Walking Tours of Turkey
Lycia Cradle of coastal navigation, the coastal region of ancient Pamphyliea and Lycia, is the most beautiful part of the southern Turkey..
The Lycia Discovery (Lycian Way) - 15 Days
The Lycian Turquoise Coast - 15 Days
Mt.Ararat
The highest mountain of Turkey, legendary Mt. Ararat, is one of the best-known of all mountains because of its biblical attribution..
Legendary Mt Ararat - 8 Days
Mt Kaçkar & Mt Ararat Climb - 15 Days
Cappadocia
Follow the paths of the first human beings in caves and underground cities in the hidden valleys of Cappadocia..
Cappadocia Trekking- 8 Days
From Cappadocia to Istanbul - 9 Days
Cappadocia & Bolkar Mountains -15 Days
Mt.Taurus
An adventurous experience through the stunningly beautiful Taurus Mountains, which is the heaven of mountaineers..
Cappadocia - Mt Taurus trekking - 15 Days
Mt.Kaçkar
The wildest part of northeastern Turkey, Kackar Mountains are known for the complexity and power of the streams and rivers which rush down to the lower altitudes..
Mt Kaçkar trekking - 15 Days
Mountains of Turkey
A glance at a topographical map of Turkey reveals that this is a country of mountains. Rising from all four directions, mountains encircle the peninsula of Anatolia. A part of the Alpine-Himalayan Mountain range, Turkey has mountainous regions with different geological formations. The North Anatolian range skirts the Mediterranean shore. Turkey's magnificent mountains and forests are mostly undeveloped, existing as wonderful natural preserves for an extraordinary variety of wild life, flora and fauna.
Two of Turkey's most famous peaks are volcanoes, both inactive, Mt. Erciyes in Kayseri in Central Anatolia (3917 m) and Mt. Ağrı (mt. Ararat 5137 m) in the east. Other mountain ranges are the Rize Kaçkar (3932 m) in the eastern Black Sea region, Niğde Aladağ; (3756 m) in the central Taurus range and the Cilo and Sat mountains (4136 m) near Hakkari in the eastern Taurus.
The mountainous nature of the country has influenced its cultural evolution. For centuries, nomads and semi-nomadic peoples have moved yearly to the fresh pastures of the higher elevations in the summer. These alpine meadows, called yayla, house nomadic people whose traditional culture is still preserved.
For climbers and those interested in the geography of mountains, Turkey offers a wealth of exploration. Glaciers, volcanoes, and peculiar geological formations such as karst prove irresistible to researchers and students of the geology. The challenging terrain offers opportunities to aficionados of outdoor sports, who will find the most interesting experiences on the mountains of eastern, central and southern Turkey.
The Great Mount of Ağrı (Ararat) 5137m
Rising at the borders of Turkey and Iran, Mount Ağrı, an inactive volcano capped year round with ice and snow, rises to 5137 meters. The Old Testament records that it was on this mountain that Noah's Ark came to rest after the great flood.
Southwest of the mountain, the Little Mount Ağrı (Ararat) reaches up to 3896 meters; the Serdarbulak lava plateau (2600 m) stretches out between the two pinnacles. Climbing the spectacular Agrı is a challenging and rewarding experience.
In the summer, the weather in the area and on Mount Agrı( Mt. Ararat) is sunny, warm and dry. However, in the winter and spring, cold and harsh conditions prevail, and mountain climbers occasionally face blizzards and turbulent weather. July, August, and September are the months when most world mountain climbers come to this area.
Climbing up Mt Ararat is most enjoyable during this period. However, despite the usual sunny and clear weather at that time of year, high altitude mountain weather swirls around above 3000 meters. The southern side of the mountain offers the easiest and safest climb to the summit. With this route one has access to the best route communication and transportation facilities and it is safe. It is not recommended to climb Mount Ararat alone and without a guide.
The Cilo-Sat Mountain Range (4136m.)
The Cilo-Sat mountains, within the southeastern Hakkari province are the eastern extension of the Toros (Taurus) mountain chain which stretches from west to east along Turkey's southern boundaries. The mountain range forms the western section of the Himalayan mountain belt. At 4136 meters, the Uludoruk (Resko) summit is the highest in the Cilo mountains; Çatalkaya (Samdi), which rises to 3794 meters which crowns the Sat mountains.
Resembling the Alps both in general appearance and glacier topography, the Cilo-Sat mountains are the areas in Turkey most affected by glaciers. The high altitudes of the mountains testify to the effects of glacial formation and water erosion. Of the ten differently shaped glaciers, the largest, Izbirak, measures five kilometres in length, 500-600 meters in width. It reaches up to 100 meters in depth.
A wide arid expanse stretches across the southern base of the mountain range. The highlands, in contrast, receive plentiful precipitation during the winter months. In between crests and summits, fertile green valleys dotted with rural settlements, enjoy a temperate climate that makes them ideal for wine and fruit agriculture. Above the low valleys, alpine meadows blanket the mountain slopes at altitudes between 2000 and 3100 meters. Herds of domestic animals graze on these pastures, the raising of which makes up the primary economic activity of the region.
The Kaçkar Mountains (3932 m.)
In the rainy and lush landscapes of northeastern Turkey, the Kaçkar mountains form the northern section of the Anatolian mountain chain. The Kaçkar-Kavron summit, at an altitude of 3932 meters, is the highest point in the range. Extensive glacier and water erosion have given these mountains their craggy, rugged look, and they are known for the complexity and power of the streams and rivers which rush down to the lower altitudes. In fact, this range is the third most important glacial region in Turkey following the Ağrı (Ararat) and Cilo-Sat mountains. The geological and mountaineering aspects of the Kaçkars contribute to their importance in Turkey's economy and tourism.
This region enjoys an almost sub-tropical climate of temperate, yet rainy weather with an average temperature of 14° C. The lowest temperature, 7° C, falls in the month of January while August sees the hottest days reaching a maximum recorded temperature of 22.6° C.
The Kaçkars rise in between the shores of the Black Sea to the north and the River Coruh valley to the south. On the northern flank, a good variety of vegetation flourishes in the rainy climate. Up to 500 meters above sea level, tea plantations and citrus orchards cover the hillsides.
Chesnuts, hornbeam, beech and other large-leafed trees which forest the slopes to 750 meters. Between 750-1500 meters of elevation, pines mix in with the large - leafed trees forest the slopes to 750 meters. Between 750-1500 meters of elevation, pines mix in with the large leafed trees until gradually they remain the only species of tree from 1500-2000 meters. Alpine meadows and other grassy vegetation cover the ground above 2100 meters. On the southern faces of the Kackars, which receive strong sunshine and less precipitation, the agriculture is based on the cultivation of fruits and vines. As on the north side in the higher elevations, meadows of wild flowers and grass blanket the slopes up to 2300 meters.
The Toros (Taurus) Mountains and the Toros Aladağlar Mountains
The Taurus Mountains are the western most branch of the great mountain chain that stretches across all of Asia - the Himalayan mountain belt.
The Turkish section of this massive mountain range follows the southern border of Anatolia and it is made up of four major sections, the Western, Central, Southern and Southeastern Toros ranges. The highest peaks rises out of the Central and Southeastern branches, a stretch of mountains which are rugged, magnificent and arduous to climb.
Forming part of the Central Taurus range, the Aladaglar range runs from the southwest to the northeast for approximately 50 kilometers. It is between 25 and 30 kilometers wide and boasts the region's highest peak, Demirkazik which stretches to 3756 meters.
Other high summits include Kızılkaya in the center (3725 m), a peak that reaches 3688 meters in the south and Mount Vayvay in the East (3565m).
The long range is situated in the provinces of Niğde and Adana and rises between Lake Ecemiş and the Zamantı River.
The geological formation of the area is responsible for the interesting rock formations and waterfalls. The erosion of limestone has created a fascinating karstic topography and hydrography, especially in the Yedigoller valley, where karstic underground rivers and caverns collect the surface water.
Both the Mediterranean and Anatolian weather systems influence the climate of the Aladağlar bringing warm summers and cool winters to the mountains.Walking Tours of Turkey
Lycia Cradle of coastal navigation, the coastal region of ancient Pamphyliea and Lycia, is the most beautiful part of the southern Turkey..
The Lycia Discovery (Lycian Way) - 15 Days
The Lycian Turquoise Coast - 15 Days
Mt.Ararat
The highest mountain of Turkey, legendary Mt. Ararat, is one of the best-known of all mountains because of its biblical attribution..
Legendary Mt Ararat - 8 Days
Mt Kaçkar & Mt Ararat Climb - 15 Days
Cappadocia
Follow the paths of the first human beings in caves and underground cities in the hidden valleys of Cappadocia..
Cappadocia Trekking- 8 Days
From Cappadocia to Istanbul - 9 Days
Cappadocia & Bolkar Mountains -15 Days
Mt.Taurus
An adventurous experience through the stunningly beautiful Taurus Mountains, which is the heaven of mountaineers..
Cappadocia - Mt Taurus trekking - 15 Days
Mt.Kaçkar
The wildest part of northeastern Turkey, Kackar Mountains are known for the complexity and power of the streams and rivers which rush down to the lower altitudes..
Mt Kaçkar trekking - 15 DaysMORE INFO
These scripts and photographs are registered under © Copyright 2006, Terra-Anatolia / Antalya - Turkey. All Rights Reserved.
Turkey holds its 2nd Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2006. The spectacular 5.378 kilometer track is designed by famed German architect Herman Tilke, the man behind Sepang, Bahrain and Shanghai, and features 14 turns – eight lefts and six rights – with the cars reaching speeds of up to 320 km.
It possesses a wide variety of corners, and while perhaps not as technical as, say, Shanghai, it definitely provides the drivers with real challenge, especially given the reduced down force available.
As you’d expect from a new venue, spectator facilities are impressive. Seating capacity is 155,000, with 25,000 of those in the main grandstand, and parking for 20,000 cars. 
Limited Seats Available !!! 
