Kaçkar Mountains & Eastern Black Sea Highlands Guide

The Kaçkar Mountains rise just behind the Black Sea coast and form the highest part of the Pontic range; the peak, Kaçkar Dağı, reaches 3,937 metres. The area was declared a national park in 1994. Glacier-carved rocky summits, numerous mountain lakes and wildlife such as wolves, bears and feral goats define the landscape. Current timetables, prices and opening hours are not stated without source-based verification; where details are missing, we say we don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)

Ayder is a highland pasture in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize province at an average altitude of 1,350 metres, 17 kilometres from Çamlıhemşin and 88 kilometres from Rize. Its hot springs were documented in 1871, and the site was declared a tourist centre in 1987. Pokut, known for its timber-and-stone Hemşin houses, sits at around 2,000 metres; the rough track usually calls for a 4x4. Current timetables, prices and opening hours are not stated without source-based verification; where details are missing, we say we don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)

The Fırtına Valley runs through the Çamlıhemşin district, lined with forests and steep slopes. Above it stands Zilkale, a medieval castle perched on a cliff at 1,130 metres; the river below flows about 380 metres lower, at 750 metres. The castle is thought to have been built in the 14th–15th century and comprises outer, middle and inner walls. Current timetables, prices and opening hours are not stated without source-based verification; where details are missing, we say we don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)

The Kaçkar range is counted among Türkiye's most glaciated mountains, with numerous glacial lakes in the higher reaches. Summit climbs can require an ice axe and crampons. The most favourable trekking window is generally between June and September. There are two main routes: the Black Sea side is easier, while the Çoruh valley side is harder. Current timetables, prices and opening hours are not stated without source-based verification; where details are missing, we say we don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)

Uzungöl lies in the Çaykara district of Trabzon province, formed when a landslide created a natural dam in the valley of the Haldizen Stream; it is 95 kilometres from central Trabzon and 19 kilometres from Çaykara, and was declared a nature park in 1989. The Kaçkar pastures are usually reached via Rize, along the Çamlıhemşin–Ayder route. Current timetables, prices and opening hours are not stated without source-based verification; where details are missing, we say we don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)