Trekking Tours - Kachkar Mountains - 8 day tour

Turkey Trekking

The Kachkar Mountains are the epitome of the mind set of the people living on and at their foot : It is hard to find a better example to hard work and to keep going despite difficulties leading to incredible beauty. The lush valleys clad with flowers, snow covered peaks, the little lakes which shine like jewels under the sun and with its passionate, friendly people the Kachkar region is very special indeed. The music from the goat skin, bag pipes and folk dancing is an inseparable part of the camp fires. Trekking in Kachkar Mountains is a mood changing experience. Choose either one week, or the two week programs and be a part of this experience.

Itinerary - Day 1

Flight from Istanbul. (Plane seat bookings can be arranged by Middle Earth Office on your request) On arrival at Trabzon Airport you will be met by your tour guide and your driver and you will be transferred to Istanbul Pension in Ayder. Ayder, is a small summer village, famous for its hot springs. Overnight at the pension.

Day 2

We start our trek in the mountains by ascending from Ayder via Caymakcur valley. 6-7 hrs. Our aim is the wonderful campsite near the Buyukdeniz lake where few people go and is nice and quiet. Diner and overnight at camp.

Day 3

We cross the mountain range from the North to the South via naletleme pass (3300m) andreach our next camp site at to Dobe Duzu. Nice and high trek with beautiful views of the lakes and streams around. Camp at Dobeduzu.

Day 4

Today we climb up another pass to descend to our base camp for the summit climb. It is a nice and high trek with a beautiful view of the Dilber Duzu valley all along the way. 5-6 hrs. We camp at Dilberduzu.

Day 5

Optional climb to Kackar summit. (3917m) 5-6 hrs. Grade D, We wake up early to climb the highest peak of the Kachkar range. The walk is on a path until the last few hundred meters where the path almost dissappears and we have to walk over rocks. No rock climbing is involved. We may have to walk on snow for short distances. It is a good day for daily treks around (To the icy Deniz Lake for example) for those who would choose not to summit. Camp at Dilberduzu same as yesterday.

Day 6

We load our backpacks to mules and walk down from Dilberduzu to Hevek (Yaylalar) village. Free afternoon to relax or for short half-day walks around the village. Diner and overnight at Altunay Pension.

Day 7

Transfer to Erzurum Airport. (5 hours)

Grade

Grade C with Grade D optional ascent of Kackar 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.

Equipment

Trekkers need good quality thick-soled waterproof walking boots, daysack (approximately 40 lt), warm clothing, sunglasses, sunhat, suncream, raingear (preferably breathable such as goretex), sleeping bag. Walking sticks are recommended.

Accommodation

2 nights half-board pension, 4 nights in tents; No single supplement. Trekkers are expected to help pitch/strike their own tents. All tents are good quality dome tents with two doors.

Meals

Lunches will be picnics. Trekkers are expected to carry some part of the food for lunch. Evening meals in camp will be hot soup or salads, a main course with pasta or rice and fruit. Water is available at springs en route.

Tour includes

• All transfers, all meals and picnics, accommodation, guide, cook and mules.

Tour does not include

• Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, entrance fees for the hot springs in Ayder are not included.
• Entrance fees to historical sites and museums are not included.

Minimum 6, maximum 12 trekkers. For groups under 6 people, a surcharge of £50 is added to the price.

Have you considered your visa requirements? Tour Dates Departure Dates Year Dates 2009 Sun 26th July         Tour Prices Tour Prices and Single Supplements for dates starting From To Price SS All Travellers All Dates  £375.00  – Make a Reservation Please use our online booking reservation service where available - if you need any further assistance or to book please feel free to call or email us with your booking. Until you have received a receipted invoice (by post fax or email) your reservation has been recorded but not been confirmed. This is similar to an airline wait-listing. This may only affect you if we have had major changes to the tour. Make a Reservation Tour Date [SELECT]Sun 26th July - 2009   Number of People   Payment Type [SELECT] Credit Card Online Bank Transmission Facsimile Credit Card DetailsDebit Card   When you click continue, you will be redirected to our secure sever at https://sslrelay.com/iah-holidays.co.uk/