The Divide
The Divide
Summary
ENCOUNTER THE DIVIDE (Kaçkar Mountains) – On this tour, you will have the opportunity to travel through two separate ecosystems. The Kaçkar Mountains divide the humid Black Sea region from the meadowlands on the rain shadow side of the mountains. One side of the mountains is classified as a humid subtropical climate, full of lush vegetation and beautiful mountain vistas. The other side boasts beautiful grass meadows, warm sun and a rocky landscape. This tour will bring you to the summit of Mount Kaçkar, the highest peak in the Kaçkar range and the 4th highest peak in Turkey at 3,937m (12,917 ft). The area is filled with beautiful lakes and stunning views. This trip will not only allow you to experience beautiful scenery, but offers a depth of culture. There continues to be families in this region that will migrate during the summer months up the mountains to small summer villages, herding a few sheep and cattle and producing fresh cheese and yogurt. Along this tour, you will encounter several of these small villages and have the opportunity to interact with the locals.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL AND PREP.
Arrive in Erzurum and travel to Yusufeli for our overnight stay. Along the journey to Yusufeli, we will explore an ancient Georgian church and the beautiful Tortum waterfall. In the evening, after we have settled into our comfortable accommodations, we will be briefed on what to expect during the climb and for more novice hikers, an introduction to trekking techniques will be given.
Day 2: BEGIN TREKKING
From Yusufeli, we will be transported to Olgunlar where we will begin the trek to the first camp at Dilberdüzü (2385m), a beautiful 7.5 km climb with a gradual incline. Tonight we will enjoy the great outdoors as we sleep under the stars at the Dilberdüzü campsite, the most frequented campsite in the Kaçkar Mountains.
Day 3: KAÇKAR SUMMIT
This morning we will travel first to the crystal clear Deniz Lake (3353m) where we will have some time for a little R and R before completing the final 584m ascent to the summit of Kaçkar Mountain. After enjoying a stunning view of the Kaçkar Mountain range from the summit, we will descend down to camp at Davalı Lake for the night.
Day 4: KAVRON VALLEY
Today we will traverse the alluring Kavron valley, encountering lush alpine forests and passing many sparkling lakes, before making camp near the quaint village of Yukarıkavron.
Day 5: RETURN TO AYDER
From our final campsite, we will continue traveling through the lush mountain valley and finish our trek in Ayder, where we will stay in a comfortable local hotel for the night. This evening we will have the opportunity to relax at an authentic thermal Turkish bath.
Day 6: TRAVEL TO TRABZON
After a refreshing night in Ayder, we will travel through lush mountains filled with local farmers harvesting tea leaves and arrive at the famous Sumela Monastery near Trabzon. Nestled into a steep cliff with a stunning view of the Altindere Valley, this monastery is a site of great cultural and historical significance.
What's Included
- Transfers to and from the Erzurum airport
- Transfer to the Trabzon airport
- 1 night Hotel accommodation in Yusufeli.
- 1 night Hotel accommodations in Ayder.
- Mountain Guide
- Food and drinks on the mountain
- Entrance fees to all attractions
Not Included:
- Personal climbing equipment
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Gratuity for guides and porters
- Food at local Restaurants
Gear
The equipment and clothing you bring to this program will have a big impact upon the quality of your experience. If you have any questions regarding equipment, please contact us and we will clarify any questions that you might have.
Equipment Included:
- Tents (if requested)
- General Safety equipment. The guide will carry all necessary safety equipment, including general first aid items.
Required Equipment:
- Sleeping Bag – suitable for 0°C (32°F) minimum temperature (depending on the season).
- Sleeping Mat – something to provide insulation from the cold ground and a little extra comfort.
- Backpack – 50L to 80L size (large enough to fit your gear and some group food)
- Hiking shoes suitable for 4 hours of hiking on rough terrain each day. You will also want light, comfortable shoes to where around the camp.
- Warm and waterproof materials. You will want multiple layers for the change in weather and physical activities. See recommended clothing for more information.
- Trekking poles are recommended but not necessary.
- Headlamp
- Gloves (for cold nights)
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock and SPF lip cream/gloss
- Water Bottle and optional thermos
- Personal Toiletry kit
- Blister Kit (tape or second skin)
- First Aid items – bandages and light pain relief medication.
- Camera – the views are stunning and you will want to capture the experience.
Recommended Clothing:
- Warm socks – bring additional pairs and something that will help prevent blisters, such as Moleskin.
- Warm pants – something that you feel comfortable climbing in.
- T-shirt – something light and comfortable, moisture wicking material is preferable.
- Long sleeve layer – preferably fleece layer to add warmth and stay dry.
- Jacket – you might want a couple layers, something that is wind and waterproof. The Black Sea side of the mountains can be wet so be prepared.
- Warm Hat – something for warmth at night and during the last day of climbing.
- Additional Sweater – this is something to wear on the cold night and as an additional layer if needed.
Summary
- 6 Days
- Tent
Highlights
- Highest Elevation – 3,937m (12,917 ft)
- 6 day trip from Olgunlar to Ayder.
- Encounter small summer villages only accessible by foot.
- Experience two completely different ecosystems.