The Kackar (Kaçkar) Mountains are composed of several ranges lying in the
north-east of Turkey, just south of the Black Sea. The many summits between 3000 and 4000m and deep forested valleys cover a vast area some of which is
inaccesible on account of the deep snow between November and April. Bears, ibex, wolves, mountain goats, deer, Persian red-squirrels, wild pigs
amongst other animals inhabit the forested slopes and numerous birds, many on
their migration routes, may be seen. In fact the Kackar are one of the world's
most biodiverse regions and the flowers from spring through to late summer are
stunning. The northern slopes are heavily forested up to about 2000m and are
affected by the humid air to the north; they are misty and rain and snowfall
are quite high. The southern Kackar are drier but still receive more
precipitation than other areas in Turkey. Maximum precipitation occurs between
late April and mid-June. Our 9 day trip explores some of the more remote valleys, mountains and lakes before an ascent of the highest summit, Mt Kackar 3937m. It provides a non-technical trek but there is a rocky section where you have to use your hands and some sections of boulders and scree to negotiate. Early in the year crampons may be useful. This provides excellent acclimatisation for anyone wishing to make an ascent of Mount Ararat. It is fully mule and vehicle supported with all food provided and an English
speaking guide.
Programme
- Arrival in Barhal. Overnight in a Barhal Guest House.
- Walk up to Karagol Lake in the Altiparmak summit range, camp by the lake. This is a wild camp without facilities 4-5 hours. After lunch walk up to the col overlooking the north side of the range.
- A very early start to make an ascent of Altiparmak Summit 3700m, Just short of the summit there is an excellent viewpoint over the main sections of the Kackar. For the adventurous the final section of the ascent involves a short scramble (grade 3) to the summit 3700m. After a rest and lunch we descend to Satibe camp. The campsite is on a beautiful grassy ridge with superb views, good water and facilities.
- An early start to continue down the ridge then through forest to Saribulut. We now enter the remote Onbolat Deresi valley, passing several small hamlets to reach Pisenkaya, a semi-derelict summer yayla hamlet. Now we ascend more steeply to Libler Golu and our wild campsite near this beautifully situated lake.
- Quite easy walking on faint trails through fine mountain scenery and snow patches to Satelef Yayla to camp above the yayla. Along the way we see traditional old houses, flowers and many butterflies. This is another wild camp.
- A long day to walk to Dibe Yayla and a camp above at Dupeduzu. This section involves some wild secluded areas rich in flowers and birdlife. This is a wild camp
- A short day to walk crossing a ridge to Dilberduzu which will be our base camp for Mt
Kackar. There are many bears in the area and if we are lucky we may see one on the way. Camp at Dilberduzu, 2850m.
- Breakfast will be at 6am. We walk up to Denizgolu Lake 3200m. where we have a
snack and rest. We then continue to Kackar Summit 3937m, sections of the ascent
are over scree slopes where ski sticks are useful for balace. Early in the
summer snow could cover these making the ascent a bit easier. After snacks on
the summit we descend to Dilberduzu camp. Here we have some hot drinks, soup
and relax before going down to Olgunlar village to transfer back to Barhal.
Night in a pensiyon. The ascent is approximately 1050m and takes about 5 hours. The total descent time to
Olgunlar takes between 5 and 6 hours.
- Depart in the morning after breakfast.
The programme is available as a private trip throughout the summer, contact us for more details.
Included: - Return transport from Barhal to Olgunlar.
- Two nights half board at pensiyon in Barhal
- Mountain Guide
- Cook and all meals on the trek
- Soft Drinks
- Summit Certificates
- Mule Support*
- Tents*
* The cost of the mule support will be surcharged by euro 25 if there is only
one person with their personal luggage for the mule. Tents are provided on a
sharing basis, to have your own private tent there is a euro 10 surcharge.
Not Included: - Transfers to Barhal*
- Personal Equipment
- Alcoholic Drinks
Barhal may be reached by public transport from Erzurum which in turn has excellent connections by rail and air with Istanbul and Ankara. However the
last bus from Erzurum leaves at 1pm and involves a change at Yusefeli. The
journey takes about 4-5 hours by bus. To reach Barhal in the morning from
Erzurum a very early start by private transport is necessary. We can arrange
private transfers on request from Erzurum or other locations in and around the
Kackar. Purchase detailed guidebook and map to the Kackar.
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Erzurum Station 
Autumn Saffron 
Tea Time - Barhal
Looking North 
Scree Slope
Lake in Kackar
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Kackar Overview 