Taurus Mountains Trek

Day 1
Arrive in Kayseri and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2
This morning we will begin our 2 hour drive to Cukurbag village. Enroute we will stop at the fascinating underground ancient city of Derinkuyu, with its multi layers it extends to a depth of around 60m. It was once large enough to shelter up to 3000 people and their livestock. Our arrival in Cukurbag village will mark the beginning of our trans-Taurus trek. This journey will begin with a two hour walk to the Emli valley. Here we will find our first camp. Approx. 2 hours walking. Ascent of 200m.

Day 3
Leaving our camp behind we will ascend the Emli valley and then climb again up to the high pastures of the Eznevit Yaylasi (2538m). Here we maybe lucky enough to encounter the semi-nomadic tribes that roam in this area and graze their flocks. After lunch we will gradually begin our descent to our campsite at Sokulupinar (2000m). Approx. 6-7 hours of walking. Ascent of 688m and descent of 538m.

Day 4
Today we begin trekking in earnest along the Yalak Deresi trail to a narrow canyon with spring water. We will then cross the rugged Celikbuyduran Pass (3450m) to Yedigoller Plateau, the area known as the Seven Lakes, at 3020m. The landscape here is barren yet beautiful, allowing you to appreciate the scale and vastness of the mountains you are exploring. While we are here there is another opportunity to meet the semi-nomadic tribes of this area. They often choose this area to pitch their own goat hair tents and we may be fortunate enough to share in a traditional 'ayran', a refreshing yoghurt based drink. This evening a night fire will be arranged for you to enjoy under the stars so it may be worth picking up some marshmallows before you leave the UK so you can have fun toasting them this evening. Approx. 6-7 hours walking. Ascent of 1450m, descent of 430m.

Day 5
Today is free to enjoy the scenery and unique setting, or for optional walks in the area. Perhaps most enticing will be the opportunity to ascend Mount Embler, sometimes called Engin Tepe. At 3723m it is the highest point we will reach during the course of the week. The climb is not technical but it does demand some scrambling which can be strenuous. The round trip will take around 4-5 hours. From the top you will be rewarded with a magnificent vista towards the southern face of Mount Demirkazik. Tonight we will be back at our camp in Yedigoller for a final night to enjoy this spectacular area. Approx. 4-5 hours of walking. Ascent of 703m and descent of 703m.

Day 6
Today we leave Yedigoller behind and begin to walk to the beautiful Comcegolu Lake. Our journey then takes us to the Akcay valley and the summer pastures and up to the Tekkekalesi pass. Here we will break for lunch and enjoy our picnic nestled into the heart of this spectacular landscape. Having refueled we will then begin our descent to our campsite at Comce gol, sitting at 2550m. Approx. 6-7 hours of walking. Ascent of 650m, descent of 180m.

Day 7
Our morning will begin with a trek towards Karagol lake. Here the hardy can enjoy a well earned swim, or at least a dip of the toes to sooth tired feet. In July the area abounds in Fritillaries with their colourful and delicate lampshade-like blooms and the bold bluey-purple of Grape Hyacinths. This adds to the natural beauty of the area and the delicate flowers randomly place by nature are a reflection of the unspoilt nature of these mountains. If you are still hankering after one last spectacular vista then the opportunity is here for you to continue past the lake towards Sigirasan pass. Here you will be rewarded with superb views of Dipsizgol and the north face of Demirkazik peak. Our grand traverse of the Taurus will end in a descent into Demirkazik village where we will stay in a traditional village house. This is dormitory style accommodation with a toilet and a shower that the group will share.

Day 8
We will wave goodbye to the mountains and head back to Kayseri airport for our flight home.