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New for 2009!
A 40th Anniversary Follow the Leader Trip with Cathy Ann Taylor

If you’re looking for a trek that’s truly off the beaten path, follow revered guide Cathy Ann Taylor as she ventures beyond the Himalaya, her haunt, to lead you through Turkey’s rugged Pontic Alps—a wonderland of granite peaks, densely wooded forests, fragrant tea plantations and hazelnut groves, sparkling lakes, electric green pastures bursting with wildflowers, and an abundance of bear, chamois, eagles, and vultures. Not only will you challenge yourself physically with hikes high into the Kaçkar and Altiparmak (six-fingered) mountains, you’ll experience the rich cultural side of this ancient land with visits to a one thousand-year-old Georgian church as well as wonderful monuments from the Seljuk Empire. By day, you’ll hike to places like 10,692-foot Kavron Pass, offering stop-in-your-tracks views of a rhododendron-clad valley, and Buyuk Deniz Lake, where you can take a refreshing swim in pristine waters. At night, you’ll camp under the stars for as well as stay in pensions and hotels, and enjoy tasty local cuisine. Strong hikers will relish the option of making a non-technical climb up 10,824-foot Altiparmak, or up 12,896-foot Mt. Kaçkar via one of its permanent glaciers. This trek is decidedly tough, but the rewards are immeasurable!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• A challenging trek through Turkey’s glaciated, granite Pontic Alps
• Explore this unique region with popular high-altitude trekking leader Cathy Ann Taylor, a 20-year MTS veteran!
• New rewards daily—from views of lush forests to tea plantations and hazelnut groves to snow-capped peaks and waterfalls!
• Opportunities for two optional summit climbs—Altiparmak and Mount Kaçkar
• Experience diverse aspects of Turkey’s history and culture—ancient monuments, a summer mountain village, and an 11th century Gregorian church

Having guided treks in the Himalayas for the last 18 years, I’ve dreamt of visiting the Kaçkar Mountains, with their steep rocky slopes plummeting into the Black Sea, fertile valleys, farming communities, and beautiful pastures. Mountains the world over evoke the same feelings and emotions—the crystal clear air, the pristine environment, and the interaction with indigenous cultures, never to be forgotten. Having visited Turkey this year, its rich history and exotic culture are unmatched. I am thrilled to be going back in 2009! ~ Cathy Ann Taylor

Day 1 - Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey, and fly with the group to Erzurum.

Day 2 - Transfer to Yaylalar to visit ancient monuments (Yakutiye Medresesi and Cifte Minareli Medrese) of the Seljuk Empire.

Day 3 - Mule-supported trek to Damla Golu via 10,663’ Hevek Pass, with views back to Erzurum. Pass small village of Olgunlar and camp along a tiny lake surrounded by peaks.

Day 4 - Walk streamside to camp at the lovely summer village of Davali Yayla (8,858’), with its sturdy stone houses and barns.

Day 5 - Climb a steeply rising ridge toward the peaks of Kaçkar, passing Kavron Pass (10,692’) en route to glistening Derebasi Lake and our secluded campsite in a valley filled with colorful rhododenrons.

Day 6 - Another day of lake views as you climb to the mist-shrouded village of Yukari Kavron to enjoy a tasty lunch at a local café. Continue up steep Caymakcur Valley, past rushing waterfalls to Buyuk Deniz Lake (brisk but swimmable!).

Day 7 - Zigzag down to flower-lined Karadeniz Lake, then climb to Naletleme Pass (10,039’) for spectacular lake and mountain views. Descend snow gulley to our campsite above Dupeduzu Yayla.

Day 8 - Contour along the main Kackar ridge at Pisovit where views of the main range unfold all the way down to Hevek Valley. Camp at Dilberduzu.

Day 9 - Today you have the option of ascending Kaçkar Mountain (12,896’) via its glacier, or opt for an early start to climb to a lake at Deniz Gol, passing the strange formations of Seytan Kaya (“Satan’s Rocks”) along the way.

Day 10 - Descend from Dilberduzu camp on clear paths along a stream. Lunch break at Olgunlar village and then dinner and overnight at a pension in Yaylalar.

Day 11 - Climb an old mule path past stone villages of Karamolla and Korahmet to a campsite near the lake of Okuz Gol.

Day 12 - En route to the grassy ridge of Satibey, descend a dramatic gorge to the rich forests above the village of Pisenkaya. Continue on mule paths past Binektasi village.

Day 13 - Another day with options: Make a non-technical but tough climb of jagged Altiparmak (10,824’). Or explore the beautiful lake at Karagol and the valleys beyond.

Day 14 - Descend steep paths into the spectacular Cicek Valley. En route, explore the 11th century Georgian Church of the Four Apostles, nestled on a slope on the outskirts of the Altiparmak (Barhal) village center. Overnight in pension overlooking the valley.

Day 15 - Transfer to Erzurum and fly to Istanbul.

Day 16 - Depart Istanbul or join our extension in Istanbul.

Photo Credits
©Zafer Kizilkaya