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Dmytro Horbatov
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Cappadocia is the heart of modern Turkey, and the most famous mountain in Cappadocia and Anatolia is Erciyes (3917 m)! On this trip, you'll get to hike an interesting trek and experience real mountaineering by climbing to the highest point of the region, just shy of four thousand meters – Erciyes, and then visit the main sights of Cappadocia and even take a hot air balloon flight!
Our route will begin with the "sporty" part. We'll explore the northern edge of the Erciyes massif, the high-altitude Sutdonduran plateau, and then climb this extinct volcano from an unusual side, through the glacier on the northern slope. After the climb, we'll head to the heart of Cappadocia – the town of Göreme, where we'll have plenty of time to enjoy the unique natural and man-made landmarks, as well as see it all from a bird's-eye view, since a hot air balloon flight is the signature experience of Cappadocia!
Climbing Erciyes (3917 m) is suitable for anyone who wants to try reaching 4000 meters without excessive extreme challenge, or combine a mountain ascent with an interesting and educational trip and excursions.
In addition to the ascent of Erciyes, participants will enjoy fascinating excursions in Cappadocia: Göreme – a unique cave city, Pigeon Valley and Love Valley, the cave fortress of Uçhisar, the fairy chimneys of Pasabag Valley, and much more!
We do not cancel or postpone groups. If the consultant has given the go-ahead to buy a ticket, you can safely purchase it. The program will not be cancelled through our fault.
Our consultant has taken part in many ascents and will advise you with expert knowledge.
A journey with the best Kuluar team leaders, who will share hiking life hacks and interesting stories.
Over the years of the club's work, we have developed an algorithm that allows us to organize programs as efficiently as possible. You can see this for yourself by applying to participate.
More than 12,000 participants have already joined Kuluar, and 97.8% of them were satisfied. We are confident you will be too!
An opportunity to save significantly on gear by going on an ascent with Kuluar.
We meet at Kayseri Airport. Final preparations, and we head closer to the goal of our journey. On the eastern slopes of Erciyes there is a ski resort. This is where we will begin our trek. Today we need to cover a small distance to the lake northeast of the summit. Here we will set up camp with a view of the volcano. We spend the night in tents.
Today our route leads toward the high-altitude Sütdonduran Plateau. This plateau spreads out at an altitude of 3000 m beneath the northern slopes of Erciyes. Beautiful places all along the way with views of the summit we'll begin climbing tomorrow. It is here, on the northern slopes of Erciyes, that the mountain's only glacier is found. We set up base camp. If necessary, an acclimatization hike can be made right up to the glacier. Overnight in tents.
We wake up early, as today is a long day! Depending on the route conditions, we move either directly along the glacier or along the southwestern ridge to the summit. Erciyes is composed of volcanic rock, so there is always a danger of rockfall! Therefore, despite the seemingly easy slopes, we will stay alert, especially on the summit ridge. A bit further, and we're beneath the summit towers of Erciyes. From here we can see all of Cappadocia! A short rest, and we head back down to base camp. Overnight in tents.
Today we descend from the plateau, transfer by 4x4 vehicle to the village of Hacılar, and then travel via Kayseri to Göreme, the main tourist hub of Cappadocia. The "sporting" part of the program is now complete. In the evening, a celebratory dinner after the climb. Overnight at a hotel.
Today begins our exploration of Cappadocia's cultural landmarks around Göreme. The first key point of the day is Güvercinlik Valley, or Pigeon Valley. The valley gets its name from the large number of dovecotes and pigeons found there. We'll pass through Güvercinlik toward the unique cave fortress of Uçhisar, carved directly into the rock. Climbing to the fortress's viewing point at its summit, we'll enjoy breathtaking views. After lunch, we'll visit Love Valley with its unusual stone formations. In the evening we return to Göreme. Overnight at a hotel.
Today we'll get acquainted with the main symbol of Cappadocia – the stone "mushrooms" of Pasabag Valley. These mysterious natural geological formations are truly unique! The surreal landscape of the valley was created by volcanic ash and lava activity. Passing around the Ak-Tepe plateau and enjoying the scenery, we'll arrive at the cave village of Çavuşin, where the Church of John the Baptist has survived to this day. After resting and having lunch, we'll head from here to the Rose and Red Valleys. The tuff deposits that make up the local rock have pleasant pink or eerie blood-red hues. After plenty of walking, we return to the hotel.
Also, on this or the previous day, those who wish can try the main local attraction – a sunrise hot air balloon flight. After the flight, everyone will still have time in the morning to join the rest of the group for sightseeing.
Today our journey comes to an end. We head to Kayseri Airport. Anyone who wishes can extend their stay in Turkey. You can stay longer in Cappadocia and visit other sites, such as the underground city of Derinkuyu, Ihlara Canyon, and others (our consultants will advise, and the team leader will help with booking excursions). You could also head to the seaside, or take part in a climb of Mount Ararat or climb one of the steep peaks of the Aladağlar range with the Kuluar team :)
To book a place in the group, you need to make a deposit of 100 euros. If you cancel your trip, the money is non-refundable, but it can be transferred to another participant or kept on your "account" to pay for future trips. The remaining balance can be paid by bank transfer or given to the instructor on the first day of the trip.
Depending on weather conditions, the state of the group, and general preferences, the team leader has the right to make changes to the route.
Citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa for Turkey. The only document required is a valid international passport.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date – please check this before buying flights.
Climbing Erciyes opens up many summits for you. After Erciyes, we recommend:
You need to buy tickets in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the trek.
To find the best flight options, use the form below:
To participate in the program, you need good insurance. Please don't neglect this point. For some participants it has saved thousands of dollars. You can find our recommendations for getting insurance here: "Insurance for Kuluar hiking participants"
Cappadocia is a highland area with a continental climate. During the day it can be very hot here, while at night frosts can hit, so you need to dress accordingly. Erciyes (3917m) is nearly a four-thousander that rises sharply above the plateau, which is why periods of bad weather are very windy. A good set of storm clothing is essential.
During the Erciyes climb stage (days one through three) we stay in tents.
After moving to Göreme we stay in a hostel or hotel in 2-3-person rooms. There is Wi-Fi, a toilet, a shower, and a dining area where the whole group can sit together. Electricity is no problem, and you can charge your electronics at any time.
The cost of the program depends on the number of participants in the group. Please note that this program's price covers almost all expenses, so you won't need to worry about accommodation, transfers, and more:
*Please note: the consultant's task does not include selecting individual flights for each participant. The consultant provides general recommendations based on their experience and shares other participants' flight details so you can fly together. Selecting and purchasing a convenient flight ticket is the responsibility of the participant themselves. If you'd like the consultant to purchase a flight ticket, book a hotel, or arrange an additional excursion for you, please check the terms on the page: additional services.