefing, we first set off for Yusufeli. On the way, we will visit Torum Waterfall and Öşvank monastery. After taking a short break in Yusufeli for our last needs, we will pass through the villages in the heart of Kaçkar Mountains to Barhal Village. After settling in our pension in Barhal village, we will complete our final preparations by enjoying the surroundings. Our dinner is in our hostel.
Approximate vehicle transfer time: 5 Hours
Approximate Heights: Erzurum, 1853 m; Yusufeli, 696 m; Barhal, 1250 m
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Barhal – Shabangil – Kilyon – Barhal
After an early breakfast in the morning, we will prepare for the first walk of our tour and set off. You will not need to vacate the rooms as we will be returning to the same hostel this evening. We will start our walk from our pension towards the exit of the village. We will cross the concrete bridge on the roadside to enter a narrow canyon and then climb this narrow canyon with zig zag paths. On the canyon, we will reach one of the characteristic plateau-neighborhoods of this region. This is Shabangil. An immaculate and airy little neighborhood. After a short break and a neighborhood visit, we move on to another neighborhood. Then we will descend back to Barhal along the dirt road.
Approximate Activity Time: 5 hours
Approximate Altitudes: Barhal, 1250 m; Kilyon, 1500 m
. Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch (Storage) – Dinner
Day 3: Barhal Church – Amanesket – Naznara – Karagöl – Satibe Amanesket Walk. Transfer to Heveg.
After breakfast, we vacate our rooms today. In the next part of our tour, we will be in another hostel. We will have a short vehicle transfer through a valley surrounded by flowers cascading streams from all sides. Before leaving Barhal, we will also visit the magnificent Barhal Church. We will start our trek by ascending slowly from a path that starts just below the Amanesket and Naznara Highlands. After passing through these beautiful highland-neighborhoods, we will go to Karagöl, which is hidden in an old glacier between the Altınparmak mountains. This forgotten and beautiful lakeshore has a peaceful atmosphere. We will take a long break by the lake. Those who wish can swim in this beautiful lake. Let's have a country picnic here for our lunch. Then we will continue along an old waterway towards Satibe Ridge, one of the most scenic and airy campgrounds in the Altiparmak Mountains. We also have a scenic break on this open ridge in the shadow of Nebisatgur hill. Then we will go down to the place where we left our vehicle. We will meet with our vehicle and drive to Heveg. In the evening, we will be settled in our comfortable hostel in Heveg and enjoying the last moments of the day. We will stay here until the end of our tour.
Approximate vehicle transfer time: 1 hour
Approximate Altitudes: Amanesket, 2000 m; Satibe, 2700 m
. Approximate walking time: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch (Food Food) – Dinner
Day 4: Heveg – Aksav – Modut – Mikelis Walk
Today we will start our walk again from our hostel. After a delicious breakfast, we set off. First, we will proceed through Heveg towards Aksav Stream, at the forest border. Then we ascend along the Aksav valley, which is surrounded by flowers, accompanied by white foamy streams. To pass to the Modut Plateau, we will climb a pass and descend towards the plateau from there. After a short break on the plateau, we witness the harshness of the lives established in this steep geography and descend towards Mikelis Neighborhood along zigzag roads and paths. From here, our vehicle will pick us up and we will go to Heveg with a short transfer. After this beautiful walk, we take our drinks from our hostels and dive into a delicious conversation.
Approximate vehicle transfer time: 15 minutes.
Approximate Heights: Heveg, 1896 m; Modut Plateau, 2340 m
Approximate Hiking time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch ( Food Food ) – Dinner
Day 5: Karamolla – Sulementa – Varhal – Demirdöven/Zamevan
When we look out from the veranda of our hostel, we can see part of the passage that we will go through this morning. After our breakfast, we will go to Karamolla Neighborhood with a short vehicle transfer. We will start our walk by climbing the big mountain ridge on which the neighborhood is leaning. Our goal in the first two hours of our walk is to go to Sabahda Pass. The sharp heights of the Cloud Mountains that pierce the sky and the valleys run by the streams will be in our view. After the pass, we will descend by following the Sorgunpiyat creek. Passing through Sülemanta and Veknal plateaus, we will pass to Demirdöven District, formerly Zamevan. On this long walk, we will pass through the ridges, streams and villages between the Altiparmak and Bulut Mountains.
Approximate vehicle transfer time: 30 min
. Approximate Heights: Karamolla, 2100 m; Sabahda Pass, 2740 m; Sulementa, 2250 m; Varhal, 1850 m; Demirdöven, 1370 m
. Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours
Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch ( Food Storage ) - Dinner
Day 6: Highlands – Vilizor – Meredet
After breakfast, we will go to Olgunlar Mahallesi with a short car transfer. Our walk
will start from here.
We will start walking from the last quarter of the Southern Kaçkars to Dilberdüzü , which is used as the base camp for the summit climbs of Kaçkar Mountain . On the way, we will pass through Heveg's plateau, the Patient Plateau. After we are satisfied with watching the high mountains among our teas and colorful tents in Dilberdüzü
, we will turn towards Olgunlar.
Approximate Heights: Mature 2130m; Dilberdüzü 2860m
Approximate Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch ( Storage ) - Dinner
Day 7: Highlands – Erzurum – Return
In the morning, we get ready after a leisurely breakfast. We will plan the day according to the earliest flight. We will leave Yaylalar Village and return to Erzurum via Barhal and Yusufeli. After having our meal in Erzrum, our airport transfer will begin.
Approximate Transfer Time: 5-6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast
Alternative itinerary
Itinerary
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Day 1
Join Erzurum
On arrival in Erzurum, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. One of Anatolia’s oldest cities, Erzurum was a vital stop on the ancient Silk Road and still preserves its cultural significance today. Depending on your arrival time, there’s the opportunity to explore key sites in the city’s historic centre, including the 12th century Erzurum Castle and the covered bazaar. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant housed in a series of restored Ottoman homes, offering a warm introduction to eastern Turkish cuisine and hospitality. Overnight: Rafo Hotel, or similar
Meals: D
Day 2
Erzurum to Yaylalar via Toftum waterfalls, Yusufeli & Barhal church
Today we drive into the heart of the Kackar Mountains, with stops along the way to explore the region’s natural and cultural highlights. We visit Tortum Waterfall, one of Turkey’s tallest, before continuing to the remote mountain village of Barhal. Nestled among orchards and stone houses, this peaceful village is home to the 11th century Georgian Barhal Church, quietly overlooking the valley. By late afternoon, we reach Yaylalar, a small highland village and settle into our family run pension and enjoy traditional Turkish tea on arrival. Driving time: 3 hours Overnight: Altunay pension, or similar
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
To Dilberduzu camp, via Olgunlar village
Today your trek begins. Setting out from Yaylalar village, you'll follow the Buyuk Cay River upstream, hiking with light packs while horses carry the group’s gear. After a short walk to Olgunlar, a small settlement nestled in the valley, the trail begins a steady ascent into the heart of the Kackar range. As you climb toward Dilberduzu Camp (2900m), the scenery opens into alpine pastures scattered with grazing flocks and traditional yayla huts. In June and July, the meadows are often alive with wild rhododendrons, primulas and alpine poppies, adding brilliant colour to the mountain landscape. It’s a relatively easy walking day, designed to help you acclimatise before tomorrow's summit. Walk: 3 hours Ascent: 640m Overnight: Camp at Dilberduzu
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Kackar Summit (3937m)
An early start before sunrise sets the pace for today’s summit push, the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. The trail climbs steadily through high pastures to reach Denizgolu, a remote alpine lake tucked beneath towering peaks at 3300m. From here, the terrain steepens dramatically. You’ll traverse scree and granite slabs, crossing an exposed ridgeline with wide open views, before the final climb to the summit. On clear days, the panorama stretches across the entire Kaçkar range and, in the distance, Mount Ararat on the horizon. We return to Dilberduzu camp and sleep soundly beneath the stars. Walk: 9 - 10 hours Ascent/Descent: 1097m Overnight: Camp at Dilberduzu
Meals: B,L,D
Day 5
Dilberduzu to Olgunlar & Yaylalar village
After breakfast at camp, descend on foot to Olgunlar village, retracing the path through wide green pastures and mountain houses. This is still summer grazing country, and you may pass nomadic herders bringing their flocks to the highlands. With the high summits of the Kaçkar behind you, return to the peaceful village of Yaylalar and settle back into your pension. Walk: 2 -3 hours Descent: 640m Overnight: Altunay pension, or similar
Meals: B,L,D
Day 6
To Naletleme pass (3100m), via Dupeduzu, Yukari Kavron & Ayder village
Today begins with a final full day of trekking. The trail follows a landscape of alpine ridges and passing traditional yayla settlements like Dobe and Dupeduzu. The route climbs to the Naletleme Pass (3100m) - your final high crossing - before descending into the northern valleys of the Kackar. The walk finishes in Yukari Kavron, where your vehicle awaits for the short drive to Ayder, a scenic mountain village known for its thermal springs, wooden houses and forested hillsides. Walk: 7 - 8 hours Ascent: 900m/Descent: 850m Overnight: Yesilvadi Hotel in the Ayder village, or similar
Meals: B,L,D
Day 7
Trabzon and the Sumela monastery
Depart Ayder and travel along the scenic Black Sea coastline to Trabzon, a city with deep roots in Silk Road trade and a rich blend of cultures shaped by both Christian and Islamic influences. A highlight today is the visit to the Sumela Monastery, dramatically built into a sheer cliff face above the Altindere Valley. Founded in the 4th century, this remarkable Greek Orthodox site is known for its cliffside chapels and vivid frescoes. After exploring the monastery, return to Trabzon and a final group dinner. Drive: 3 hours plus to/from Sumela monastery Overnight: Horon hotel, or similar
Meals: B,L,D
Day 8
In Trabzon, trip concludes
Trip arrangements conclude this morning after breakfast. You will have a transfer (15 minutes) from the hotel to the airport, for your onward journey.
Meals: B
- What's Included In This Tour?
- Tour leadership, mountain guidance, consultancy throughout the tour
- All vehicle transfers mentioned in the program
- All meals mentioned in the program
- Full board accommodation in double rooms
- All general safety equipment and basic first aid kit
- Site and museum entrance fees
Transportation to the Meeting Point ( Erzurum )
Backpack, Baton, etc.
Unscheduled requests and expenses
Meals Not Specified in the Program
Accommodation difference in a single room: 480Euro
We have classified the necessary information for our tour for you.
Trousers: We recommend the use of synthetic or semi-synthetic trekking trousers for walking. Jeans, linen etc. Clothes made of cotton materials, such as cotton, are not suitable for nature activities as they make movement difficult and do not dry quickly if they get wet. For winter climbing, you should definitely have shell trousers that are resistant to wind and wetness.
Underwear: Keep and wear at least one set of synthetic underwear.
Food and Beverages: Lunch is not included in our service on the first and last days of this event. All other meals will be provided by us. Lunch will be in the form of food.
Thermos: We recommend that you have a plastic or, best of all, a steel thermos with you, provided that it is not glass. In this way, you can carry hot drinks with you for activities that take place far from the campsite.
Head Lamp / Lantern: Since the days are short, especially during our winter walks, you should always have your head lamp / lantern with you, as it is necessary to be prepared for the dusk. The head lamp is a must-have equipment in our summer and winter bag.
Camera: We recommend that you bring a camera and spare film or memory card and batteries on our tours. We strongly recommend that you do not forget to take the necessary precautions to protect your machines, if there is a transition from wet environments or a rainy weather expectation.
Sunglasses: Those with UV protection should be preferred in nature activities. Sunglasses are of great importance, especially in snowy winter days, they are the only precaution against retinal burn or snow blindness due to excessive radiation.
Protective Sunscreen, Moisturizers and Lipstick: We recommend high protection factor sunscreens for all seasons, with a minimum factor of 45.
First Aid and Medicine:MONTIS Trips & Expeditions guides always carry extensive first aid kits. All of our tour leaders have the International First Aid in Nature (ECSII) Certificate. However, it is recommended that you always have the medicines you use regularly and a small personal first aid kit with you.
Swimwear: Those who like to swim in mountain lakes can bring a swimsuit with them.
You can always call us for more information about the selection of materials to be brought to our activities.
Environmental Note: We do not leave any garbage or permanent traces in nature, so do not forget that everything you bring with you for walking tours should be returned after use. To carry your waste back, you can bring a small garbage bag with you or use the emptied plastic bags to put your garbage.
Climate
Since Kaçkar Mountains are at the transition point of the continental climate and the Black Sea climate in the southern part, they have a meteorological character that is open to sudden weather changes. We recommend our participants to be prepared for sudden weather changes and unpredictable heavy rains.
Warnings
Do not take with you any surplus that you will not use on the mountain.
You can also get as much hot drink and water as you want from our guides. If you have a plastic or steel thermos with you, you can take it for walks with a hot drink.
Be careful not to exaggerate the amount of extra food you bring! If you prepare by taking into account the food plan, your job will be easier.
Tour Difficulty Levels: Moderate
Accommodation Information
Karahan Pension: We will stay in Barhal's most established establishment. This charming hostel is one of our favorite stays with its delicious food and friendly staff.
Camyuva pension: The first accommodation that comes to mind when Kaçkar is mentioned is located in Heveg. This hostel, which is an absolute haunt of summit climbers and trekkers, is one of the accommodation that has left its mark on Kaçkar tourism.
