Kemerli Kaçkar & Altıparmak Mountains Climbing Expedition Series

Day 1: Meeting at Rize-Artvin Airport – Breakfast in Çamlıhemşin – Transfer and Check-in at Avusor Plateau

We meet early in the morning at Rize-Artvin Airport. Please make sure to check our transfer times. After a short drive along the cool valley, we head towards Çamlıhemşin, where we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast. Following a brief stop in the town center for final preparations, we’ll head to our mountain guesthouse in Avusor Plateau at a relaxed pace. Once settled in, our mountain guide will lead a comprehensive briefing session. After lunch, we’ll spend the rest of the day resting or exploring the plateau. Get ready for a day filled with dancing clouds and a night adorned with stars.

Approximate transfer durations:
Airport–Çamlıhemşin: 40 min; Çamlıhemşin–Avusor: 1 hr
Approximate altitudes: Çamlıhemşin: 400 m; Avusor Plateau: 2400 m
Included meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 2: Acclimatization and Preparation Day

After a delightful breakfast, we’ll prepare for our first hike and acclimatization climb. Our goal is to gradually ascend to one of the steep passes connecting the northern and southern sections of the Kaçkar Mountains. Starting from our guesthouse, we’ll climb gently at first, then zigzag our way up the couloir leading to the pass. Once there, we’ll be treated to sweeping views of high pastures and glacial lakes on the southern side. These ancient passages were once used by nomads, shepherds, and mountain lovers to move between valleys—each path holding untold stories of festivals and love. After enjoying the scenery, we return to our guesthouse on the same route. In the evening, we’ll gather for another tasty dinner, followed by final preparations for the summit attempt.

Approximate activity duration: 4–5 hours
Approximate altitudes: Avusor Plateau: 2400 m; Kızılgedik Pass: 2960 m
Included meals: Breakfast – Lunch (packed) – Dinner

Day 3: Summit Ascent – Kemerli Kaçkar Mountain

Today, we rise a bit earlier for breakfast and begin our climb. Our first goal is the Avusor Lake at the foot of Kemerli Kaçkar (also known as Kuşaklı Kaçkar), one of the most striking peaks in the Kaçkar range. After our first long break by the lake, we continue ascending the classic route. The trail becomes steeper and more rugged, and eventually, we begin using our hands for simple scrambling moves—an authentic alpine experience. We will follow the easiest route around the rocky summit mass and reach the majestic summit of Kemerli Kaçkar, one of the iconic high points of the Kaçkar Mountains. After soaking in the panoramic views and signing the summit log, we descend slowly and carefully via the same path. Don’t forget to enjoy the stunning views on the way down! In the late afternoon, we return to our guesthouse where hot tea awaits. Sharing the day’s excitement over dinner will be a true joy. A good rest tonight is crucial for our next summit day.

Approximate altitudes: Avusor Plateau: 2400 m; Avusor Lake: 2700 m; Kemerli Kaçkar Summit: 3562 m
Approximate hiking duration: 8–10 hours
Included meals: Breakfast – Lunch (packed) – Dinner

Day 4: Summit Ascent – Altıparmak Mountain

Good morning to a pristine summit day in the Kaçkar Mountains! After breakfast, we set out with excitement towards our goal: Altıparmak Mountain. As the name suggests, this massif consists of several peaks lined up like fingers interlocked in a horon dance. Starting from Avusor, we follow shepherd and livestock paths that gently ascend northward. After crossing a small pass separating two valleys, we descend into the opposite valley before climbing up again. Here, we’ll take a break at what might be the highest lodge in Turkey. After this, we continue to ascend through scree slopes toward the base of the summit tower. The final section requires light scrambling using hands again, progressing step by step toward the summit and its breathtaking views. After the summit rituals, we descend slowly and carefully as a group. On the way back, we take a longer break at the mountain lodge before crossing back over the pass and returning to Avusor Plateau—tired but deeply satisfied. Tonight, we celebrate!

Approximate altitudes: Avusor Plateau: 2400 m; Dadala Mountain Lodge: 2800 m; Altıparmak Summit: 3472 m
Approximate hiking duration: 10–12 hours
Included meals: Breakfast – Lunch (packed) – Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Rize-Artvin Airport according to flight times

Today is a relaxed day to savor the aftermath of our climbs. We’ll gather a bit later for one last delicious breakfast. After checking out, we enjoy the calm of Avusor Plateau before heading downhill to Ayder, then to Çamlıhemşin. On the way, we’ll walk to Tar Creek Waterfall and visit Çinçiva, one of the region’s most vibrant villages. Before we drop you off at the airport, we highly recommend a final stop at a local restaurant where you can indulge in some of the region’s finest dishes and unique desserts. We promise to have you at the airport at least two hours before your flight.

Approximate transfer duration: 2 hours
Included meals: Breakfast