From : Ask a Price
8 days / 7 nights
From Jun. to Sep.
15 Person
5 Min
Trek into the wild heart of the Eastern Black Sea with an unforgettable journey through the majestic Kaçkar Mountains. This 8-day adventure blends cultural encounters, high-altitude summits, pristine alpine pastures, and ancient history. Explore historical towns on the Silk Road, hike through untouched mountain villages, and challenge yourself with a summit climb to one of Turkey’s highest peaks, Kaçkar (3,937m). End your journey on the lush Black Sea coast, discovering Orthodox monasteries and timeless hospitality.
Summit Mount Kaçkar (3,937m), the highest peak of the Pontic Alps
Explore Erzurum, a historic crossroads on the ancient Silk Road
Marvel at the powerful Tortum Waterfalls and visit authentic highland villages
Visit the 11th-century Georgian Church of Barhal
Traverse remote alpine plateaus and mountain passes with mule support
Discover the iconic Sumela Monastery near Trabzon
Immerse in Black Sea culture and landscapes
Arrive at Erzurum Airport and meet your guide from Nature and Sea Travel. After a short transfer to the hotel in the city center, take time to explore Erzurum, once a major caravan stop along the Silk Road. Visit the 16th-century Rustem Pasha Caravanserai, now a bazaar for jet stone jewelry, and climb to the ancient Erzurum Citadel for panoramic views. Admire the striking Twin Minaret Madrasa, a symbol of Seljuk architecture.
Transfer time: 15–20 min
Distance: 12 km
Overnight: Hotel in Erzurum
Meals: Dinner
Depart Erzurum in the morning and stop to admire Tortum Waterfalls, cascading from 48 meters. Continue to Yusufeli for lunch, then drive through scenic valleys to Barhal, a traditional mountain village. Visit the Georgian Barhal Church (11th century), nestled among walnut and mulberry trees. Proceed to Yaylalar Village and enjoy warm hospitality at a family pension.
Transfer time: 3 h
Distance: 190 km
Overnight: Pension in Yaylalar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your trek with mules carrying the gear. After a short walk to Olgunlar village, ascend gradually through alpine meadows along the Büyükçay stream. Encounter local shepherds and grazing flocks along the way. Reach Dilberdüzü Camp in the late afternoon and settle into your mountain tents.
Walking time: 3 h
Ascent: 640 m
Descent: 0 m
Overnight: Camp at Dilberdüzü (2,840 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set off before sunrise for the summit day. Hike up to Deniz Lake (3,300 m), then scramble over rocky terrain toward the glacier basin. The final push to the summit involves off-trail rock climbing, but the reward is a breathtaking panorama, possibly reaching as far as Mount Ararat. Return to the campsite for a well-earned rest.
Walking time: 9–10 h
Ascent/Descent: 1,097 m
Overnight: Camp at Dilberdüzü
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, descend through alpine pastures back to Olgunlar and then Yaylalar village. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the remote Kaçkar valleys and rustic hamlets built from stone and wood. Relax and savor a homemade meal at your pension.
Walking time: 2–3 h | Ascent: 0 m | Descent: 640 m
Overnight: Pension in Yaylalar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek through hidden alpine landscapes and cross Dobe and Hevek pastures. Climb gradually to Naletleme Pass (3,100 m), offering majestic views over the Kaçkar range. Descend to Yukarı Kavron, a charming highland settlement, where the vehicle awaits. Drive to Ayder Plateau, a famed Black Sea village surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.
Walking time: 7–8 h | Ascent: 900 m | Descent: 800–850 m
Overnight: Hotel in Ayder Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel along the Black Sea coast to Trabzon, a cultural hub on the historical Silk Road. Stop en route in Rize to admire scenic tea plantations. Visit Sumela Monastery, built dramatically on a cliff face overlooking Altındere Valley. Explore the fresco-filled chapel and enjoy your final evening in the heart of Trabzon.
Transfer time: 3 h
Distance: 165 km (Ayder – Trabzon)
Transfer time: 40–45 min
Distance: 45 km (Trabzon – Sumela)
Overnight: Hotel in Trabzon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Trabzon Airport. Trip concludes with unforgettable memories of the Kaçkar Mountains and the Black Sea.
Transfer time: 10–15 min
Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast
