Cilo and Sat Mountains Trekking Tour in Yüksekova (7 Days / 6 Nights)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Yüksekova Airport – Transfer to Hotel – Visit to Fairy Chimneys and St. Bartholomeus Church in Başkale

Upon arriving in Yüksekova via a midday flight, we’ll transfer to our hotel located in the city center. After a short rest, we head towards Van’s Başkale district by private vehicle. Before entering Başkale, we’ll enjoy some delicious local food and tea at a roadside facility. Then we continue to Kofiraz village to visit its surreal fairy chimneys and the impressive architecture of St. Bartholomeus Church.

Formed from volcanic tuff by erosion after Mount Yiğit’s eruption, these fairy chimneys rival those of Cappadocia. On our return, we’ll stop by St. Bartholomeus Church again, catching it in the golden colors of sunset.

We then return to Yüksekova for free time and optional dinner.

• Approx. Transfer Time: 3 hours (140 km)

• Approx. Activity Duration: –

• Approx. Hiking Distance: –

• Altitude: Yüksekova – 1950 m

• Included Meals: –

Day 2: Mergan Plateau – Heaven & Hell Valley Hike – Gevya “Devil” Glacier

After breakfast at our hotel, we hit the road around 7:30 AM, turning off towards Kırıkdağ village. The road changes from asphalt to dirt as we reach Mergan Plateau – our gateway to the legendary Heaven and Hell Valleys.

We sip tea brewed on a wood fire and have a light snack before hiking toward the Reşko Summit via the Hell Valley. Along the way, we witness the stunning views of ancient glaciers and glacial lakes from the last Ice Age.

On our return, we stop by the Gelezo Church and its nearby waterfall to cool down, then head back to Yüksekova. Optional group dinner at a local restaurant.

• Approx. Transfer Time: 3 hours (150 km)

• Approx. Activity Duration: 3–4 hours

• Approx. Hiking Distance: 10 km

• Altitude: Yüksekova – 1950 m | Mergan Plateau – 2520 m | Gevya Glacier – 2850 m

• Included Meals: Breakfast – Packed Lunch

Day 3: Orşe Waterfall – Terazin, Gelyona & Kervan Glacial Lakes Hike

Following breakfast, we leave again at 7:30 AM and head towards Orşe Plateau via Kadıköy village. Today’s hike is our longest and steepest, with both challenging ascents and scenic descents.

We begin with a visit to the tall Orşe Waterfall, then climb beside its flowing stream toward Terazin Lake. After a possible swim and tea break, we continue to Gelyona Lake at 3232 meters and ascend to the highest point of the day – Kervan Pass (3250 m).

Here we reach the historic Kervan Lake, once a resting point for Silk Road caravans. Time permitting, we’ll climb the pass to see the Izbırak Glacier. After resting by the cold waters, we descend back to our vehicle and return to Yüksekova.

• Approx. Transfer Time: 3 hours (50 km)

• Approx. Activity Duration: 8–9 hours

• Approx. Hiking Distance: 12 km

• Altitude: Yüksekova – 1950 m | Orşe Waterfall – 2500 m | Terazin Lake – 3030 m | Gelyona Lake – 3232 m | Kervan Pass – 3250 m

• Included Meals: Breakfast – Packed Lunch

Day 4: Kaval (Sineber) Waterfall – Swimming Day – Awe Ure (Ori) Waterfall – Revolutionary Youth Bridge

After yesterday’s long trek, it’s time for a relaxing day by the water. We drive along the Zap River toward Mount Şine and its nearby bridge, then follow a winding dirt road to Kaval Waterfall.

After a short walk, we reach this lush, hidden paradise. While tea brews over a wood fire, we dive into the natural pool formed by the waterfall. After lunch, we explore the upper pools and enjoy another dip.

On the way back, we stop at the awe-inspiring Awe Ure Waterfall and, finally, at the Revolutionary Youth Bridge—originally built in 1968, bombed in 1999, and rebuilt since.

Free time for dinner and relaxation back in Yüksekova.

• Approx. Transfer Time: 4 hours (240 km)

• Approx. Activity Duration: All day

• Approx. Hiking Distance: –

• Altitude: Yüksekova – 1950 m | Kaval Waterfall – 1350 m

• Included Meals: Breakfast – Packed Lunch

Day 5: Sat Glacial Lakes Hike

Today we head east to the Sat Mountains. After breakfast, we drive to Dağlıca, then continue on a dirt road to Bay Lake (Büyük Göl), where our hike begins.

We’ll see around 7 glacial lakes, hike with views of the iconic Reşko summit, and pass under the towering Gevarok Peak (Çatalkaya – 3794 m). Near the Iraq border, the Balkayalar Mountains appear in the distance.

After tea by the lake, we visit a nearby plateau to see Paleolithic rock carvings of mountain goats, tulips, snakes, and more – dating back to 2 million years ago.

Evening return to Yüksekova. Free time for dinner.

• Approx. Transfer Time: 3 hours (130 km)

• Approx. Activity Duration: 5–6 hours

• Approx. Hiking Distance: 5 km

• Altitude: Yüksekova – 1950 m | Bay Lake – 3140 m | Highest Ridge – 3310 m

• Included Meals: Breakfast – Packed Lunch

Day 6: Berçelan or Erdanis Glacial Lakes Hike

Depending on the season, we’ll hike either the Erdanis or Berçelan Plateaus. After breakfast, we head toward Meydan Plateau above Konak village near Hakkâri.

At the summer pastures (oba), we may watch local shepherd women (Berivans) milking sheep before hiking to Seyithan and Liz Glacial Lakes—where we can swim in both.

Returning to the oba, we visit Mar Şalita Church in Konak village, then head to Hakkâri’s panoramic terrace for final views of majestic Mount Sümbül (3467 m).

We enjoy our final group dinner in Hakkâri before returning to the hotel.

• Approx. Transfer Time: 4–5 hours (200 km)

• Approx. Activity Duration: 6–7 hours

• Approx. Hiking Distance: 10 km

• Altitude: Yüksekova – 1950 m | Hakkâri – 1720 m | Meydan Plateau – 3000 m | Seyithan Lake – 3300 m | Liz Lake – 3340 m

• Included Meals: Breakfast – Packed Lunch

Day 7: Transfer to Yüksekova Airport

After breakfast, we leave for Yüksekova Airport around 10:30 AM. With hearts full of mountain memories and friendships, we bid farewell—until we meet again in these majestic highlands.

• Approx. Transfer Time: 15–20 minutes

• Approx. Activity Duration: –

• Approx. Hiking Distance: –

• Altitude: Yüksekova – 1950 m

• Included Meals: Breakfast