MOUNTAINEERING
MOUNTAINEERING / TREKKING
IN TURKEY

MOUNT AGRI (ARARAT) (5137 MT)

MTA01
MTA02
MTA03
11-17 JULY
1 - 7 AUGUST
22 AUGUST - 28 SEPTEMBER
18-24 JULY
8 - 14 AUGUST
29 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER

THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 15

The Mount Ararat is a non-active volcano rising out of the East-Anatolian plateau. Its fertile mountain sides are visited during summer by nomads that graze their flock. Their hospitality is proverbial as they invite tourists into their black tents to share a meal and a glass of ayran (a yoghourt drink) with them. Our trek starts in Dogubeyazit, a famous smuggler's nest, where Ishak Pasha built his palace on a lonely pass. For the ascent we use the southern route which offers the easiest climb and the best facilities. In spite of repeated searches the biblical Noah's Ark, that according to the Old Testament came to rest on the side of the mountain, has not been found as yet. Maybe we'll have more luck.

DAY 1: Transfer (plane) from Istanbul or Ankara to Erzurum or Agri Transfer with minibus to Dogubeyazit and stay at hotel (D)

DAY 2: Transfer to Elikoy (2250 m) - trekking to base camp 2,950m. (About 4 hours) (B,L,D)

DAY 3: Trekking to 4,200 m and stay in second camp (B,L,D)

DAY 4: Small walks in the immediate surroundings to acclimatize. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: We get up at 2.30 am in the morning and start the ascent at 3.30 am. Weather permitting there is a one hour stay at the top, then return to camp 2 and overnight. (4,200m) (B,L,D)

DAY 6: Return to Elikoy and from there to Dogubeyazit with local transport. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: After breakfast departure to Erzurum or Agri airport and flight to Ankara. (B)


PRICE : 690 USD (Air fares & airport transfers are not included)
tours can be organized in other periods - please ask our price quote.

PHYSICAL CONDITION REQUIRED: A good general physical condition and experience with trekking in mountainous area is necessary - the last 500 meter to the top are covered with glacier ice and crampons are used - this last stretch is relatively flat and requires no ice climbing, mules will carry the backpacks up to the second camp at 4200 m, climbers carry daypacks only.

NECESSARY MATERIAL: Backpack and daypack (60 and 30 Lt. resp.), sleeping bag, windbreaker (Gore-Tex type or similar, down or fibre fill parka, sweater, thermal underwear, hiking boots that permit the use of crampons, crampons, ice axe, walking stick, sleepers and spare clothing, hat to extend over ears, sunscreen (at least factor 15), gloves, torch, sunglasses that block UV and can be used on ice, camera and film.

SERVICES PROVIDED: 2 nights hotel, 4 nights in tent (provided with mats), breakfasts, lunches, and evening meals consisting of nutritious high-energy food, services of guide, mule-drovers, cooks and camp-setters.

NOTE: Airport - hotel - airport transfers are not included in the price.

ADMINISTRATION: Valid passport A climbing permit must be obtained from the Turkish authorities. Therefore the name and passport numbers of participants have to be sent to Cherokee Tourism & Travel one month before departure. At the moment, no climbing fee is required by the local authorities. Any changes will be notified by Cherokee.

KACKAR MOUNTAINS (3932 MT)

In the rainy and lush landscapes of Northeastern Turkey, the Kackar mountains form the Northern section of the Anatolian mountain chain. The Kackar-Kavron summit, at an altitude of 3932 meters, is the highest point in the range. Extensive glacier and water erosion have given these mountains their craggy, rugged look, and they are known for the complexity and power of the streams and rivers which rush down to the lower altitudes. In fact, this range is the third most important glacial region in Turkey following the Agri (Ararat) and Cile-Sat mountains.
The Kackars rise between the shores of the Black Sea to the North and the Coruh River Valley to the South. On the Northern flank, an immense variety of vegetation flourishes in the rainy climate. Up to 500 meters above sea level, tea plantations and citrus orchards cover the hillsides. Chestnut, hornbeam, beech and other large-leafed trees forest the slopes to 750 meters. Between 750-1500 meters of elevation, pines mix in with the large-leafed trees until gradually they remain the only species of tree from 1500-2000 meters. Alpine meadows and other grassy vegetation cover the ground above 2100 meters. On the Southern faces of the Kackars, which receive strong sunshine and less precipitation, the agriculture is based on the cultivation of fruit and vines. On the Northern side, in the higher elevations, meadows of wildflowers and grasses blanket the slopes up to elevations of 2300 meters.

TREKKING IN THE KACKAR MOUNTAINS

SCALING OF MOUNT KACKAR AND CROSSING OF THE KACKAR RANGE

Yusufeli, Olgunlar, Dilberduzu, Lake Deniz,
Summit of Mount Kackar (3937 m), Caymakcur , Ayder

 

MTK0101
14 - 21 August

THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 18

DAY 1: Flight from Istanbul or Ankara to Erzurum and transfer to Yusufeli highlands (L, D)

DAY 2: Hiking to Dilberduzu camp site and setting up a camp there Trekking to the lakes in the neighborhood (to acclimatize) and return to camp (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Scaling of the Mount Kackar (3.932 m) the highest mountain of the Kackar range and returning to the camp in Dilberduzu
(9 hours). (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Trekking from Dilberduzu to the Dobe Valley (5-6 hours) and setting up camp there
(B, L, D).

DAY 5: Trekking over the Caymakcur pass (3292 m) to reach Ayder and overnight at a pension or a camp site (B, L, D).

DAY 6: Transfer to Trabzon and visit to the Sumela Monastery. Overnight will be at our hotel in Trabzon.
DAY 7: Flight from Trabzon airport to Istanbul or Ankara (B).

PRICE: 615 USD Flights are not included in the price.

PHYSICAL CONDITION REQUIRED: No specific knowledge of mountaineering is required but a good physical condition is necessary. The participants have to carry a daypack only, the rest of the luggage is carried by mules.

NECESSARY MATERIALS: Backpack, daypack, water container, protective clothing (pullover),raincoat , walking sticks, hiking boots, sun screen, hat covering the ears, extra clothes (especially socks), sleeping bag.

SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: All transfers, hotel and tent accommodation (including mat), breakfast, lunch, dinner according to program, entrance fees to museums and ruins, guiding and cooking services, mules to carry luggage.

TREKKING THROUGH THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF THE KACKAR MOUNTAINS

July
MTK0201
July - August
MTK0202
August
MTK0203
August
MTK0204
September
MTK0205

THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 14

The Kackar mountains, whose valleys are crossed by wild running streams, stretch out from the Black Sea the Coruh river in the north east of Turkey. Its pristine forests and vast highlands are still home to bears, wolfs, deer and many different birds of prey. Abundant rainfall allows an almost subtropical flora on the northwestern slopes, where the tea plantations can be found that provide Turkey with its characteristic red golden tea. In the isolated valleys, the Laz and Hemsin people carefully guard their old traditions and costumes and they still dance their lively "Horon" dance to the tunes of bagpipes and kemence, a sort of small violin. Would you care to join?

DAY 1: Flight from Istanbul or Ankara to Trabzon, transfer to Ayder, stay in pension. (D)

DAY 2: Transfer by minibus to the highlands of Kavron - Trekking over the highlands while viewing the numerous lakes and the springs of the Hala stream (approx. 5 hours)- Descent to Yukari Kavron and by minibus back to the pension in Ayder. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Transfer by minibus to the highlands of Hacizeni and Avusor and trekking over the pristine highlands of Peryatak, Camyatak and Huser (about 5 hours) and return to Ayder where we stay overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Trekking to the highlands of Hazindak and crossing of the mountain ridge between the Palovit and the Ayder valley, following a trail with view on both the Tatar and the Kackar mountains until we reach Pokut. Stay at an old wooden cottage there that has been transformed to pension. A taste of local, on a wood-fire cooked "cuisine", accompanied by the bagpipe tunes of the local owner. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Hiking to the highlands of Sal : Deep down in the valley the untamed Firtina Deresi (Storm River) finds its way over boulders and rapids. Our trail follows the ridge of the Palovit Valley to return to our pension. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Departure for Ayder after breakfast. Hotel arrangements and going to the spa. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Return to Ayder and transfer to Trabzon airport - flight to Ankara or Istanbul.


PRICE: 585 USD Flights are not included in the price.

PHYSICAL CONDITION REQUIRED: Daily hikes, during which the extra material is left in the pension. A maximum of 6 hours hike per day. The trekking are not technically difficult, but a good physical condition is required. The maximum difference in altitude covered per day does not exceed one thousand meter.

NECESSARY MATERIAL: Backpack, raincoat or windbreaker, pullover, hat covering the ears, water container, hiking clothes, walking sticks, sun screen, bathing suit, camera and film.

SERVICES PROVIDED (INCLUDED IN THE PRICE): Pension accommodations, (breakfast, lunch and dinner according to program consisting of high-energy, nutritious food), transfers Trabzon - Ayder, use of minibus to reach the highlands, guiding services.

TREKKING THROUGH THE KACKAR MOUNTAINS

July
MTK0301
July
MTK0302
August
MTK0303
August
MTK0304

THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 12

This trekking follows trails from the western to the eastern end of the Kackar Mountain range in the Black Sea region of Turkey. This wild and sparsely inhabitant mountain range is covered with lush forests on its northwestern slopes, where tea plantations can also be found. The south-east flank of the range are less fertile, but water is ubiquitous, in the form of countless streams, waterfalls and small lakes.

DAY 1: Flight from Istanbul or Ankara to Trabzon and transfer to Uzungol - a hike in the immediate surroundings and overnight at hotel. (D)

DAY 2: Transfer to the Mount Ipsil (by minivan) - trekking over the pastures of the Anzer highlands - From Anzer back to our hotel on the slopes of the Mount Ipsil by minibus. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: A 5-5.5 hour trekking over the ridges of the Cimil valley to the wild highlands of Vasa-Pusula. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Our extra material is loaded into the minibus and we drive to the village Mor, where we start our trekking to the Yedigoller area, where we enjoy the view of countless lakes at the foot of the Mount Vercenik. Then we hike to the village of Cat, where Hemsin people still dance to the tunes of their traditional bagpipes (6 hours tot). Overnight at the pension in Cat. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Sightseeing of the Elevit highlands by minibus. In Palovit we start our hike over the Hamlakit and Hazindak highlands to Pokut, where overnight in a pension. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Our trekking starts on the highlands, we pass the Fane springs and the impressive waterfalls of Palovit down to Ayder where we overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Transfer to Trabzon (if the schedule permits we visit the thermal springs of Ayder first) and flight to Ankara and Istanbul. (B)

OPTIONAL :

DAY 8 : A tour of Istanbul or Ankara and overnight at the hotel.

PRICE : 595 USD - Flights and optional 8th day not included.


PHYSICAL CONDITION REQUIRED: Maximum 7 hours of trekking per day. Participants carry a daypack only; other luggage stays in hotel or pension. A good physical condition, but no specific knowledge of mountaineering techniques is required. The daily difference in altitude is a maximum of 1,000 meters.

NECESSARY MATERIAL: Backpack, raincoat, water container, protective clothing (pullover), walking sticks, medium duty or better hiking boots, sunscreen, bathing suit, hat, sun glasses, towel, camera and film.

ADMINISTRATION: According to nationality, an identity card or passport is required to enter the country

SERVICES PROVIDED (AND INCLUDED IN THE PRICE): 6 nights pension accommodation, (breakfast, lunch and evening meals according to program consisting of nutritious high-energy food), all transfers, guiding services.

MOUNTAINEERING & TREKKING (MOUNT AGRI + KACKAR MOUNTAINS)

MKA01
MKA02
July
August

THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 20

DAY 1: Meet in Trabzon Airport and stay in 3 star hotel.

DAY 2: Trip to Sumela Monestry, Karaca Cave, Zigana, Uzungol and Ayder with a minibus. Stay in pension (wooden pension, toilet and bath in all room). Total 8 hour drive.

DAY 3: Departure to Yusufeli. Rafting possibility in Coruh River. And stay one night in a pension (common toilets and baths). Total 4 hour drive.

DAY 4: Departure to Hevek (1800m) and stay in wooden pension (common toilet and bath) Total 4 hour drive.

DAY 5: Trek to Dilberduzu Camp site (2900m). Total 4 hour trek. Stay one night in a tent.

DAY 6: Trek to Kackar Summit (3937m) Total 11 hour trek. People not have to climb to the summit. Stay one night in a tent.

DAY 7: Return to Hevek. Stay one night in a pension. Total 4 hour trek.

DAY 8: Transfer to Dogubeyazit. Ani Antic city. Total 5 hour drive. Stay in 2 star hotel.

DAY 9: Transfer to 2500m and trek to 3200m with a truck. Excursions of Noah's Ark, Glacier Caves, Meteor Hole. Total 5 hour trek. ( 0 °C in nights at 3200m)

DAY 10: Trek to 4200m base camp. Total 4 hour trek. (-15 °C in nights at 4800m)

DAY 11: Trek to Ararat Summit before sun rises. (5137m) Total 9 hour trek. Last 300m to summit is glacier climb. We need crampons.

DAY 12: Return to Dogubeyazit. Stay in hotel.

DAY 13: Transfer to Erzurum and Istanbul. Total 5 hour drive.

DAY 14: City excursion and departure to home.

PRICE : 1265 USD

All camp equipments carried by mules and transportation vehicles (exept summit day).

Program can be changed according to group size, weather and people's conditions. This schedule can be changed according to the groups.

Airports: Trabzon airport for arrivals, Erzurum Airport for departures.

Hotels: Trabzon and Dogubeyazit tourist class hotels.

Pensions: Ayder, Yusufeli and Hevek local persions.

Trasportations: Plane, minibus, truck, mule.

About The Trip

Age: We cannot accept bookings from unaccomained minors, although we can sometimes take accompained teenagers depending on their experiences and the suitability of the trip. We do not have a strict upper age limit, but as this is by nature adventurous active holidays and all contain elements that require a certain level of fitness and mobility, you must be certain that you are capable of fully participating in the activities indicated in the Fact Sheet. In certain circumstances we may require reasonable proof of medical fitness and general suitability before accepting a booking for particular trip.

Medical Fitness: For your own safety, if you are over 55, if you are travelling on a high altitude trek (over 3000), or have a medical condition that might interfere with your enjoyment, we ask you to complete a medical form and seek your doctors’s consent to your participation. In the event that your doctor do not agree, we will allow you to transfer your money without penalty If you are booking less than 56 days before departure, we recommend that you obtain your doctors’ consent prior to booking.

Experience: For certain this trip we require further information to ensure that your experience and fitness matches that required to safety undertake the holiday. We ask you to complete the experience section on the Booking Form, whereas for grade D trekking trips, where ice axe and crampons are required.

Fact Sheets: For this trip we attach a Fact Sheet containing a detailed itinary and essential tour information.

Before You Go

Travel Insurance: It is a condition of joining this trip you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out cancellation insurance. You must also ensure that the policy you take provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved in your holiday. You must carry proof of insurance (eg your insurance certificate) with you on your trip, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time.

Health, Visas and Passports: It is a good idea to have a medical and dental check-up before you travel. On this trip a first aid kit is carried to deal vith minor accidents, but this is necessarily limited. You will need a fully Passport valid for at least six months. If there is a need you obtain a visa prior to arrival, and it is your responsibility to obtain those that are necessary.

On Your Trip

Spending Money: It is difficult to give an average amount as so much depends on the individual and the destination, but it would be wise to allow a minimum of 10 $ per day for incidentals and trips, though on this trip it would be hard to spend as much as this. Remember there are often souvenirs to buy and you should allow some extra spending money for this.

Baggage on Flights: You are restricted to 20kg of baggage on most flights. We recommend you to take rather less than this to allow for souvenirs that you may want to bring back.

Baggage on Trip: On this trip there is restrictions as to the type and weight of baggage that you can bring; on trips where it is not possible to take a suitcase you will need a back pack. Generally you can take whatever type of bag will protect your belongings and stand up to rough treatment.

On-Trip Services: Our staff are there to help if you need any special assistance. This trip is more participatory: on some we have cooks and camp helpers to do the work, and you will not be expected to do any helping, but you will need to help by putting up your own tent, and sometimes also by joining a cooking.

Food: Meal plans prepared according to mountain menu. All you need to do is to take enough money to cover the cost of meals not included in the trip cost, and any of drinks and incidentals.

Hotels and Pensions: In the main centres we normally use at least tourist class hotels, wherever possible with twin rooms and private facilities. Accomodation based on twin-share, though single rooms are somatimes available for an extra cost. By nature, accomodation in remote areas is often of a simpler type; there may be only be low standart hotels, and lodges and pensions. In such places, services such as plumbing and hot water can be erratic and below the standarts found in your home country.

Camping Equipments: Where camping equipments is needed, all the communal items are supplied by Buklamania, including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, packs, cooking and eating utensils.

Clothing and Equipment: On this trip light, comfortable casual clothes are all that is needed, plus cold and wet weather protection. Gore-tex equipments strongly recommended.

What The Price Includes

Domestic Flights: Domestic flights in the destination country are included, exept where tickets for these have to be issued in conjuction with your international ticket.

Accomodation: Whether in hotels, lodges, pensions or camping this is always included during the tour.

Single Rooms or Tents: Our prices are based on twin share accomodation. If you book on your own, we arrange for you to share with a person of the same sex. We do not charge a single supplement. If you would like a single room or a tent on a particular holiday you should contract us. You can book and pay for this before, it may be necessary to make the request locally and pay the supplement if the room or tent if sharing. Please note on this trip single accomodation is may not available dou to local conditions.

Food: Meal plans vary according to area and circumstances; for every trip, details of what is included are shown in the food section of this trip, in the Fact Sheet.

Transport: All necessary transport during the trip is included, whether private or public, include airport transfers on arrival and departure.

Sightseeing: Included wherever it is part of the itenary ( as stated in the Fact Sheet) There are usually optional trips too.

Staff: On all trips we provide a leader, assisted by local guides, drivers and any other staff as appropriate. Leaders usually meet the group locally.

Permits, Taxes and Entrance Fees: We include all necessary local permits, taxes and entrancefees to National Parks or sites which are part of the itenary.

Not Included: Visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, airport taxes, where not included in the price of the ticket, other personal equipments, entrance to historical sites if not specified in the fact sheet, extra optional excursions and any personal expenditure such as laundry, drinks and tips.