KAÇKAR MOUNTAINS
The Kaçkar Mountains National Park is an epic wilderness in Turkey’s northeastern Black Sea region, a realm of glacial lakes, deep valleys, and soaring peaks. It is a stunning fusion of alpine beauty and the lush, subtropical climate of the Turkish coast.
This majestic area is home to diverse flora and fauna, ancient villages, and a rich culture tied to the high plateaus and nomadic lifeways. It’s a paradise for serious trekkers and those seeking raw, untamed nature far from the crowds.
Most Popular Attractions
High Alpine Treks & Peaks:
Kaçkar Dağı (Mt. Kaçkar): The highest peak in the range ($3,937$ m), offering challenging, multi-day summit routes for experienced mountaineers.
Ayder Yaylası (Ayder Plateau): A famous, lush plateau known for its thermal springs and as a key starting point for many high-altitude hikes.
Büyük Göl (Big Lake): A spectacular glacial lake surrounded by massive peaks, often included in the popular Trans-Kaçkar trekking route.
Deniz Gölü (Sea Lake): Another large, pristine glacial lake nestled high in the mountains, offering incredible views and camping opportunities.
Dilberdüzü Campsite: A key base camp for climbers attempting the Kaçkar summit, known for its stunning high-meadow setting.
Vercenik Dağı: A prominent, rugged peak ($3,710$ m) known for its distinctive shape and challenging climbing routes.
Cultural Plateaus & Villages:
Elevit Yaylası (Elevit Plateau): A remote and charming plateau village characterized by traditional wooden houses and a unique local culture.
Pokut Yaylası (Pokut Plateau): Famous for its iconic, often cloud-shrouded views and beautifully preserved historical wooden architecture.
Gito Yaylası (Gito Plateau): A remote plateau offering some of the most dramatic, sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Huser Yaylası (Huser Plateau): Known as one of the best spots for watching the sunrise or sunset above the sea of clouds.
Çat Vadisi (Çat Valley): A lush valley featuring scattered stone and wooden villages, perfect for valley-floor hikes and cultural immersion.
Hazindak Yaylası (Hazindak Plateau): A smaller, very traditional plateau known for its quiet atmosphere and stunning high-altitude flora.
Kavron Yaylası (Kavron Plateau): Easily accessible and a popular starting point for various day hikes and a center for local life.
Natural Wonders & Historic Sites:
Fırtına Vadisi (Fırtına Valley): A deep, fast-flowing river valley known for its lush forests, traditional stone bridges, and whitewater rafting.
Zil Kale: A spectacular medieval fortress perched dramatically on a steep rock in the Fırtına Valley, offering impressive historical context and views.
Palovit Şelalesi (Palovit Waterfall): A powerful, high waterfall located in the heart of a dense forest, one of the region’s most impressive cascades.
Kamilet Vadisi (Kamilet Valley): A protected area near Arhavi, famous for its ancient, diverse forests and tranquil atmosphere.
Cevizli Kilisesi (Cevizli Church): The ruins of a historic Georgian church found in a secluded valley, showcasing the area’s deep history.
Artabel Gölleri Tabiat Parkı (Artabel Lakes Nature Park): A separate but nearby park with dozens of glacial lakes, often included in extended Kaçkar itineraries.
Kaçkar Range Black Sea Forests: The lower slopes are covered in temperate rainforests, home to unique species like the Caucasian Black Grouse.
Hemşin Wooden Houses: The distinct, historic architectural style of the region, visible in villages across the valleys and plateaus.
Activities & Experiences
Summit Mount Kaçkar (Kaçkar Dağı): Embark on a multi-day trek to the peak (3,937m), often starting from the southern approach (Olgunlar/Yaylalar) or the northern side (Yukari Kavron). It’s a challenging climb offering stunning panoramic views.
Trek the Trans-Kaçkar Route: Undertake a classic multi-day traverse, hiking from one side of the range to the other, passing through remote valleys, glacial lakes, and high-altitude pastures.
Explore Alpine Lakes: Hike to pristine glacial lakes such as Deniz Gölü or the Tatos Lakes, often used as scenic spots for camping and photography.
Experience Whitewater Rafting/Kayaking: Brave the wild and challenging rapids of the Çoruh River (accessible from Yusufeli) or the Fırtına River in the western part of the park.
Visit the Ayder Plateau: Stay in this famous yaylas (high mountain pasture/village), known for its lush green scenery, traditional wooden houses, and rejuvenating thermal hot springs (hamam).
Discover Ancient Castles and Churches: Trek to historical sites like the medieval Zilkale (Zil Castle) in the Fırtına Valley or the ancient Georgian churches and monasteries around Barhal or Yusufeli.
Hike to Waterfalls: Visit impressive natural features such as the Palovit Waterfall, one of the highest in the region, or the gorgeous Gelin Tülü Waterfall near Ayder.
Explore Traditional Yayla Villages: Witness the unique pastoral life in remote settlements like Olgunlar, Yukarı Kavron, or Elevit, which are inhabited during the summer months.
Observe the Region’s Biodiversity: Go birdwatching, particularly in the lower forests and valleys, and look for rare rhododendrons and other endemic wildflowers in the alpine meadows (best in late spring/early summer).
Try Heli-Skiing: For the ultimate winter adventure (December to April), use a helicopter to access untouched slopes for off-piste skiing and snowboarding.
Take a Day Walk in the Lower Valleys: Enjoy less strenuous hiking through the dense, rain-fed forests and deep valleys of the northern side, such as those around Çamlıhemşin.
Local Tips & Transport
Starting Points: The two main gateways for treks are from the north via the coastal city of Rize (to Çamlıhemşin/Ayder/Kavron) or from the south via Erzurum or Artvin (to Yusufeli/Yaylalar/Olgunlar).
Dolmuş (Shared Taxi): This is the essential local transport.
Connecting Towns to Trailheads: Dolmuş minibuses operate between major towns like Çamlıhemşin and key high-altitude villages and plateaus such as Ayder and Yukarı Kavron, or between Yusufeli and Olgunlar/Yaylalar.
Frequency: Routes are generally more frequent in the summer trekking season (June-September) but may stop running in the late afternoon. Always confirm the last return time.
Rental Car:
Flexibility: Recommended if you plan on exploring the wider area, including the Black Sea coast (Rize/Trabzon) and historical sites.
Road Conditions: Be aware that many roads leading to the yaylas (high pastures) and trailheads are unpaved, steep, and often rugged. A 4×4 vehicle is highly advisable for accessing the highest points, especially after rain.
Planes & Buses: The nearest airports are Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV) and Trabzon Airport (TZX). Long-distance buses connect major Turkish cities to Rize or Artvin, from where you can transfer to local transport.
Guides and Mules: For multi-day high-altitude treks, hiring a local guide is strongly recommended for safety and navigation. Guides can also arrange for mules or porters to carry heavy gear between camp sites.
The Yayla Culture: The high-altitude plateaus, or yaylas, are seasonal summer pastures. Local people from the valleys move up with their livestock and families from late June to early September.
Hospitality: Locals, many of whom are ethnically Hemşin or Laz and are known for their warm hospitality, often welcome trekkers. However, it’s polite to ask before entering or photographing their settlements.
Accommodation: Look for local pansiyon (guesthouses) in villages like Yaylalar or Olgunlar for an authentic cultural experience and home-cooked meals.
Weather & Trekking Season:
Best Time: The primary trekking season is from July to mid-September, when most snow has melted and the weather is most stable.
Mist and Rain: The northern Black Sea slopes are famously rainy and misty. Plan to conquer critical mountain passes in the early morning, as clouds typically build up by midday, obscuring views and making navigation difficult.
Gear: Even in summer, be prepared for cold, rain, and potential snow at high altitudes.
Local Cuisine: Embrace the unique Black Sea/Eastern Anatolian diet.
Mıhlama: A must-try dish—a fondue-like mix of local cheese, butter, and cornmeal.
Hamsi: Anchovies, a staple of the coastal region, often prepared fried or baked in bread.
Lahana Çorbası: Hearty cabbage soup.
Tea: The region around Rize is Turkey’s tea heartland. You will be offered countless small glasses of strong black tea (çay).
Language: While Turkish is the official language, the local communities may speak Hemşince or Lazca. English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist hubs like Ayder; learning a few basic Turkish phrases will be a great help and is highly appreciated.
Hidden Gems:
Karagöl: A picturesque glacial lake often easier to reach than the main summit trails, offering beautiful photography opportunities.
Barhal (Altıparmak) Valley: A less-frequented and quieter valley on the southern side known for its ancient ruins, lovely village life, and excellent trekking routes away from the crowds.
Çat Valley: A serene valley on the northern side, featuring stone bridges and a great mix of natural and cultural beauty.
Top Restaurants
Kaçkar Olgunlar Cafe Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located in the Artvin side of the park, near the Olgunlar village, this is a classic mountain cafe offering authentic, hearty Black Sea dishes and a perfect base for hikers.
Kaçkar Pension Restaurant [$10-$20] – The in-house restaurant of this pension in Yaylalar Village (Artvin) offers traditional home-cooked meals, often focusing on fresh, local ingredients and a warm, rustic atmosphere.
Gelgor Hotel Restaurant [$15-$25] – Located near Ayder Plateau (Rize), this is a well-regarded spot for trying classic Black Sea fare like muhlama (a cheesy cornmeal dish) and local stews, often with a view.
Ayder Umit Hotel Restaurant [$15-$25] – Another establishment on Ayder Plateau that is known for its traditional regional breakfast spreads and satisfying dinners, including fresh trout.
KAÇKARSAN WOOD PALACE RESTAURANT [$15-$25] – Found in the wider Rize region near the park, this restaurant is known for its wood-themed ambiance and a menu featuring regional specialties and local fresh fish.
Lale Lokantası (Rize Center – a drive from the park) [$10-$20] – Highly regarded outside the immediate park area but essential for Black Sea cuisine, famous for its slow-cooked kuru fasulye (dry beans) and mısır ekmeği (cornbread).
Hüsrev Lokantası (Rize Center – a drive from the park) [$10-$20] – Another popular spot in Rize known for its Black Sea specialties, especially the renowned kuru fasulye and traditional stews.
Evvel Zaman Yöresel Yemek (Rize Center – a drive from the park) [$15-$25] – A restaurant focusing purely on local flavors, a great place to try hamsili pilav (rice with anchovies) and karalahana dolması (stuffed kale leaves).
Liman Lokantasi (Rize Center – a drive from the park) [$15-$25] – A long-standing family-owned restaurant known for its mix of traditional Black Sea dishes, including meat stews and the sweet pastry laz böreği.
Şahin Tepesi Restaurant (Ayder Plateau) [$15-$25] – A highly-rated restaurant on the plateau offering panoramic views and a reliable menu of local dishes, including fresh grilled trout.
Ayder Doğa Alabalık Evi (Ayder Plateau) [$15-$25] – A specialist restaurant focusing on locally-sourced freshwater trout (alabalık), typically grilled or baked in butter, a staple of the high mountain region.
Fırtına Vadisi Alabalık Tesisi (Fırtına Valley) [$15-$25] – Located by the Fırtına (Storm) River on the way to Ayder, this spot offers very fresh trout in a lovely riverside setting, along with other Black Sea favorites.
Çayeli Dürdane Teyzenin Yeri (Çayeli – closer to the coast) [$20-$30] – Located outside the immediate park but renowned for its expertise in seafood and fish unique to the Black Sea, especially hamsi (anchovy) dishes when in season.
Dayının Balık Evi (Rize Center – a drive from the park) [$20-$30] – Popular among locals for its fresh seafood, with a strong focus on Black Sea fish preparations.
Liman Restaurant (Hopa – Artvin Province) [$20-$30] – Located on the coast of the Artvin Province, this restaurant is a local classic for fresh Black Sea fish and seafood, complementing the inland mountain cuisine.
Kaçkar Olgunlar Cafe (Olgunlar Village) [$5-$15] – A simpler version of the restaurant, perfect for a warming Turkish tea (çay), mıhlama for breakfast, or a simple, filling meal before or after a hike.
Zümrüt Pide (Çamlıhemşin) [$10-$20] – Located in the main town near the park entrance, this spot is a great option for trying local pide (Turkish flatbread with toppings) and lahmacun, often prepared in a traditional stone oven.
Vadi Restaurant (Çamlıhemşin) [$10-$20] – A casual and comfortable eatery in Çamlıhemşin village that serves a reliable mix of local soups, stews, and grilled meats, catering to both locals and travelers.
Kardelen Bungalov Evleri Cafe (Near Çamlıhemşin) [$10-$20] – The cafe associated with the bungalows offers a relaxed setting for a light meal or traditional köy kahvaltısı (village breakfast), utilizing the region’s excellent dairy and honey.
Ayder Kestane Alabalık Tesisi (Ayder Plateau) [$15-$25] – Offers a relaxing setting with a focus on fresh trout, but also serves local comfort foods and a good place for a midday soup or snack.
Kaçkar Resort Hotel Restaurant (Ayder Plateau) [$20-$35] – Offers a more upscale dining experience by local standards, blending traditional Black Sea flavors with modern presentation, a good place to try a higher-quality muhlama or meat dish.
Rustik Restaurant (Ayder Plateau) [$20-$30] – Known for its cozy, rustic interior and more refined take on regional dishes, it is often recommended for dinner.
Çise Dağ Evi Restaurant (Ayder Plateau) [$20-$30] – Part of a mountain lodge, this restaurant emphasizes local, organic ingredients, providing a high-quality experience of authentic mountain-style cooking.
Osman Bey Konağı Restaurant (Ayder Plateau) [$20-$30] – Offers traditional architecture and a menu that focuses on the best of Rize cuisine, including unique regional meat and vegetable dishes.
Serender Cafe & Restaurant (Ayder Plateau) [$15-$25] – Located in one of the characteristic stilted wooden houses (serender), this spot offers a unique atmosphere with its authentic Black Sea regional dishes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Ayder SenNaa’Beer Cafe & Bistro: A cozy spot in the popular Ayder Plateau (Ayder Yaylası), offering a relaxed bistro atmosphere where visitors can unwind after a day of hiking, often serving local beers and rakı alongside casual dining.
Own Kafe Bar: Located in the city of Rize, a vibrant, stylish cafe and bar in the Tophane neighborhood where locals and travelers meet. While it may offer some international favorites, it’s a central hub for social drinking and a lively local atmosphere.
Yolluk Bistro – Tekel: A modest, cozy bar located in Çamlıhemşin, the main gateway town to the national park, offering a taste of local flavors in a charming, unpretentious atmosphere.
Limit Pub: Situated in Artvin, the neighboring provincial city, this pub is a lively spot known for its diverse drink selection and local charm, a great place for unwinding away from the trails.
Malena Cocktail & Coffee Bar: Located in the coastal town of Fındıklı (north of the park), this venue brings a touch of urban flair to the region, offering a range of cocktails and coffee in a vibrant setting.
Passage Bistro (Wine Viçe): A charming spot in Fındıklı that functions as a wine bar, perfect for those seeking to enjoy a glass of Turkish or international wine in a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere.
NOKARAVEN Pub Palace: A vibrant pub in the city of Rize, known for its lively ambiance and diverse drinks, serving as a key spot for social gatherings in the provincial center.
Noyçayz Cafe & Resturant & Dağ Evleri: More of a mountain cabin retreat in the Kaçkar foothills, its café and restaurant serve as a cozy evening spot with stunning views, where guests can enjoy drinks and local cuisine.
Kavrun Dağevleri: Located in the remote Kavrun Plateau (Yaylası), this is a very rustic option. While primarily a lodge, its communal dining area serves as a social center where trekkers gather for local food and drinks, often featuring spontaneous music.
Poll Pub: A casual pub located in the city center of Rize, known for its friendly service and a good selection of local beers, providing a traditional pub experience.
Kopa’lum Cafe: Found in Ardeşen (near Çamlıhemşin), this is a cozy café-bar offering a place to relax with drinks and local flavors, often boasting scenic views.
FUşKİ YAYLA PUB: A very local pub situated in the Kaçkar Yaylası (Plateau) area, offering drinks and a taste of the authentic, rugged culture of the mountain villages.
Çinçiva Kafe (Çamlıhemşin): Located by the river near the stunning Çinçiva stone bridge in Çamlıhemşin, this café/restaurant is a picturesque spot that serves local food and is a great place for a relaxing evening drink with a view.
Akasya Restaurant & Rafting: Situated in the Fırtına Valley (Çamlıhemşin), this venue combines a restaurant with an activity center. The restaurant/bar area provides a sociable place to have a drink after rafting or hiking, often with an upbeat atmosphere.
Xlarge Cafe & Bar: Located in the city of Artvin, a venue providing a warm ambiance for drinks and socializing in the region’s eastern gateway city.