Train and Trek in Turkey

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This unique and exciting programme blends romantic train travel and terriffic trekking as well as a visit to one of the most magical cities in the world, Istanbul.The Kackar Mountains are a pristine wilderness, abundant in many unique species of flora and fauna, not to mention delicous organic cuisine.

Starting in Istanbul we travel on the Doga Express Sleeper Train, which crosses the country to the Northeast city of Erzurum.
The magnificent Kackar mountains are an extention of the Caucusus range and we will cross the range over the Naletleme pass to arrive on the Black Sea side of the range.

 

Take the high road with Terry’s trek across the high passes

&

Take the low road with Margaret’s tour of the Georgian Valley’s

Grade C: Demands a bit of experience and fitness to tackle steep slopes and narrow, stony paths for up to 8 hours per day.

N.B. The trek will be supported by a minibus with a local driver who will transfer luggage. The local roads are unsurfaced and the driving is sometimes bumpy.

 

 

Itinerary:

Day1:Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Historic Quarter.

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Walking tour of Istanbul city of Culture 2010. Meals: Breakfast.

 

Day 3: Morning departure on the Doga Express from Istanbul Hydarapasa Station for a magnificent 30 hour journey to Erzurum, the highest city in Turkey.

Meals: Responsible for own on train. Affordable dining wagon.

Day 4:Afternoon transfer by bus from Erzurum station for lunch at Uzundere village before proceeding to Yusufeli, white water rafting capital of Turkey.

Meals: Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Uban village to commence trek through pine forests and over the pass to Barhal. This scenic path takes us through summer pastures and high altitude homesteads.

Meals: All

Day 6: We climb to the Sabahda pass (about 3000m), well above the treeline, with spectacular views along the Bulut (Cloud)Valley towards Kaçkar. From the pass we descend through rhododendrons to a tiny village of wooden houses. We continue through forest and across streams then on good paved path past traditional stone houses until we descend to Demirdöven, and transfer to Yaylalar village for overnight at Yaylalar.

Meals: All

Day 7: Trek the Dibe Valley to campsite by a mountain lake.

Meals: All

Day 8: Cross the Naletleme pass (3000 m) to the hot springs town of Ayder.

Meals: All

Day 9:Morning Transfer to Trabzon Airport and fly to Istanbul(1.5hrs)for onward connections to Dublin and international destinations.

 

Equipment:

Trekkers need good quality thick-soled waterproof walking boots, daysack (approximately 40 lt), warm clothing, sunglasses, sunhat, suncream, raingear, gators, (preferably breathable such as goretex), sleeping bag. Walking sticks are recommended. Snowshoes or crampons will be provided if they will be needed.

Date of Tours:

Sept 18th - 26th Harvest time.

Grade C: Demands a bit of experience and fitness to tackle steep slopes and narrow, stony paths for up to 8 hours per day.

 

 

Suitability: Reasonably fit trekkers; some experience preferred. Equipment required includes waterproof jacket and trousers, good quality waterproof boots, hat and gloves, lightweight trekking clothes and a daysack. Baggage should be packed in a soft kitbag or rucksack. Ascent is less than 1000m per day.

 

Price

€ 1,249 per person sharing (ex flights)

Approx €150  Single Supplement

Subject to availability in the Kackar

Full or Deposit

Full Amount €1,249.00 Deposit €200.00

Includes:

Excludes

International & Domestic Flights

Optional Add On:  Days in Istanbul prior to departure.
Extra days in Kackar Region. Stay with eco tourism project families. Great walking and artistic inspiration.

Meals: All inclusive except on train. Affordable dining carriage on board. Lunches will be picnics. Trekkers are expected to carry some part of the food for lunch.

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