Erciyes Mountain & Soğanlı Valley
Mount Erciyes (3917m.) is one of the best mountaineering and winter sports centers in Turkey. This dormant volcano rises south of the city of Kayseri. Erciyes is exposed to every kind of atmospheric movement and winter brings heavy snow on it. On a historical note: there is a fire worshippers’ (Zoroaster/ Zarathustra) temple around the summit. Monks in historic times have visited this summit several times. The first known successful climb in modern times was performed by WJ Hamilton in 1837. On the way we visit Soğanlı Valley, it is an ideal introduction to the riches of Cappadocia, helping you to understand how different cultures have shaped the development of this region steeped in history.
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For tours without fixed departure dates you can email us at: info@middleearthtravel.com or you can contact us using the "Contact Us" page. We will provide you with a tailormade itinerary and quotation.
Difficulty Level
Grade 4: Demanding. Mountainous treks for experienced trekkers who can keep up a steady pace for 8 hours or more and tackle some easy scrambling. Daily altitude differences can be more than 900m. Hiking on rocky or faint foot paths and over scree. The use of crampons may be needed at times.
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Prices
€195 per person for 4-12 pax. €290 per person for 3 pax. €390 per person for 2 pax.
Dates
On request
Included
all meals
English-speaking mountain guides
round-trip transportation (between the trek and your accommodation)
camping materials (tents & mattress)
Excluded
flights
travel insurance
soft/alcoholic drinks
tips and personal expenses
sleeping bag (you can hire from us)
most of the equipment can be rented locally from us
Equipment
*Good walking shoes *Small day-sack, (approximately 40lt) *Warm clothing (for winter, early spring and autumn) *Sunglasses, sunhat, sun cream, lip salve *Rain gear (preferably breathable such as Goretex ™) *Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) *Trousers (if appropriate) *Walking T-shirt/shirts *Walking socks, fleece or jumper *Torch and batteries *Water bottle (1 litre) *This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preferences *We may especially need to use crampons and ice axes depending on snow conditions on early spring and late autumn
Transfer
We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the hotel at the end of the tour. Our aim is to make your holiday more enjoyable. During the walks, you walk with your daysack only.
Accommodation
One night camping; trekkers are expected to help pitch/strike their own tents. All tents are good quality dome tents with two doors.
Meals
On the first day we have late lunch at a local restaurant around 13:30. We love our cooking in Turkey. We believe it is one of the tastiest and healthiest cuisines of the world. Evening meal in camp will consist of hot soup and salads, a main course with pasta or rice and fruit. On the mountain lunch will be picnic and trekkers are expected to carry part of the food, but we don’t skimp here - our packed lunches are wonderful and we include plentiful trail snacks like dried fruit and nuts along the way too. If you have special dietary requirements (gluten free, peanut allergy, etc.) please inform us when filling out the booking form.
Health & Age Notes
For experienced trekkers who can keep up a steady pace for 8 hours or more and tackle some easy scrambling.
Day 1: Soğanlı Valley - Kayseri - Tekir plateau (3000 mt).
We meet with our vehicle in the morning at the Middle Earth Travel Office in Göreme, Cappadocia. We drive to the Soğanli valley and visit the rock cut churches. Soğanlı is a traditional Anatolian village where people live in the same way as they have for centuries. We will visit the most important monuments including the churches at Yilanli, Kubbeli and Saklı Kilise. Lunch will be in a restaurant in Kayseri. Then we drive up to the ski lodge. We climb 3 hours from the ski lodge (2250mt) (with equipment) and camp at the Tekir plateau (3000 mt). Camp supper.
Day 2: Erciyes Summit
We wake up early and leave around sunrise after breakfast. We start climbing over rough ground and rock, mostly on a path, to reach the summit hopefully before noon. If the weather is nice there will be great views of Hasan Mountain, Aladağlar and the central Anatolian plateau. We return to camp and trek back for our rendezvous with the vehicle. Drive back to Göreme.