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Dates available for 2006:
TTM 22
Saturday 22 July
- Sat 5 August
TTM 02 Saturday 02
Sept - Sat 16
Sept
Grade
Whilst
anyone in a good physically fit condition can take part in this
trek, it has been planned for the regular hill-walker. The walking
itself will vary from moderate to strenuous at times. Day stages
generally involve about 5 hours walking. On all aspects of safety
of the group, the trek leader's decision is final.
Climate
Between
June and September, weather conditions should generally be
settled. Below 2500m, expect day temperatures to be around 70F (20C).
Above this elevation, while warm on sunny days, it will be cool at
nights.
Included
For
full package customers: International flights London/Ankara,
domestic flight from Kayseri to Istanbul, all ground and air
transport as specified in the itinerary. (International and
domestic flights are
not included for Land Only clients) bed and breakfast in
3*accommodation in Istanbul and Ankara, all meals on trek
(except in the cities of Ankara, Istanbul an Kayseri)
sightseeing as per itinerary, bilingual trekking guide and culture
guide in Istanbul. All
camping equipment and food whilst out on trek (tents, mattresses,
chairs, tables and utensils). Ponies to carry luggage on the tour.
Cappadocia entrance fees.
Not included
Passport,
visa, insurance, immunization fees, entrance fees into museums (Tokapi),
city meals other than breakfast in Istanbul and Ankara (a minimum
figure of £40 for the 5 meals not included). Water is available
on camp but other drinks need to be paid for by yourself. It is
useful therefore to have plenty of small change to purchase
drinks. Prices are approximately as follows: Beer £1, Cola 75p,
Wine £5, Bottle of Raki £4. It is also customary for the group
to give tips to the guide and to the crew (cook and driver) when
you leave each campsite, the amount given is at the clients own
discretion, however as a guideline £3-£4 per person should be
sufficient. We recommend that one person from the group collects
the money and gives it to the crew.
Please Note
For
Land only customers: Start the tour in Ankara. Flight from
Kayseri to Istanbul is not included.
How the trek is organised
Trek
personnel comprise an English-speaking guide and assistant. They
are responsible for running the trek and organising visits, walks,
campsites and food. A jeep and a string of pack animals carry all
baggage, all you need carry is a daypack containing your daily
needs.
Equipment and Clothing
All
general camping and cooking equipment is provided. If you are
already a hiker you may already have most of the clothing and
equipment you will need. Major essential items are: sleeping bag
(3-4 seasons), boots and a thick anorak. A detailed list of
clothing and equipment will be sent with confirmation of
reservation.
Food
On
trek food is included, except in Istanbul and Ankara.
Accommodation
Accommodation
in towns will be in moderate standard hotels, which are classed as
three star (Istanbul rating!). On trek all camping accommodation
is fully inclusive.
Health matters and Documents
A
visa is required by UK passport holders and is issued at Ankara
airport. It costs £10 sterling. This should be obtained from the
immigration office just before passport control. No vaccinations
are required by Turkish authorities. We recommend each person
equip themselves with a small first aid kit. A suggested list of
contents forms a section in our pre-departure booklet.
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Outline
Itinerary
The
following itinerary is intended as a working guide. It is subject
to variation as a result of weather, local road and flight
conditions, group conditions and governmental restrictions.
We reserve the right to alter (lengthen or
shorten) any trek at any time if necessary.
q
Day 1:
Fly London Heathrow to Ankara, via Istanbul. Transfer to the
hotel. Evening free, Try a traditional Turkish restaurant, dinner
not included. Overnight at the hotel.
q
Day 2:
A four hour drive to Cappadocia, passing by the great salt
lake of Tuz Golu. Enroute we visit Agzikarahan- (13th seljuk
caravanserai). Arrive in Ihlara canyon and take a 2-hour trek down
to Belisirma village. Overnight
at campsite.
q
Day 3:
Today we'll make a 4-hour trek down the steep sided Ihlara valley
dotted with rock churches. In the afternoon we'll join our bus and
drive to Zelve. We trek another 2 hours in Pasabaglari via the
spectacular peri-bacalari (Fairy-chimneys). Overnight at campsite.
q
Day 4: Trek
to Uchisar village from Akvadi (White valley) via the spectacular
Peribacalari (Fairy chimneys). We visit Uchisar castle, the
interesting town caves, and pass the many ruined churches and
monasteries left from the Christian period. After lunch, we
descend to Guvercinllk vadi (Pigeon valley) and overnight at the
campsite in Goreme. (5 hours)
q
Day
5:
Morning trek to Zindanou valley to visit Elnazar and Sakli
churches, two of the oldest troglodyte churches of Cappadocia
(9th-10th century). We continue trekking upon Goreme, passing the
better-preserved churches and monasteries here built into the
rocks. Lunch will be in kizilcukur valley in a autentic family
atmosphere. Afterwards, we trek on to our camp at Goreme
through kizilcukur valley till Cavusin village. Then our bus will
take us to our campsite (5-6 hours).
q
Day 6: This
morning we'll drive to Cukurbag village (2 hrs). En route we visit
the fascinating underground city Derinkuyu. On arrival in Cukurbag,
the trailhead village, we begin our Trans-Taurus trek with 3 hours
hike to Emli valley and camp overnight (1850m). We might meet some
nomadic families today.
q
Day 7: (Total
Ascent 600m, Descent 600m): The trekking continues around the
Emli Valley, climbing gradually up to Alaca plateau (2450m)
passing through pine forest. The walk is not too difficult and as
we ascend the cool mountain air refreshes us. Arriving at the pass
we are rewarded with panoramic views to the south of the Aciman
Alps and sweeping views of mountain peaks. Descend back to our
camp in Emli valley (1850m). Total walking 6 hours hours.
q
Day 8: (Total
Ascent 638m, Descent 488m): Trek to the Siyirmalik Valley,
passing through the Buyuktulu highlands, and hopefully meeting
semi nomadic groups. Continue uphill to Eznevit Yayla (2538m),
where there is a magnificent panoramic view of all the southern
slopes of the Aladag range. Descend to the campsite (6hours).
Overnight at a tented campsite at Sokullupinar (2000m).
q
Day 9: (Total
Ascent 1450m - Descent 300m): Continue to the Yedigoller
(Seven Lake) valley, surrounded by spectacular sheer mountain
walls offering some great photoviews. Cross the Celikbuyduran pass
(3450m). Descending to our camp, maybe we will be lucky enough to
be invited into the black goat hair tents of the nomads for
refreshment. We camp overnight (3105m) where a campfire should be
arranged (6-7 hours trekking time).
q
Day 10:
(Total Ascent 623m Descent 623m): Trek to Mt. Embler and take
advantage of the easy ascent to the summit (3723m). From here some
splendid scenery opens up with the chance to see the whole Taurus
range including Mt. Bolkar and other summits. The ascent and
descent takes about 4 hours. The afternoon is free to relax or
visit the lakes and nomads. Camp at 3100m. Chance to see the two
volcanos of Cappadocia.
q
Day 11:(Total
Ascent: very little, Descent 1300m): Visit the canyon like
Hacer valley and camp at Sogukpinar (cold Spring) at (1800m and
six hours of trekking time). On the way to our campsite, we will
pass through beautiful pine forests. Lunch in the oldest forest of
Turkey. Hopefully
meet the Yoruk nomads. The campsite tonight is impressive with
majestic views of the Hacer valley and a night fire will be
arranged.
q
Day 12:
(Total Ascent: very Little, Descent
800m): Once again walking through pine forests, we camp close
to some waterfalls at 1000m after 6 hours of walking. On the way
we pass through Barazama village where life has not changed very
much for centuries. Materially the people have a modest standard
of living, but they are very friendly and (as usual) hospitable.
In the afternoon we continue on to our camp by the waterfalls (Selale)
along the Barazama River. Enroute there will be some pools that
should entice people in for a swim. Overnight at camp, down to the
waterfalls at the small village of Kucuk Cakir.
q
Day 13:
Drive to Kayseri, Transfer to airport, fly to Istanbul. Transfer
to and overnight at hotel, we suggest you to have dinner at the
Bosphorus Restaurant (not included).
q
Day 14: A
full day to take in all the sights of what was the capital of the
civilised world. We visit the Topkapi palace, the Blue Mosque,
underground chapel of St. Sophia. Stroll in the world's biggest
covered market. Then spend the afternoon shopping or visiting
sites of interest at your leisure. Overnight at hotel (dinner not
included).
q
Day
15: Transfer
to airport, fly Istanbul/London Heathrow.
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