Trekking: From Cappadocia to Mount Taurus
From the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the icy peaks of the Taurus, a trek of contrasts through mountainous Turquie.
Duration
14 days
From
€1,100/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Turquie unveils itself through an itinerary blending trekking, adventure and immersion in contrasting landscapes, between Cappadocia and the Taurus Mountains.
You begin your journey in the heart of Cappadocia, where valleys sculpted by erosion, fairy chimneys and troglodytic villages compose a unique mineral setting. Along hiking trails, you discover rock-cut churches, ancient sites and landscapes shaped by millennia of history.
The journey continues in the Taurus Mountains, where the atmosphere becomes more alpine and wild. Between altitude lakes, plateaus and gorges, you progress at a hiking pace, with nights under canvas and encounters with nomads.
Finally, you end your stay in Istanbul, between heritage and urban atmosphere.
A complete circuit that combines nature, culture and mountain experience, to discover Turquie differently.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Cappadocia
First Steps in Discovering the Splendors of Cappadocia
Cavusin → Musée de plein air de Zelve
You join the small village of cavusin, which became an important center of Christianity from the 3rd century onwards.
You discover the architecture of the Church of Saint John the Baptist, located in the heart of the old village of troglodytic houses.
The walk continues through the fairy chimneys of Pasabaglari, before reaching the former troglodytic village of Zelve, which was emptied of its population in 1957 due to erosion and is now developed as the Zelve Open Air Museum.
Musée de plein air de Zelve → Cappadoce
Back to Cappadocia.
Multicolored Valleys of Cappadocia
Vallée de Gömede → Kizilçukur valley
After a short transfer to the Gömede Valley (approximately 10 minutes), you begin your hiking with the discovery of the Pancarlik valley, known for its peaks, valleys, penitents and its numerous fairy chimneys.
You also visit the rock-cut churches of Kepez and Sarıca, carved into the rock and dating from the 10th and 12th centuries.
Picnic before resuming your walk along the Kizilçukur Valley, called the red valley due to the tints of the rock. You observe the forms sculpted by erosion over millennia on volcanic rock, as well as cave dwellings integrated into the landscape.
Hiking time: 4h30 to 5 hours
Elevation gain: negligible
Kizilçukur valley → Cappadoce
Return to Cappadocia.
Discovering the Village of Uchisar
This day hike (approximately 5 hours) takes you to the village ofUçhisar.
You progress through the White Valley (Bağlıdere vadisi), characterized by its large fairy chimneys with light hues, sometimes marked with sulfur. Terraced crops are established at the foot of the rock formations.
You observe many troglodytic dwellings, today used as storage rooms or stables, whose openings carved into the tufa bear witness to the past occupation of the area.
At Uçhisar, you visit the volcanic tufa fortress, located on a rocky promontory overlooking the surrounding valleys of Cappadocia.
After a picnic in the shade of fruit trees, you continue your hike through new landscapes before reaching the Valley of Dovecotes, which leads you to the village of Göreme.
Hiking time: 4h30 to 5 hours
Elevation gain: negligible
Transfer in the Taurus Mountains
Cappadoce → Kaymaklı
The first part of your trek comes to an end, and you head towards the Taurus Mountains (Toros Dağları) region, with landscapes contrasting with those of Cappadocia.
Along the way, you stop to visit the Underground City of Kaymaklıı.
The earliest constructions on this site date back to the Hittite period, over 4,000 years ago. Subsequently, the city developed over 8 levels, reaching up to 55 meters below ground level.
You discover a complete organization of communal life with spaces dedicated to stables, kitchens, wells and places of worship.
Kaymaklı → Village de Pinarbasi
You arrive at the village of Pinarbasi (1,600 meters altitude), starting point of your hike in the Taurus Mountains.
Village de Pinarbasi → Village de Pinarbasi
You begin your hike with a first stage of approximately 2 hours, which takes you to your camp.
Hiking time: 2 hours
Elevation gain: + 400 m / - 0 m
Dinner and night under canvas.
Çömçe Lake
You begin your hike at the bottom of the Maden Valley, following a trail along the Ecemiş Çayı river.
You thus reach your day's camp, located on the banks of the Çomçe Göl mountain lake (2,750 m).
After dropping off your bags, you enjoy a picnic by the lake.
The afternoon is free for you to stroll around or swim in the lake waters.
Hiking time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: + 750 m / - 0 m
Dinner and night under canvas.
On the Yedigöller Plateau
You continue your ascent on a mountain trail passing near Yıldız Gölü Lake (2,800 m).
You continue climbing until you cross a pass located at 3,500 meters, overlooking the Akçay Yaylası plateau, which you cross before reaching your base camp on the Yedigöller plateau (3,100 m), also called the "7 Lakes".
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation gain: + 750 m / - 400 m
Dinner and night under canvas, at the foot of Direktas (3,524 m).
Climbing Mount Emler
To Mont Emler
You are now evolving on the highest plateau of the massif. With the melting of the snow, lakes form and serve as water points for the herds of shepherds.
You walk towards the Celikbuyduran pass (3 450 m), dominated by the summit of Kızılkaya. From this point, those who wish can undertake the non-technical ascent of Mont Emler (Emler Tepe) (3 723 m).
The summit offers an extensive view over the Taurus mountain range, as well as over the Erciyes mountains and Mont Hasan (Hasan Dağı), and the Bolkar massif.
From Mont Emler
You then begin your descent through a gorge that leads you to the nature reserve of Sokullu Pinar, where your camp for the day is located.
Hiking time: 5 hours
Elevation gain: + 623 m / - 1 723 m
Dinner and overnight camping at the camp, located at 2,000 meters altitude.
In the Karamik Gorges
To Demirkazik
You are undertaking a star-shaped hike starting from your base camp.
You first head towards the Arpalık plateau, located at 2,500 meters altitude, before beginning your descent into the Karamik gorge, characterized by its steep walls.
You thus reach the village of Demirkazık, situated at 1,600 meters altitude.
From Demirkazik
Picnic in the village, then return to your base camp.
Hiking time: 5 hours
Elevation gain: + 500 m / - 900 m
Dinner and night in a tent.
In the gorges of Aladaglar National Park
To Zemi valley
You take today a path used by shepherds and their herds, heading towards the Eznevit plateau (2 450 m).
You have a quick lunch near a spring developed by nomads to water their animals.
In the afternoon, you begin the descent through the Siyirma gorge (2 200 m), before continuing your hike through a forest of thuyas and pines.
You then reach your camp in the Emli valley (1 900 m).
Hiking time: 5 hours
Elevation gain: + 450 m / - 500 m
Dinner and night under canvas.
Hiking on the Alaca Plateau
Zemi valley → Zemi valley
For this last day of hiking, you complete a star walk departing from your base camp.
You head towards the Alaca plateau, where nomads set up their camps according to the season. Depending on the period, it is possible to be invited into a tent and share a glass of ayran, a traditional drink made from yogurt.
In the afternoon, you return to your camp via the Oluk Sekisi valley.
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation gain: + 550 m / - 550 m
Dinner and night under canvas tent.
Free visit of Istanbul, the cosmopolitan
You enjoy a free day to discover Istanbul at your own pace and explore its main sites.
You can visit Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) or even the Topkapi Palace.
You also have the opportunity to stroll through the markets of the capital, such as the Grand Bazaar or the Egyptian Market, or to embark on a cruise of a few hours on the Bosphorus.
Goodbye and see you soon in Turquie
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer with your driver to the airport depending on your international flight schedule.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Museum, monument and site entries. (Ankara and the town of Kaymaklı, İstanbul)
- Personal extras and beverages.
- Exterior and interior flights.
- Meals in major cities: Ankara, Istanbul and Kayseri at lunch and dinner.
Included
- All transfers and all transportation
- An English-speaking specialist guide
- Camping equipment: (tents, mattresses, kitchen utensils...)
- The cooks and the muleteers.
- All meals except in major cities: (Kayseri, Ankara, İstanbul)
- Accommodation: Good quality hotels in cities and camps.
- The porterage and luggage transportation by animals / vehicles.
- Entry fees to national parks.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Turquie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Turquie, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Certains ressortissants européens (notamment français, allemands et belges) peuvent entrer en Turquie avec une carte nationale d'identité en cours de validité. Il est toutefois conseillé de voyager avec un passeport valide afin d'éviter tout désagrément.
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen et de la Suisse bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours sur une période de 180 jours sur le territoire turc.
Les ressortissants canadiens sont quant à eux soumis à l'obtention d'un e-visa avant leur départ, disponible sur le portail officiel des autorités turques. Ce visa électronique autorise généralement un séjour touristique de 30 jours.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une réservation d'hébergement pour la durée du séjour.
E-visa et formalités en ligne
Bien que les ressortissants de l'EEE et de la Suisse soient exemptés de visa, les voyageurs canadiens doivent obligatoirement obtenir un e-visa turc avant leur arrivée via le portail officiel evisa.gov.tr.
La demande s'effectue entièrement en ligne et nécessite :
les informations du passeport
une adresse e-mail valide
un moyen de paiement en ligne
Il est recommandé d'effectuer cette démarche au moins 48 heures avant le départ. La confirmation de l'e-visa devra être présentée sous format numérique ou imprimé lors du passage à l'immigration.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Turquie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Turkey, a valid passport with at least 150 days validity beyond your entry date is required. A visa exemption allows visa-free stays within a defined period of 180 days. Check the conditions applicable to your nationality with Turkish consular authorities before booking.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, and activities. International flights (250-500 euros round trip) are additional. Turkey offers excellent value for money, from Istanbul to Cappadocia.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Cappadocia
Mountain guide of Anatolian trails, based in Cappadoce
To understand Turkey, you sometimes need to leave the main roads and walk. The trails tell the country's story differently, through its mountains, its villages and the people who live there.
— Cevdet
