Usually vacation in Turkey is associated with rest in a hotel type "all inclusive". But down with the stereotypes! In fact, Turkey is an amazing country with a picturesque nature, there are formidable mountains and deep canyons, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, as well as many ancient sights made by skillful hands of man.
In a hiking along the eastern part of the Lycian Trail we will have the opportunity to walk through distinctive Turkish villages away from the bustle of the cities and interact with friendly locals. We will sunbathe and swim in the beautiful beaches and coves of Antalya coast. By the way, the Lycian Trail hike is one of the most popular routes in Europe. Incredibly beautiful places east will bring a little novelty in your life and make you see Turkey in a new light. Adventures await, don't miss your chance!
Friends! We have made a new cool route in the Lycian Trail hiking hut to hut , with trekking without big backpacks. Maximum comfort and ideal for beginners. Since the second half of November and until summer, even in Turkey is already cool and rainy, so we do not put routes in tents (no one wants to get cold and wet), but to live in houses, with a secure roof over his head - quite good. Dates and detailed description at the link: ✅ Comfortable trekking in the Lycian Trail hiking hut to hut
In addition to the classic Lycian Trail, there are other equally beautiful trails:
We do not cancel or shift groups. If the manager approved the purchase of a ticket, you can surely buy it. The hike will not be canceled due to our fault.
Experienced Kuluar teamleaders will accompany the group on all route, will make the trip as safe and unforgettable as possible! They have been to Turkey many times and know the country in details.
A manager will help you prepare for the trip and answer all your questions
The program of the trek was improved several times, we tried to make it as rich and comfortable as possible. That's why we do all of our moves on pre-booked cars.
More than 12,000 participants have already gone to the mountains with the Kuluar and 97,8% were satisfied.
The group meets at the bus station in Antalya. All bus stations in Turkey are called Otogarı - knowing this word, you will not get lost. It's very easy to get to the bus station from the airport - direct shuttles 600 and 600a go every half an hour from the first (international) terminal. You can also take a havas bus - it's more comfortable and faster, but some more expensive.
After the group is assembled, we take another bus to Geyniuk. This is where our journey along the eastern Lycian Trail will start. The first day of the hike we will spend in easy mode, recovering strength after the road. We will walk about five kilometers to the place where we will spend the night and then we will have a light walk to the canyon of Geynyuk.
Those wishing will be able to try canyoning: to swim through the canyon in a wetsuit and see the main attraction of the area - an unusual hanging stone. Also there are two artificial lakes in which you can swim within walking distance from the place of overnight stay.
Distanse: 5 km. Difference in elevation: a set - 50 m.
Today we will trekking the pass and reach Harmony Canyon. The road to it will go through the forest, at first climbing steadily upwards. The ancient Lycian forest is mostly pine trees. Many of them are braided with overgrown ivy, and the stones are covered with picturesque moss. Occasionally there are laurel leaf trees. After about four hours we reach the pass, where lunch awaits us.
After a short rest we will have to drop 350 meters, descending into the gorge to Harmony Canyon. Here you can bathe in the tubs of mountain rivers and sunbathe on the huge stones.
Distance : 9 km. Difference in elevation: climb - 650 m, altitude drop - 350 m.
The Lycian Way hike - trekking along the eastern part is gaining momentum, and today we are in for a very busy and interesting day. In the morning we will walk along the mouth of the river. We will have to ford the river a couple of times.
After a cool canyon we climb up through the dense Lycian forest to the Suleiman garden. There are pomegranates, persimmons, and oranges growing here. A great place for lunch.
Then we will go down the road to the village of Gedelme, known for the ruins of an ancient fortress. In addition to the epic ruins, there are karst caves, an old nomadic camp and ancient plane trees planted before Christ. Overnight at the fortress in the clearing.
Distance: 20 km. Difference of heights: climb - 800 m, altitude drop - 400 m.
In the morning we will look again at the ruins of the fortress Gedelme and neighboring caves, which must be visited.
After breakfast we have to trek up the dirt road to the small village of Yayla-Kuzdere, after which our way goes up sharply. The track is gradually changed by thick thick thicket of pine-trees and then by stocky cedars.
After 7 kilometers of ascent we will come out to Chukur-Yayla, where we will put our camp for the night on a comfortable glade surrounded by rocks. From here you can have a wonderful view of the majestic Tahtali-Dag. The height of overnight stay is maximal in this trek - 1600 meters, so it will be cool at night.
Distance: 13 km. Climb: 900 m.
Today we will trek to the top of Tahtali-Dag, which is also called the Turkish Olympus. Its height is 2365 meters. We wake up early, have breakfast, pack up the camp and hit the road. It is better to climb Tahtali as early as possible, because the weather at the top is usually cloudy in the afternoon.
First we are going to come up to the pass, hide our backpacks and go to the summit by a radial. The ascent to the highest point of our route will take about 2 hours. Needless to say, that from the Tahtali you have incredible views of the coast and surrounding mountains.
At the top we take a rest, drink hot Turkish coffee and start descending to Beychik village. We will spend the night there.
Distance: 17 km. Difference in elevation: climb - 750 m, drop - 1600 m.
Through the mountains we go down to the sea. We move slowly to the village of Ulupinar. It is famous for its unusual restaurants on the water, where you can try freshly cooked trout.
After a couple of hours after lunch we will reach the foot of Chimaera Mountain. It is famous for its unique natural phenomenon: here, from the depths of the earth to the surface all year round, tongues of flame burst out. This sight looks especially spectacular after sunset.
The group will have a choice: to make a camp at the foot of the mountain in a pine forest, or to walk a few kilometers to a comfortable camping in the village of Cirali. The decision will be made on the spot depending on the condition and mood of the participants.
Distance: 19 kilometers. Difference in elevation: climb - 150 m, drop - 650 m.
Rest day. We will swim on the beaches of Cirali, where you can meet sea turtles crawling ashore to lay their eggs. In addition to the beaches we are waiting for amazingly beautiful fruit orchards. You can also take a walk in the surrounding area, visiting the ancient city of Olympos. And in the evening you can go to see the lights of Chimaera in the dark.
First, we will see the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos. The ruins of the once mighty city are left today. They are very beautiful and large-scale. Walking around them, you realize how rich was one of the six major cities of Lycia. We will see the ruins of the Genoese fortress, massive gates, Lycian sarcophagi, amphitheater and ancient fortress walls.
Next we will drive to Adrasan. You can get there on foot through the pass, overcoming about 17 kilometers. In this case, it is advisable to send backpacks on the car to go light. Alternatively, we can get to our destination by boat and pay 50-60 liras per person.
Distance: 17 km. Difference in elevation: climb - 700 m, drop - 700 m.
Another day of rest. Adrasan is a quiet and picturesque bay, and 3-4 km from the village there are ruins of the Adrasan towers. A little further is Sazak Bay with a beautiful beach and rocks. You can not go anywhere, and just bask in the sun, recovering strength after the crossing.
Our way is Helidonia Lighthouse and Pirate Bay. As in previous days, we have several options on how to organize our way there. We can walk 20 kilometers with backpacks on our shoulders, but it is more reasonable to send them to the destination by car, and ourselves go light. In addition, there is an opportunity to get to the Pirate Bay by boat directly from Adrasan. It costs 50-70 liras per person, depending of the size of the group.
The Pirate Bay didn't get its name by chance, because real pirates used to live there! We will see the ruins of the old fort and try to find a treasure chest that is hidden somewhere! And if we don't find any gold, that's ok, there are other treasures waiting for us - orchards and quiet beaches.
Also today we are going to have one of the most beautiful camp overnights of the trek. We will set up our tents among the rocks above the picturesque cliff.
Distance: 20 km. Difference in elevation: climb - 700 m, drop - 700 m.
In the morning we will have time to swim and sunbathe, and then we will go to the village of Karaoz, where we can drive to Antalya. That is the end of our trip. See you soon!
The manager will advise you on equipment, help you choose the best flight, share information on hotels and excursions. You make payments and purchases yourself. If you want the manager to buy a ticket for you, then this is possible, but for extra money, because this is a big responsibility. More in the article: additional services and service fee
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the teamleader has the right to make changes to the route.
Citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa to Turkey. From documents you need only a valid foreign passport.
To take part in the tour you must have no illnesses from this list >>.
After an the eastern Lycian Way hike, we recommend the following routes:
As always, we recommend that you buy your tickets in advance, but only after we confirm your participation in the trip. The cheapest way to fly to Turkey is the low-cost airline Pegasus. They fly from Kharkov, Lviv, Kiev in Ukraine. Often not a direct flight but a connection in Istanbul or Ankara. But there is nothing wrong with that. Tickets start at 150 euros each way and you'd better buy them in advance. Allowed luggage: 20 kg + 10 kg hand luggage.
Another good low-cost airline is Onur Air; they also fly from Odessa and change planes in Istanbul. Allowed luggage: 30 kg + 10 kg of hand luggage.
Also we advise Turkish Airlines. It is slightly more expensive, but often more convenient by connection or travel time.
Our recommendations for flight selection services can be found in this article
According to the plan the group will meet with the teamleader in Antalya. More accurate and detailed information about the meeting place and the contacts of the teamleader will be sent to you 7-10 days before the start of the hiking, be sure to check your email!
You need good insurance to participate in the program. Please do not neglect this item. For some participants, it saved thousands of dollars. You can find our recommendations for taking out insurance here: "Insurance for Kuluar hikers"
Surely you are wondering what we will eat on a hike? Let's just say that you don't have to worry. Many participants say they eat better on the hike than they do at home. The basis of the menu is a simple meal of cereals and soups. You should not count on gourmet delicacies (although they can be).
If you do not eat any products, be sure to inform the manager so that the guide can slightly adjust the menu for you. We also recommend taking some yummies with you - nuts or sweets. Appetite on a hike is much better than at home.
Please note that the menu shown is indicative only. Guides usually have their signature dishes that they love to pamper participants with. And if you have dishes that you would like to receive on a hike, be sure to tell the manager about it, as the guide may have completely different preferences.
Features of nutrition for vegetarians - if you do not eat meat, be sure to read. We tell here how we will feed you and at the same time we give you a 5% discount to the hiking.
Turkey is a country with a mild subtropical climate. In summer it is very hot, so we try to put our hikes mainly in April-May and September-October, which are the best months for trekking in Turkey. The daytime temperature will be +25 +30 Celsius, and at night about +10.
The official money of Turkey - Turkish lira, but almost everywhere you can pay in dollars at the rate similar to the official. However you should have some amount of lira with you (it will be useful in the stores on the route in small villages), and it is better to change it in the exchange office at the bus station. By no means change it directly at the airport - the rate there is simply robbery! Take small currency with you, cab drivers will be happy to accept it. One dollar is about seven Turkish Liras.
The total amount of additional expenses not included in the price up to 120 € - depending on how to eat in cafes and how many souvenirs to buy. We advise you to change money before you go to exchange offices with a fixed rate. The exchange rate at the airport is not very good. At the café you can eat for about 5-15 €. If you have a sweet tooth you'll probably want to bring home a lot of oriental delicacies - that's for sure :)
*Please note: It is not the manager's task to choose a separate flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations from his experience and shares flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airfare. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, read the terms and conditions on the page: additional services.
To book a place in the group you need to pay a prepayment of 150 euros. We recommend to do it as early as possible. Methods of payment and conditions of return in case of refusal or descent from the route here. The rest of the sum you mast give to the teamleader at the first day of the program.
