Aladag Mountains Travel Guide
Superb Mountain Walking ti the "Seven Lakes"
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Located 40km northwest of Niğde the Aladağlar Mountains soar to over 3,700 meters and provide the walker with some of the best trekking in the country. Treks can range from a day or two to almost a week with spring and early summer trekking being a particular delight, with wild alpine flowers in abundance.
The Aladağlar Mountains form the central chain of the famous Tauros Mountains and run in a line southwest to northeast for around 50 km being approximately 30km wide. The highest peak is Demirkazik which soars to 3756m, whilst other notable summits include Kizilkaya (3725 m) and Mount Vayvay (3565m). This dramatic arm of the Tauros Mountains provides challenging trekking taking walkers through conifer forests on the lower slopes up steep-sided gorges to high-altitudes lakes and up above the tree-line. The horseshoe ring of limestone peaks that form the Aladağlar Mountains are summer-home to yörük nomads who shepherd their sheep here during the pleasant months of June, July and August in what are known as ‘yaylas’ or summer grazing pastures, and meetings add great pleasure to what are already great walks.
Attractions in Aladag Mountains
Most treks start in the vicinity of the villages of Çukurbağ or Demirkazik, either of which are convenient starting points from which to begin. The Emli Valley is forested but this gives way to the high Eznevit yayla where spring brings a profusion of wild flowers. A popular route and one that features in many treks leads walkers up and over the bare slopes of the rugged Celikbuyduran Pass (3450m) to the Yedigöller Plateau, the seven lakes that give the plateau its name and in which are reflected the soaring peaks that surround them. An ascent can be made of Engin Tepe, 3723m, which while not a technical climbs does require some scrambling and is considered moderate to strenuous; the reward from the summit being worth the effort with a magnificent a panorama towards the southern face of Demirkazik. At Selale many waterfalls can be found, an impressive sight when in flood.
Activities in Aladag Mountains
Specialist trekking agencies can arrange a variety of treks of different lengths prior to departure, supplying all equipment and food. Those that prefer to be self-sufficient should be fully prepared to cope with local inadequacies bringing all required equipment with them; a local guide is still essential.
Relaxing
Nights round the campfire are the best way of appreciating the dramatic sense of isolation afforded by the mountains.
Getting Around
Most trekking expeditions include transport to and from Niğde (or beyond if required) to the start and from the end of the trek. Those organising themselves can reach Çukurbağ by taking a dolmuş from Niğde towards Çamardı and ask to be let off at the Demirkazik junction.
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