Kackar Mountains

The Wildlife also a wide variety of wildlife, with wolves, bears, pigs, wild goats, deer, jackals and wild hens.

 

Kackar Mountains National Park is in the most rainy forests of Turkey therefore which has extremely rich alpine meadows and outstanding flora as well as unique in terms of streams.

The areas around the Firtina River at the west of the mountains, and the Hemsin River on the east are

covered with a rich range of flora.

Firtina River and Hemsin River surrounds the national park.

In accordance with the richness of flora, such as jackals, roe deer, wild boar

marten, hare, stoat weasel, mammals, raptors, songbirds and wild rooster

are available in the Kackar Mountains National Park.

The mountain massif of the Kackar also represents one of the most highly glaciated areas of the Turkish

mountains. Today, there are five large glaciers in the Park, which contributes to the biological

diversity of the East Black Sea Mountains.

There are 11 villages and 44 yaylas or summer pastures and seasonal herders

living in the East Black Sea Region use the national park as a pastureland.

 

​

Location :

​

Kackar Mountains National Park is situated around 70 km east of Rize province in the Black Sea Region of Turkey

declared in 1994 as a national park, covers of 52.970 hectares. Ayder Plateau has the best facilities in the park, especially for those trekking

for several days.

Also there are specially designated camping areas in Camlihemsin.

Trekking is increasingly popular in this area, and it is possible to hire a guide in Ayder and Camlihemsin. The most popular trekking season is summer but these are the mistiest and most crowded months – popular wilderness campsites, particularly Dilberduzu in the heart of the range.

Kackar Mountains National Park, which is easily reached via Rize, Trabzon and Artvin.

​​

​

​

​

​

 

temperatures :​

The Kaçkar Mountains offer a diverse climate with temperatures ranging from 29°C to 12°C, averaging around 20°C annually, and dropping to 3°C during the colder months. In September, the average temperature typically ranges from about 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). However, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and specific location within the mountains. Higher elevations can be significantly cooler, especially at night.

​

Over the Clouds :

The Kaçkar Mountains are often celebrated as the Over the Clouds place due to the breathtaking phenomenon where their towering peaks rise above a sea of clouds.

This enchanting view allows observers to experience a surreal landscape where the mountain tops pierce through a thick, ethereal cloud cover creating a striking contrast between the clear, high altitude skies and the billowing cloud sea below.

This unique vantage point not only highlights the dramatic elevation of the Kaçkars but also adds a layer of mystique and awe to the already stunning natural beauty of the region.

​

​

Landscapes :

The Kaçkar Mountains are a haven for nature lovers and adventurers.

The region features rare glacial valleys and ice fields, with streams from the northern slopes flowing into the Black Sea and southern slopes descending into the Çoruh Valley. Notable plateaus like Ayder, Pokut, and Gito provide stunning views and insights into traditional plateau life. The Hemshin and Laz communities contribute to the area's unique cultural experience with their rich traditions, local cuisine, and crafts.

Flora and Fauna:

The lush vegetation includes broad leaved trees like beech and chestnut at lower elevations and coniferous trees such as spruce and fir higher up.

The Simsir trees are special for their ancient, gnarled forms and remarkable ability to thrive in the rugged, high altitude environment, creating

a unique and enchanting landscape.

Alpine meadows and endemic plants thrive above 2000 meters, while summer brings vibrant flowers like wild orchids, lilies, bellflowers.

Rhododendrons, locally known as "kumar," highlight the region’s botanical richness.

 

 

highlight :​

Ayder Plateau

Located at an altitude of 1,350 meters, serves as the hub for the Kackar by UTMB, marking both the start and finish lines of the race.

This picturesque plateau, known for its lush green meadows and traditional wooden houses, will also host the event expo and offer accommodation for athletes.

Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kaçkar Mountains, Ayder Plateau combines natural beauty with convenience, providing a unique base for participants to experience both the excitement of the race and the charm of the region.

​

Zil Castle

One of the most notable structures in the region Zil Castle is located 15 km south of the Çamlıhemsin Town Center on the western slopes of the Fırtına River. Perched 750 meters above sea level, it features outer walls, inner walls, and a central fortress with

a guardhouse, chapel, and a four story main tower with arched windows and arrow slits.

Built in the 5th-6th centuries and strategically placed on an important caravan route, the castle served as

a security point during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

​

Historical Bridges

In Rize, numerous historical bridges span river valleys, providing access to homes, plateaus, and farmland. These bridges, featuring rounded or slightly pointed arches supported by piers on either side.

Ranging from 2-3 meters to 15-20 meters in height and 20 to 45 meters in length, they are built with neatly cut stone arches and rubble stone piers.

These ancient structures, crafted from local stone, showcase the impressive engineering skills of past civilizations and have served as crucial links in the region's transportation network for centuries. The stone bridges offer a glimpse into the historical significance of these routes.

​

Sumela Monastery

The Sumela Monastery has been founded for Virgin Mary (Panaghia), and it is one of the most important monasteries in Anatolia.

The name of the monastery is believed to have been derived from the word "mela", meaning "black" or "dark" in Greek as the monastery is built around a natural cave, on a steep slope of Karadag (Black Mountain).

According to a legend concerning its foundation, Virgin Mary had appeared in the dreams of Athenian priests named Barnabas and Sophronios who lived in the 4th century AD where she had told them to find her icon painted by Saint Luke, and that to do this they should follow the path she would show them to reach the Mela Mountain. The saints had arrived in the region after a long journey where they had found the icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave and had built a monastery there.

​

​