From : Ask a Price
8 days / 7 nights
From June to November
15 Person
5 Min
Embark on a breathtaking 8-day trans-trekking adventure through the magnificent Aladaglar Mountains, nestled within the Taurus range. This journey will take you across high plateaus, hidden valleys, pristine glacial lakes, and to the summit of Mt. Emler (3,723m). Immerse yourself in local culture by meeting semi-nomadic families, and spend nights under the stars at scenic campsites. The tour concludes with a relaxing stay at a family-run pension in a traditional village.
Camping and hiking in the Aladaglar Mountains
Ascent to Mt. Emler summit (3,723m)
Trekking to the Seven Lakes Plateau (3,100m)
Encounters with semi-nomadic families and insights into their traditional lifestyle
Upon arrival at Kayseri Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Nature and Sea Travel representative. A scenic drive brings you to the heart of the Aladaglar mountain range, renowned for its towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and dramatic valleys. At the campsite in Emli Valley, your comfortable tent will be ready, and the cook will prepare a delicious meal to welcome you to the wilderness. If your schedule allows, take an optional hike from Elekgolu village through the stunning Kazikli Canyon, known for its impressive 50 to 70 meter rock walls and a fascinating history linked to local honey hunters. This gentle introduction offers the perfect chance to stretch your legs before settling in for the night surrounded by nature.
Optional: Early arrival allows for a short hike from Elekgolu to Emli via Kazikli Canyon.
Walking time: 2–3 h
Distance: 9–10 km
Ascent: 250m
Transfer: 2 h (145 km)
Overnight: Emli Valley Camp (1,800m)
Meals: Dinner
Your trek begins with a peaceful walk through lush forested areas and well-maintained gravel paths leading to the Siyirmalik valley. As you ascend toward Eznevit Plateau, you will encounter the semi-nomadic families who seasonally inhabit this area. This is a rare opportunity to witness authentic traditional lifestyles and possibly share a drink or conversation inside their tents. The trail continues with rewarding panoramic views as you make your way toward Sakartas and eventually to the cozy campsite at Sokulupinar. Here, you can relax and enjoy freshly brewed tea accompanied by biscuits as you recount the day’s adventures.
Walking time: 5–6 h |
Distance: 14–15 km
Ascent: 788m
Descent: 538m
Overnight: Sokulupinar Camp (2,000m)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today’s journey follows a stabilized road to Arpalik Plateau, before ascending to Tekepinari, known as “goat spring,” where you may spot graceful Alpine Ibexes grazing the high meadows. The trail then leads you along a charming riverbed towards the serene Dipsiz Lake. Weather permitting, you will have the chance to take a refreshing swim in its clear waters. Enjoy a peaceful picnic on the lakeshore surrounded by breathtaking views of Mt. Demirkazik’s northern face. After your break, retrace your steps back to the comfort of your camp. As the sun sets, seize the opportunity to capture stunning landscape photographs imbued with warm hues of dusk.
Walking time: 6–7 h
Ascent/Descent: 900m
Overnight: Sokulupinar Camp (2,000m)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today presents one of the most challenging yet rewarding stages of the trek. After leaving Sokulupinar, you ascend through Karayalak Valley toward Celikbuyduran Pass at 3,450 meters altitude. Before reaching the summit, pause at a mountain spring to rest and soak in sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Following the pass, you begin a gentle descent onto the Yedigoller (Seven Lakes) Plateau, a unique landscape marked by reddish stones and scattered lakes. Your high camp will be set beside the largest lake, offering tranquility and, when conditions permit, an opportunity for a refreshing swim in this alpine paradise.
Walking time: 7–8 h
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 1,450m
Descent: 350m
Overnight: Yedigoller Camp (3,100m)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Following breakfast, prepare for the exhilarating ascent to Mt. Emler’s summit, a highlight of the trek. The climb follows well-established paths and requires no technical climbing skills. From the peak, enjoy breathtaking views spanning Mt. Erciyes to the north, Mt. Hasan to the west, the Bolkar range to the south, and the entire Aladaglar massif. After soaking in the spectacular panorama, descend back to Celikbuyduran Pass and continue down to your camp on the Seven Lakes Plateau.
Walking time: 5–6 h
Distance: 9–10 km
Ascent/Descent: 623m
Overnight: Yedigoller Camp (3,100m)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After packing up, your belongings will be transported by horses as you journey from the Seven Lakes Plateau to Karagol Lake. The trail ascends to Teke Kalesi Pass at 3,517 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Yedigoller Plateau and Aladaglar summits. Keep an eye out for elusive ibexes grazing along the ridge. The route then descends through remote terrain and verdant pastures toward Karagol Lake, where your campsite awaits along with hot tea and coffee to relax after a full day of trekking.
Walking time: 7 h
Distance: 13–14 km
Ascent: 417m
Descent: 717m
Overnight: Karagol Camp (2,800m)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Your final day on the trail leads you down through the dramatic Maden Gorge, following old mining roads and small streams toward Pinarbasi village. Here, your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Cukurbag village. Late in the afternoon, take time to explore the village and enjoy a traditional Turkish tea in the local tea house. The day concludes with a warm dinner at a family-run village pension, featuring authentic country-style cuisine that reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Walking time: 2 h
Descent: 900–1,100m
Overnight: Family-run pension in Cukurbag
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, transfer back to Kayseri Airport to conclude your adventure. Reflect on your unforgettable journey through the heart of Turkey’s highlands and the pristine beauty of the Taurus Mountains.
Transfer: 2 h (145 km)
Meals: Breakfast
