Kaçkar Summit Trek
This one week hike crosses the high passes of the Kaçkar Mountain range from north to south, including an optional ascent to the peak of Kaçkar (H: 3937m). We stay in pensions in the local villages and camp in the high pastures for our summit ascent.
Book Now
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.
Prices
€835 per person. Prices are based on double/twin room occupancy. Single room stay not possible at camp site. Minimum group size 8 pax. For groups under 8, a surcharge of €75 per person is required.
Dates
2023: 6 August - 13 August Other dates on request.
Included
all transfers (also from/to airport Trabzon) and luggage transfers with private vehicle including driver and fuel
mule/horse support during camp days
all accommodation
tents & sleeping mats
all meals: breakfast / lunch (picnic) / dinner
qualified English speaking mountain guide
Excluded
flights
soft and alcoholic drinks during meals
entrance fees to historical sites and museums & spa at Ayder
tips and gratuities
Equipment
Trekkers need good quality thick-soled waterproof walking boots, warm clothing, hat and gloves, gators (preferably breathable such as goretex), sunglasses, sunhat, sun cream, rain gear such as water proof jacket and trousers (preferably breathable such as Gore-Tex), day sack (approximately 40 lt), warm sleeping bag. Snowshoes or crampons will be provided if needed. Walking sticks are recommended. Baggage should preferably be packed in a soft kitbag or rucksack.
Transfer
You pack, we take care of the rest! We transfer your luggage between the accommodations and campsites while you enjoy your walk. Our aim is to make your holiday more enjoyable. During the walks, you carry your daysack only.
Accommodation
4 nights half-board pension: we stay in small, family-run pensions with a personal touch. 3 nights camp: trekkers are expected to help pitch/strike their own tents. All tents are of good quality dome type with two doors.
Meals
During the tour, you will enjoy natural, regional and rich Turkish food. Evening meals consist of a soup or salads, a main course and fruit or sweet for dessert. Evening meals in camp will be hot soup or salad, a main course with pasta or rice and fruit. Lunches will be picnics. Trekkers are expected to carry part of the food for lunch. Our packed lunches are wonderful and we include plentiful trail snacks such as dried fruits and nuts. Water is available at springs en route.
Health & Age Notes
Grade C with Grade D optional ascent of Kaçkar Mountain. Average daily trek 5-7hrs. Grade C demands a bit of experience and fitness to tackle steep slopes and narrow, stony paths for up to 8 hours per day. Grade D: for experienced trekkers who can keep up a steady pace for 8 hours or more and tackle some easy scrambling.
Day 1: Arrival
On arrival at Trabzon Airport you will be met by your tour guide and driver. Depending on your arrival time we can make a short walk or transfer straight to the accommodation in Çamlıhemşin (2hrs) for our dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Palakçur – Karamolla (+900m / -900m)
We start our trek in Palakçur after a 30 mins transfer. Crossing the mountain range from north to the south via the Palakçur pass we will end the walk in Karamolla village. From here transfer to hotel in Yaylalar (Hevek) village (30 mins) for our dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Yaylalar - Modut (+700m / -900m)
Today's walk takes us from the pension first through the forest and then climbing up over the tree line to descend to Modut summer village. From there we walk on to Mikelis and transfer back to Yaylalar village for our overnight at the same hotel (20 mins).
Day 4: Trek to base camp (4hrs / +900m)
We head for base camp to prepare for the summit ascent. Our supplies will be taken up by mules. We put up our tents and in the afternoon can make an optional climb to a nearby small summit. Dinner and overnight at Dilberdüzü base camp (H: 2900m).
Day 5: Kaçkar Summit (+1000m / -1000m)
Early morning start to the highest peak of the Kaçkar range. The walk is on a path until the last few hundred meters where it almost disappears and we walk over rocks (no rock climbing is involved). Short distances may be on snow. It is also a good day for daily treks around basecamp (to the icy Deniz Lake for example) for those who choose not to attempt the summit. Camp at Dilberdüzü as on the previous day.
Day 6: Dilberdüzü – Dobe (+300m / -400m)
This is a high walk over Pisovit pass with great views of all the Dilberdüzü valley. We descend into the next valley and camp at Dobe valley and campsite (H: 2500m). Dinner and overnight at Dobe campsite.
Day 7: Lanetleme - Çaymakçur & Ayder hot springs (+700m / -1100m)
Over Lanetleme pass (H:3200m) we cross back to the north side of the mountain range. We descend via Çaymakçur valley (H:2100m) and meet with our vehicle to transfer to Ayder where we can relax in the thermal bath. Then we move on to Çamlıhemşin for our last dinner and overnight at the pension there.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Trabzon airport (2hrs).