Travel and Transfer Information Meeting and Departure for Participants Coming from Ankara MONTIS Trips & Expedition OfficeDeparture Time: 05:45 Tunus Avenue, University StopsDeparture Time: 06:00 National Library EntranceDeparture Time: 06:10 Konya Road, Dikmen JunctionDeparture Time: 06:25 Meeting for Participants Coming from Istanbul and Other Distant Cities Meeting in AnkaraIntercity bus terminalVaran or Ulusoy SöğütözüTime: 06:15 Meeting in AksarayAğaçlı Rest AreaTime: 08:30 NOTE: We also offer meeting options in Niğde and the region with special airport transfers for participants. Please contact us for more details.Participants coming from outside of Ankara should contact us to confirm their meeting and return details. Recommended Gear & Suggestions for Our Trekking Tours in Aladağlar Travel Bag:For intercity travel, you should bring a sufficiently large bag to carry your belongings. A note: Please avoid bringing hard-shell suitcase-style bags for nature tours. These bags can cause issues during vehicle placement, transporting to the camp area, and when entering tents. Soft bags like sport duffels, backpacks, or carry-on bags are ideal for this trip. When carrying our camping gear to the event locations, please make sure to bring backpacks that are suitable for carrying camping loads, providing comfort, and ensuring safety. Backpack:It should be large enough to hold the things you’ll need during the activity of the day. We do not recommend carrying items outside your backpack or in your hands during nature walks. Therefore, medium-sized backpacks, with a capacity of 30-45 liters, are most suitable for these types of activities. Many backpacks now come with rain covers, which are essential during rainy weather. If your bag does not have one, we suggest you get one separately. Sturdy Hiking Boots:For your health, please avoid wearing overly flexible and soft-soled shoes for long hikes. If you’re a regular hiker, we recommend investing in sturdy, orthopedic trekking boots designed for hiking. Remember that waterproof features are essential in boots for the rainy seasons. Spare Sports Shoes:For comfort during travel and as a backup after hikes, we recommend bringing a spare pair of shoes. You can leave them in the vehicle or at the camp for use after the trek. Socks:Trekking socks with reinforced toes and soles are more comfortable and healthier for walking. We suggest carrying extra pairs of socks for all hikes. Gloves & Hat:During colder seasons, it’s essential to bring gloves and a hat. Choose hats that cover your ears. Even in the summer, it’s good to bring gloves and hats for high-altitude tours in the mountains. Hat:We recommend carrying a sun-shielding hat with a brim that also protects your neck in all seasons. Bandanas or buffs can also be used instead of a hat or with a hat all year round. Raincoat:We particularly suggest lightweight, breathable, and adequately waterproof rain jackets or anoraks. Anoraks made from Gore-Tex or similar materials are our preference as they allow sweat to escape while keeping you dry from rain. Fleece Jacket and Warm Clothing:Fleece jackets and half-zip fleece sweatshirts are excellent for nature activities as they are lightweight and do not absorb moisture. We do not recommend woolen clothes for outdoor activities, and puffy jackets take up too much space. Therefore, wearing fleece under a breathable raincoat is more comfortable. Pants and Shorts:We recommend synthetic or semi-synthetic trekking pants. Cotton clothing like jeans or linen is not ideal for outdoor activities as they restrict movement and take too long to dry when wet. Shorts are generally not recommended for treks as they don’t provide protection in rugged terrain. Drinks:We strongly recommend carrying 1.5 – 2 liters of water on hikes. Sugary drinks should be avoided as they increase dehydration. You may also bring hot beverages in a thermos if you prefer. Especially in autumn and winter, or on higher-altitude tours, it’s recommended to bring warm drinks. Thermos:We suggest bringing a plastic or, ideally, a stainless-steel thermos. You can use it to carry hot beverages during activities away from the camp. Camera:We recommend bringing a camera along with extra film or memory cards and batteries. If there’s a chance of rain, please make sure to protect your camera. Sunglasses:UV-protected sunglasses are highly recommended for outdoor activities. On snowy days, they are crucial to prevent retina burns or snow blindness. Sunscreen, Moisturizers, and Lip Balms:We recommend using sunscreen with at least SPF 45 in all seasons. First Aid & Medication:MONTIS Trips & Expeditions guides always carry comprehensive first aid kits. All our leaders have an International Wilderness First Aid (ECSII) Certification. However, we advise you to bring any personal medications and a small first aid kit with you. Environmental Note:We do not leave any trash or permanent marks in nature, so please remember to take everything you bring with you, including used items. You can bring a small trash bag to carry your waste or use empty plastic bags for this purpose. Tour Difficulty Levels:You can check the difficulty levels of our tours at this link:https://montis.com.tr/tur-zorluk-dereceleri/