7 days of trekking: sightseeing and nature in Türkiye
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Türkiye
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions193.41 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
From the steppes of Eastern Anatolia to the lush valleys of the Caucasus, this journey invites you to a cultural and natural immersion in the heart of a lesser-known Turkey. In Kars , the Slavic-style architecture bears witness to the Russian influence, while the ruins of Ani , the ancient Armenian capital, evoke the past grandeur of a vanished empire. On the shores of the frozen Lake Çıldır , at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, winter paints breathtaking panoramas before giving way to the snow-covered forests of Sarıkamış .
The journey continues to the verdant reaches of the Maçahel Valley , a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , where traditions and biodiversity intertwine. In this sanctuary of unspoiled nature, you will discover ancestral beekeeping practices and exceptional honey . Finally, you will explore Şavşat , a hidden gem with alpine landscapes and secluded hamlets, reflecting an authentic rural world.
A rare and contrasting itinerary, between historical treasures , magnificent nature and local encounters , for travelers seeking disconnection and territories off the beaten track.
The highlights
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Great cultural diversity
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Exceptional natural landscapes
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Authentic local experiences
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
Management
Program
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Ani – Çıldır Lake – Kars
- Transportation 08h - 207km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
• Airport pickup at Kars Harakani
• Route to the ancient city of Ani
• Road to Çıldır Lake
• Travel by vehicle followed by a hike to Şeytan Kalesi (the Devil's Castle), overlooking the Kura River and protecting the Silk Road
• Return to Kars for the night
Day 1 -
Hiking in the Sarıkamış forest – Visit to the city of Kars
- Transportation 08h - 109km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 11 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
• Route to Sarıkamış
• Visit to the Katerina (Alexi) Mansion, built in 1896 by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia
• Hiking through the forest near the Sarıkamış ski resort
• Return to Kars after lunch for a city tour
• Evening dinner accompanied by local bards
Day 2 -
Ardahan and road to posof – kaleÖnÜ plateau – arsiyan plateau – ŞavŞat
- Transportation 08h - 120km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
• Route to the Kaleönü plateau
• Hike to the Arsiyan plateau
• Enjoy a packed lunch at 2,600 m altitude while admiring breathtaking views of the Eastern Anatolian steppes, endless forests and the high mountains of Şavşat
• Route to Şavşat
Day 3 -
Şirata Lakes – ŞavŞat KaragÖl Lake
- Transportation 08h - 35km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 9 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
• Road to Lake Balıklıgöl passing through Pınarlı, the largest village in Şavşat
• Hike on the slopes of Mount Arsiyan to the two Şırata lakes, where we might observe Common Shelducks enjoying this peaceful setting
• Lunch and nap break by the lakes
• Road and hike to Lake Karagöl in Şavşat
• Visit to the church of Cevizli on the way to our hotel
Day 4 -
alabalik valley – lekoban & findik plateaus – ma çahel
- Transportation 08h - 60km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
• Route through the Alabalık Valley
• Lunch break in a family home on the Lekoban plateau
• Route towards the Maçahel pass and then continue to the Fındık plateau
• Hike from the plateau to halfway to the guesthouse
Day 5 -
Maral waterfall – Camili village
- Transportation 08h - 22km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
• Drive and hike to Maral Waterfall – Turkey's highest waterfall ( 63 meters ) plunging from a single point. Swimming in the waterfall's pool is optional.
• Visit to a beautifully decorated and colorful mosque
• Return by car to the guesthouse
Day 6 -
BorÇka karagÖl – menÇuna waterfall – rize
- Transportation 08h - 180km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 5 km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
• Drive to Borçka Karagöl and walk around this magnificent landslide lake surrounded by a dense forest
• Drive to Hopa for lunch
• Drive through Arhavi followed by a short hike to Mençuna Waterfall, located in the Kamilet Valley. Swimming in the waterfall's pool is optional.
• Drive to Rize airport, arriving around 6 p.m.
Day 7
Accommodation
- Double room
- Twin room
- Double room
- Twin room
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- All transfers between accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Tour guide, driver and their expenses
- Parks and tolls
- All meals listed (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
- Hotel tips
- Entrance fees
- Professional and high-quality service
The price does not include
- Trip to Kars and return from Rize Airport
- Visas for Turkey
- Drinks and extras at the accommodation
- Additional activities and excursions
- Personal expenses
- Tips expressing your personal gratitude
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Day hiking backpack (25–35 L)
Trekking poles
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen and lip balm (UV protection)
Personal toiletries and personal medications
Headlamp or small flashlight
Clothing to bring
Lightweight and breathable hiking shirts (short and long sleeves)
Fleece or lightweight insulated jacket (for cool mornings and evenings)
Waterproof and windproof jacket (essential)
Quick-drying hiking pants
Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
Comfortable hiking socks (3 to 4 pairs, wool or synthetic)
Hiking boots with good ankle support (previously worn)
Warm jacket or down jacket
Cap
Gloves
Neck warmer or scarf
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