Anatolian Peaks & Cappadocia Wonders Trek

Anatolian Peaks & Cappadocia Wonders Trek

Total Time

14 days / 13 nights

Tour Calender

From Jun. to Oct.

Max Person

15 Person

Min Person

5 Min

Qverwiew

Embark on an unforgettable 14-day journey combining vibrant city culture, high mountain trekking, and surreal landscapes. From the historic heart of Istanbul, venture to the remote Aladaglar Mountains for challenging hikes and camping amidst pristine alpine lakes. Then descend into the fairy-tale world of Cappadocia, exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient underground cities, and unique rock formations. This adventure perfectly balances nature, history, and culture for active travelers.

Highlights

  • Discover Istanbul’s historic peninsula and iconic landmarks

  • Trek and camp in the spectacular Aladaglar Mountains

  • Summit Mt. Emler at 3,723 meters altitude

  • Explore the Seven Lakes Plateau at 3,100 meters

  • Visit Cappadocia’s UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum and Zelve Monastery Valley

  • Explore Derinkuyu Underground City

  • Experience authentic Anatolian village life

Best Season Program

Meet your Nature and Sea Travel representative at Istanbul International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district. Enjoy your first evening exploring the vibrant neighborhood or resting after your journey.

  • Transfer time: 1 hour

  • Distance: 45-50 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Istanbul (Sultanahmet)

  • Meals: – / – / –

Begin with breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a full-day exploration of Istanbul’s rich heritage. Visit Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, Istanbul Archaeology Museum showcasing artifacts from multiple civilizations, the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, and the lively Grand Bazaar. End your day with a traditional cup of Turkish tea.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Istanbul (Sultanahmet)

  • Meals: Breakfast / – / –

After breakfast, visit iconic sites including Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, and the Blue Mosque. Later, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Kayseri. From Kayseri, drive to the Emli Valley campsite in the Aladaglar Mountains. Upon arrival, settle into your tents and enjoy a warm welcome with tea and cookies.

  • Transfer time: 1 hour (hotel to airport)

  • Flight time: approx. 1.5 hours (Istanbul to Kayseri)

  • Drive time: 2 hours (Kayseri to Aladaglar)

  • Distance: 145 km

  • Overnight: Emli Valley campsite (1,800 m)

  • Meals: Breakfast / – / Dinner

Start trekking to Mangirci Gorge, ascending to the Alaca Plateau where oak forests and panoramic views await. Encounter local shepherds and enjoy lunch by a mountain spring. Descend via the historic Oluksekisi campsite back to Emli Valley for your overnight camp under a star-filled sky.

  • Hiking time: 5–6 hours

  • Distance: approx. 8–9 km

  • Elevation change: ascent 650 m

  • Overnight: Emli Valley campsite (1,800 m)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Trek through forested areas and gravel paths to Siyirmalik Valley. Ascend to Eznevit Plateau, home to semi-nomadic families who may welcome you with traditional hospitality. Continue to Sakartas Pass and descend to Sokulupinar campsite for overnight.

  • Hiking time: 5–6 hours

  • Distance: approx. 14–15 km

  • Elevation change: ascent:  788 m descent: 538 m

  • Overnight: Sokulupinar campsite (2,000 m)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A challenging ascent awaits to Celikbuyduran Pass at 3,450 meters. Pause at a mountain spring to rest and admire panoramic views. Descend gently to Yedigoller Plateau (Seven Lakes) at 3,100 meters. Camp beside the largest alpine lake, with the possibility of a refreshing swim if weather permits.

  • Hiking time: 7–8 hours

  • Distance: approx. 13 km

  • Elevation change: ascent 1,450 m / descent 350 m

  • Overnight: Yedigoller campsite (3,100 m)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, ascend Mount Emler via established paths. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the Taurus Mountains, including Mt. Erciyes and Mt. Hasan. Return along the same route to Yedigoller campsite.

  • Hiking time: 5–6 hours

  • Distance: approx. 9–10 km

  • Elevation change: ascent/descent 623 m

  • Overnight: Yedigoller campsite (3,100 m)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Load gear on horses and depart the Seven Lakes Plateau. Ascend to Teke Kalesi Pass at 3,517 meters, with views over Yedigoller and the Aladaglar summits. Descend via alpine pastures to Karagol Lake campsite where hot tea and coffee await.

  • Hiking time: 7 hours

  • Distance: approx. 13–14 km

  • Elevation change: ascent 417 m / descent 717 m

  • Overnight: Karagol campsite (2,800 m)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Descend through Maden Gorge to Pinarbasi village. Transfer by vehicle to Cappadocia with a visit to Derinkuyu Underground City en route. Check in to your hotel in Goreme and visit the Uc Guzeller fairy chimneys and Devrent Valley’s lunar landscape.

  • Hiking time: approx. 2 hours

  • Transfer time: approx. 2 hours

  • Distance: 125 km (Aladaglar to Cappadocia via Derinkuyu)

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia (Goreme)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Hike Uzengi and Pancarlik Valleys to admire fairy chimneys and visit historical churches. Explore Ortahisar village with its stone houses and castle-like rock. Continue to Ibrahimpasha village for tea or coffee, then finish the day in Avanos visiting a pottery studio where you can try your hand at ceramic art.

  • Hiking time: 3–5 hours

  • Distance: approx. 10–11 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia (Goreme)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Optional early morning hot air balloon ride. Visit Uchisar Castle for panoramic views, then trek through Akvadi Valley to Cavusin village. Explore Pasabaglari (Monks Valley) fairy chimneys and the historic Zelve Monastery Valley. End the day with traditional Turkish coffee.

  • Hiking time: approx. 3 hours

  • Distance: approx. 10 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia (Goreme)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Drive to Ihlara Valley and hike through this canyon rich with rock-cut churches. Enjoy lunch in Belisirma village, then continue to Selime Monastery. Return to Cappadocia via Guzelyurt, an area of natural beauty and Christian heritage.

  • Transfer time: 1 hour (Cappadocia to Ihlara)

  • Hiking time: approx. 4–5 hours

  • Distance: approx. 14–15 km total

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia (Goreme)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Walk through Kiliclar Valley, known for caves and ruins. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum with its Byzantine frescoes, then hike Meskendir and Red Valley. End the day at the Red Valley panoramic viewpoint to watch a breathtaking sunset with traditional Turkish tea.

  • Hiking time: 4–5 hours

  • Distance: approx. 12–14 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia (Goreme)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Kayseri airport for your departure flight, taking with you memories of a unique Anatolian adventure.

  • Transfer time: 1 hour

  • Distance: 80 km (Cappadocia to Kayseri)

  • Meals: Breakfast / – / –

Included / Excluded

Included

Trekking 360° and Tour Maps

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