Emerald - Black Sea & Eastern Turkey Trekking

We are inviting you to cut loose in a magical playground of the Pontic Alps, homeland of the nation’s most colorful, preserved and distinctive ethnic groups, the Laz and Hemsin.

Visit wildflower carpeted alpine meadows, orchard and wood covered mountain ranges, and the Sumela Monastery as it clings to a soaring cliff-face on the Pontic Alps.

Refresh your soul on the remote trails of Ayder Plateau, evaluate the climbing routes to the summit of Kackar with your bare eyes. Our adventure is to discover the footsteps of ancient nomads in the timeless labyrinth, bustling with exceptional stories, adventures and its unique culture.

This trip is to fulfill a unique vision of Turkey not just to marvel at but also to live with the remnants of its distinctive and colorful past. It will be followed by an extra ordinary finale at Istanbul – City of Seven Hills.

Program

(B)reakfat / (L)unch / (D)inner

Day 1: Arrive Trabzon. Transfer to your hotel at Camlihemsin – starting point of expedition. Stop by Sumela Monastery along the way. Overnight at lodge

Day 2:  Start the full day trek after the breakfast fallowed by safety and trip orientation. Hike thru the secluded beauties of Firtina (Storm) Valley.  Overnight at lodge

Day 3:  Transfer to Ayder by 4x4s. After checking in at our new lodge, we will continue day by exploring Avusor valley by 4-wheel drives. Optional hike to Glacier Lake

Day 4: Transfer to Kavron Valley. Hike Cengovit Lakes, Lanetleme Passage, Dibe Valley and finish at YaylalarVillage, which will be our next accommodating stop

Day 5: Today is the day to make it to the base camp of Mt.Kackar thru the breathtaking valleys of Hastaf and Dilberduzu. For the ones who like to kick back and explore the local economies and life style this will be the day to do so. Optional hike to Big Sea Lake, Overnight at lodge

Day 6: Our trek starts at Mahlenin stream, which will lead us to Yaylalar Village thru the Vilizo, Modut and Sakura Valleys. Overnight at Yaylalar village

Day 7-9:  Exploring and bird watching at the high plateaus of Yaylalar region. Overnight at Yaylalar Village. Dupdudan Valley – Ovit – Uc Gozeli Koret – Covan Valley – Pohnic – Olgunlar Mah.

Day 10:  Wildlife watching. If lucky enough we might see the bears of the Pontic Alps. Full day hiking at valleys of Pul, Pircelvele and Balta.

Day 11:  Transfer to Hevek, visit The Four Churches along the route before we reach to out put-in destination for rafting. Finalize the day with 12km (7 mile) run on the river before we transfer to Kars. Overnight in hotel

Day 12: Explore Kars region and influence of Russian architecture, visit to ancient Ani Castle.

Day 13: Transfer to Dogu Beyazit – the center of Ishak Pasa Palace, Meteor hole, Noah’s Ark, stunning view of Mt. Ararat. Overnight in Dogu Beyazit

Day 14: Transfer to Van. Stop by the Muradiye Falls for lunch before we make our way to Akdamar Island/Church. After exploring the region we will be transferred to airport to catch our flight.

Dates

Pricing

Accommodation

Destinations

Difficulty Level

Number of Participants

Documents