Turkey Mountaineering

Turkey presents to mountains lovers with an incredible variety of interesting climbing opportunities that are sure to satisfy the most demanding hikers, climbers, and winter sports fans. In Turkey, mountains come in all sizes, geo-morphological and tectonic structures and boast abundant wildlife and forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Turkey for winter sports (especially skiing), mountains climbing and hiking.

Types of Mountains and Important Mountains in Turkey
Mountains Types in Turkey

Turkey, which becomes more arid the further south one goes, is presently hemmed in on every side by mountain ranges: The Northern Anatolian Mountain Range, the Interior Anatolian Massif Range, the Southern Anatolian Mountain Range and the Southeastern Anatolian Mountain Range. Important mountains in the Northern Anatolian Mountain Range are Istiranca (Yildiz) Mt. (1000 m), Bursa Uludag Mt. (2543 m) , Bolu Köpoglu Mt. (2400 m), Ilgaz Mt. (2587) and the Karagöl Mts. (3100m). In the Central Anatolian Massif Range, there are volcanic mountains such as, Erciyes Mt. (3917m), Hasan Mt. (3263m), Greater Mt. Ararat (5137m), Tendürek Mt. (3533m), Süphan Mt. (4058m) and Nemrut Mt. (3050m). In the folded Taurus Mountain range, there are the Beydaglar Mts. (3086m) and Bolkar Mts. (3524m), and in the Southeastern Anatolian Mountain Range there are the, Hakkari Cilo (Buzul), Sat (4136m) and Nur (Amanos) Mountains.

Mountains formed by folding or breaking Western Taurus

-Beydaglari Central Taurus

-Bolkar Daglari -Aladaglar Munzur Mountains Cilo

-Sat Mountains Kaçkar Mountains

-Western Group (Versembek)

-Kavran Group

-Eastern Group (Altiparmak)

Volcanic Mountains

-Mount Ararat and Lesser Ararat

-Mount Süphan

-Mount Tendürek

-Mount Nemrut

-Mount Hasan

-Mount Erciyes

Important mountains in Turkey (Ranked according to height)

Popular Climbing Sites
Kaçkar Mt. Range (The Black Sea)

Antalya-Beydaglar (Mediterranean)

Mt. Erciyes (Central Anatolia)

Nigde Aladaglar (Central Anatolia)

Mt. Ararat (Eastern Anatolia)

Mt. Süphan (Eastern Anatolia)

Bolkar Mountains (Mediterranean)

Mercan (Munzur) Mountains (Easter Anatolia)

Agri - Mount Ararat
Turkey's highest mountain Ararat, has a legendary status due to its geologic location and the fact that it is believed to have been the final resting place of Noah’s Ark. This peak, mentioned in the Bible, has several names in different languages, the main ones being Ararat, Kuh - i Nuh and Cebel ul Haristir.

Prof. Frederick Von Parat successfully reached its summit, which Marco Polo said no-one would ever climb, on 9 October 1829. The former president of the Mountaineering Federation, Dr. Bozkurt Ergor on 21 February 1970 made the second ascent. Thousands of visitors came in 1980, and ten years later climbing was banded but this was lifted in 1998 when the Mountaineering Federation gave permission to a group of climbers.
Height: 5165 m.

Location: Eastern Anatolia, near the border with Iran and Georgia, between the Aras and Murat Rivers.

Best Time for Climbing: July to September. Winter climbing is very difficult but extremely rewarding.

Characteristics: Mount Ararat (5165m) is the highest peak in Turkey and Europe. It is a volcanic mountain made up of basalt, which changes to andesite lava around 4000 m. At the summit there is a glacier, and on the eastern slope is the Serdarbulak ridge, with Kucuk (Little) Ararat at 3896m. The height of Mount Ararat, along with its glaciers, geological formations, people, and mountain meadows covered snow has an alluring, almost magical appearance.

Transportation and Accommodations: The Trabzon-Erzurum-Tehran International Highway winds around the foothills of Mt. Ararat and leads to Iran. There are regular air, rail and bus connections between Ankara and Erzurum. Dogubeyazit is the closest city to the mountain, easily accessible from Mt. Ararat and Erzurum. There are a number of restaurants and lodging places in the city and the surrounding area.

Climbing Equipments: Crampons, rope (11mm), an ice pick and safety gear such as an ice-auger and climbing tape.

Summer Ascents: Sleeping bags made for temperatures of -5, -10 ºC, anorak, wind jacket, other camping gear and important supplies.
In order to climb Mount Ararat and/or Little Ararat, permission is required and it is mandatory that climbers begin their journey from the following points.

* Ascents of Mt. Ararat can only be attempted on the portion of the face that is within the district boundaries Dogubeyazit, and must follow the Dogubeyazit - Topcatan village - Eli Ciftligi route.

* Ascents up Little Ararat may only be made along the northwest face. The easiest route in terms of communication and accessibility, and the most commonly followed one, is the southern route.

* Climbers staying at Dogubeyazit can make their final preparations for climbing here and continue by car to the village of Eli. After getting water here, the first campsite, which is at 2800 m, takes 7-8 hours to reach. On the second day, after a 4-6 hour climb, one can expect to reach the next campsite at around 4200 m. It is obligatory for climbers to be equipped with crampons, rope and ice-picks. It takes about 8-10 hours to reach the peak and to return to the first campsite at 2800 m.

Antalya - Beydaglari ( Mediterranean )
The Beydaglar Mountains, in the western extension of the Taurus Mountains, lie to the west of the Bay of Antalya and run parallel a north-south direction. The most important peaks are Teke, Mt. Bakirdagi, Mt. Tahtali Dag and Kizlar Sivrisi. The tallest of these is Kizlar Sivrisi, 3069ms.

This mountain, which enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year, can be climbed within one day and the view of the sea and Antalya is well worth the effort. The sunrise form the peak, for those willing to sacrifice some sleep, is dazzling.

Parachuting is possible here with a good wind, and has stunning views. Besides an important climbing and hiking centre, Beydaglar Mountains also offer superb winter sports.

Height: 3069 m.

Location: These mountains make up the western portion of the Taurus Mountains, located in the province of Antalya. They run north-south, parallel to the Mediterranean coast. Climbing and hiking are possible year-round, with the best months between April and June.

Characteristics: These mostly limestone mountains exhibit a wide range of flora, and there are quite a number of peaks in this range.

Kayseri - Mount Erciyes
Erciyes, with an elevation of 3916 meters, is a volcanic mountain whose summit is always covered with snow and fog, and has become synonymous with the city of Kayseri. This lava-spewing mountain, responsible for the 'fairy-chimney' rock formations in nearby Cappadocia, impressed the Meek people living at its base so much that their coins bear an impression of the mountain with lava boiling out of the top. The first person to successfully make the summit was W. J. Hamilton in 1837, and the first Turk was Miralay Cemil Cahit Bey in 1924.

Besides being a popular spot for mountain climbers, it is also one of Turkey's best winter-sport resorts. From the top of the mountain, if the weather is clear, there is a stunning view of an area stretching from Cappadocia to the Taurus Mountains.

Height: 3916m

Location: In South of the Central Anatolian city of Kayseri.
The Best Time for Summer Climbs: Between May and October.

Characteristics: An inactive volcano, it is the highest peak in Central Anatolia. On the northern slope there is a 700m mountain glacier, and on the eastern slope at an elevation of 2100-2900 meters, is the Tekir plateau which is a winter sports centre. The hike from the ski-lift to the campsite at Cobaninine takes about 2½ - 3 hours in winter. The climb from Cobaninine to Mola tasi, at the head of Seytan Creek, takes an hour, and climbing on cross-country skis is popular. From here, it takes about 2-3 hours to reach the summit of the smaller peak. In the winter months, there is a danger of avalanches in Seytan's Creek and in the spring (May and June), it is necessary to wear a helmet because of the falling rocks.

Transport and Accommodation: Kayseri can be reached from Istanbul and Ankara by road, train and plane. There is a heated 100-bed mountain resort on the Tekir plateau, with telephone connection, and also a new 100-room hotel. Kayseri has a wide selection of hotels and restaurants.

Climbing Equipment: Crampon, rope, pick, helmet, a variety of safety gear (like an ice-auger, and hammer) and camping equipment.

Climbing from the Tekir plateau: This is the safest ascent. The mountain resort, which can be reached via Hisarcik, is 25km from Kayseri. From the resort, the ascent and descent can be completed in about 8-10 hours. Climbing up the north-west face is a little more difficult but a very enjoyable climb. From Kayseri go to Hacilar and then Sutdonduran plateau (2850 m.) via Akinyurdu. Camp can be set up here.

Mersin - Bolkar Mountains
The Bolkar mountains, which form the Turkish extension of the Alps, begin in Resadiye in the southwest and run along the southern coast of Turkey until they connect to the Zaganos Mountains in Iran.

There are many peaks over 3000m in this range. Medeksiz (3524 m.) is the highest peak in the range, and Meydan has a very good campsite. About 45 minutes southwest of Meydan is Karagol (2650m), another good camping spot, and in June the lake is surrounded on all sides by beautiful wild-flowers. The nomadic Yoruk people, who originate from Central Asia, still live in this area with traditions and roots unchanged for thousands of years.

Height: 3524 m.

Location: An extension of the Central Taurus Mountains, in the provinces of Mersin and Nigde. The best time for summer climbs are between 15 May -15 August, and for winter climbs between the end of December and early March.

Characteristics: In this range made up mostly of limestone, it is possible to see scattered snow banks even in the summer. It has a wide variety of forest and meadow plants.

Transport: Climbing Medeksiz, the highest peak, can be done from either Ulukisla - Ciftehan or Pozanti - Camalan, both of which are on the highway between Ankara and Adana.

Climbing: Medeksiz should be started from the village of Maden via Ciftehan. During the summer months, it is recommended to camp at the Meydan plateau, which is accessible by jeep or other off-road vehicle. If Camalan is the chosen starting point, you can get as far as Elmalipinari by car. From here, every climber can coose an ascent that fits his skill level.

Nigde Aladaglar
This mountain range, is in the provinces of Kayseri, Nigde and Adana, has a wide variety of plant and animal life and because of this a 54,524 hectare area was declared a national park in 1995.

In this range there are three peaks of 3700m, many more over 3000m, with numerous lakes. In the spring, a large number of lakes are formed from the melting snow but the in dry summer season most of them evaporate. Only a few, fed by underground water sources, remain by the end of the summer.

Height: 3756 m.

Location: These mountains are the highest in the province of Nigde, and are an extension of the Taurus Mountains.

The Best Time for Climbing: The best time for climbing is between June and September.

Characteristics: The mountains consist mostly of limestone. There is practically no forested area outside the Emli and Barasama valleys. Alpine vegetation in the area is very developed.

Transport and Accommodation: There are three primary ways to reach the Aladaglar Mountains.

From the West: The villages of Cukurbag or Demirkazik can be reached from Nigde in 1½ hours. The mountain resort here provides all the necessary services of a regular hotel.

From the South: From Adana to Karsanti, then to the Aciman or Trak mountain plateaus.

From the North and Northeast: From Kayseri to Yahyali, and then to the villages of Barazama or Buyuk Cakir (Selale).

Climbing Equipment: Normal camp equipment, rope, safety gear (carabine, hammer, climbing tape, etc) and personal supplies.

Climbing Demirkazik: To climb Demirkazik (3756 m.), is the highest peak in Aladaglar, going from Cukurbag to the mountain plateau of Sokulupinar, a hike of about 1½ hours, and set up camp. It normally takes between 10-12 hours from the campsite to the peak and back. For those planning to make a number of ascents in the Aladaglar Mountains, it is recommended to use the valley of Yedigoller as a base camp. It is a 10-12 hour walk from Cukurbag to Yedigoller.

There are number of ways to reach the summits of Emler Peak (3723 m), Kizilkaya (3723 m) and Direktas (3470 m) from Yedigoller. In the village of Demirkazik, there is a new privately managed mountain resort with a 100-bed capacity, with eating and bathing facilities as well as a library. It is possible to use this resort as a base for reaching the summits of Demirkazik and Lesser Demirkazik (3425 m).

Leaving from the village of Cukurbag, it is a 1.5-2 hour hike to Emli valley. Using this area as a base one can climb Mt. Kaldi (3734 m), Mt. Guzeller (3461 m) and Mt. Alaca (3588 m).

Rize - Kaçkar Mountain Range
Looking like a pristine natural park, the Kackar Mountains between Rize and Hopa have a dazzling array of plants and animals, clear blue lakes, green forests and razor-sharp glaciers which can be seen year-round. The highest peaks in the range are Altiparmak (3480m), Kavran (3932m) and Vercenik (3710m).

Every year hundreds of climbers visit Kackar Mountain, whose southern face offers an easy climb. If there was no fog, there is a magnificent view of the mountains of the eastern Black Sea. The northern face is usually for more experienced climbers, with the opportunity to visit the thermal springs at Ayder on the trip down.

Climbing to the mountain in the winter is harder then the summer. In the winter months, snow fills the mountains and covers the high pastures, and the houses disappear completely. The slopes of the glaciers are very conducive to avalanches.

Height: 3932m.

Location: The eastern Black Sea, parallel to the coast between Rize and Hopa.<br> The best time for climbing: August to September during summer, February to March during winter.

Characteristics: The mountain is made up mostly of granite, cyanite, andesite and diorite. Swift running water and glaciers have caused significant erosion, which has given the mountains a rough broken appearance. The northern slopes, which are covered with lush vegetation, rise right out of the sea. The Kackar Mountains can be divided into three sections: Vercenik in the west, Kavran in the centre, and Altiparmak in the east.

Transport: The easiest way to reach the Kackar Mountains is from the north via Trabzon-Rize-Ardesen, finally arriving at Camlihemsin, a journey of 75km. When hiking to the peak of Kackar, it is possible to stop over at the mountain pasture at Ayder. From here one may reach the beginning of the ascent to the peak by way of either the Lower Kavron or the Upper Kavron road. Another important peak in this range is Vercenik, which can be reached via Cat and Bashemsin.

Climbing Equipment: Rope, helmet, crampons, ice picks, appropriate and adequate camping gear and clothing for humid and rainy weather. Climbing preparations can be made in Ardesen and Camlihemsin.

Climbing: To climb Mt. Kackar take the road to Ayder Ilicasi, and for Mt. Vercenik, go to the village of Cat, which has a superb view. It takes about 4 hours to climb up to Ortakoy, and from there continue to the mountain pasture at Ismer, where you can set up camp. Here you will be at the base of the 3711m peak of Vernecik, and there are many ways to tackle the peak. The historical ruins of Zirkale and the village of Kolona are on the road to Vercenik.

The Climb up the Peaks of Kavran: A number of different ascents can be used to reach the peaks of these mountains.

The Northern Face: The last opportunity for outfitting is at Ayder. Lower (Asagi) Kavran and Upper (Yukari) Kavran can be reached by car, or 1½ hours on foot and then another 2 hours to reach the Bogacayiri (Okuzcayiri), where camp can be set up at 2900 meters. From here there are a variety of climbs to the nearby peaks. The highest peak, Kackar (Kavran), with an altitude of 3932 meters, is to the south. A climb up the northern face takes 7-9 hours.

The Southern Face: The southern approach is reached by following the road through Yusufeli, Barhal, Yaylalar (Hevek), Olgunlar and Meretet. Local transport is available to Yusufeli and Olgunlar. It is also possible to rent out a vehicle in Yusufeli. Final preparations should be made in Yusufeli but last minute food items can be bought at the village of Yaylalar (Hevek). Local accommodation is available in boarding houses, or campsites. It is possible to reach Olgun by car, and pack animals may be rented to carry supplies.

The hike from Yaylalar to Dilberduzu, the main camp site, can be easily made in 5 hours. Around the main camp there are a number of peaks, which are good for one-day out, and the peak of Mt. Kackar can be reached a number of different ways. It takes 9-10 hours to reach the top and there is a camp site there. Between August and September there is no need for crampons or ice-picks.

The main campsite at Mt. Kackar, Dilberuzu, is south of the peak itself. The peak cannot be seen from the campsite, and to see it requires a 30-minute climb up the peaks to the south and southwest of the campsite. The elevation of the campsite is 3000 meters, and it is possible to ascend up either side. If you go to the south, it is possible to reach the Altiparmak mountains.

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Climbing the Mountains of Altiparmak: The northern route passes through Ayder and Dutha. By setting up camp at Agvecur, Kackar or Zigam, you can climb Mt. Karatas (3492m) or Altiparmak (3480m). Those who take the southern route, drive from Erzurum to the village of Altiparmak Barhal. From here, it is a 5 hour hike to the campsite at Karagol. From the campsite, there are different ascents which depends on each climber’s level of skill.

Tunceli - Mercan (Munzur) Mountains

Location: This is an extension of the Central Taurus mountains, lying between the Northern Anatolian and the Southeastern Taurus Mountains in the vicinity of Tunceli and Erzincan.

Best time for Climbing: Between mid-June and late August.

Characteristic: These limestone mountains have a very broken and jagged appearance. There are numerous lakes and in some places the snow never melts, and coverage of high meadows. The Munzur Valley National Park is located on the Ovacik road.

Climbing: To reach the peak of Akbaba in the Mercan Mountains, follow Mercan Creek north of the village of Ovacik. Every climber can choose an ascent that matches his level of skill.