At the heart of the Central Anatolian region, Cappadocia is a unique wonder of the world where nature has sculpted a rocky labyrinth on an immense plateau of volcanic tuff. Strange yet fascinating, it presents an incomparable geological and architectural grouping where cave-dwelling life flourished. Hollow cliffs, underground tunnels, peaks and earth pillars (or “fairy chimneys”) have been transformed into citadels.

The Taurus mountains in the Aladaglar range are the most mountainous part of the range. The plateau of the Seven Lakes at 3,100m is surrounded by the highest peaks of these mountains which soar to about 4,000m. Our trek will lead us across vertiginous granite walls, wooded mountains, arid plateaus, alongside lakes and to the bottom of dried-up canyons. We will, however, have a chance to share a cup of tea in the Yurt of the last traditional nomads who come up to the mountain meadows with their flocks of sheep in search of cooler temperatures and grass. 

When we climb Mount Embler at 3,723m, we will be able to better appreciate the fantastic scenery of this wild region. On the journey home, we will also stop in Istanbul to explore this amazing city...

FEATURES OF THE TRIP

The highlights : Visiting the Cappadocian mountain range which is of the most original geological formations on the 

                             planet with its earth pillars and troglodyte towns.

                             Exploring Turkish mountains steeped in ancestral nomadic traditions as we cross the wild and 

                             mysterious Taurus mountain range.

                             Meeting the local population.

                             The warm welcome and organisational skills of our Turkish friends.

                             The trip to Istanbul: the Blue Mosque, Saint Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, the banks of the Bosphorus 

                             river…

                             This is, without doubt, a wonderful adventure.

Best time of year :  From June to end of September.

Dates : Friday 30 July to Sunday 8 August 2010

Number of days away : 10

Number of days hiking :  6

Highest altitude of the climb : 3,723m on Mount Embler.

Levels : Fitness - you need to be very fit.

       Technical ability - this is a tour that is achievable by all as long as you have been training for it - 6 to 7 hours 

                steady walking per day.              

     The ascent of Mount Embler is the only long and strenuous day - 7 to 8 hours walking.

                The two most important things to help you avoid the undesirable effects of altitude and give you the maximum 

                chance of reaching the summit are:

      - Walking at a very slow pace, even exaggeratedly slow so that you never get tired.

      - Drinking lots of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.

Number of participants : 6 to 8 people with the exception of pre-formed groups which may be larger. 

Guides : One French guide accompanied by a local French-speaking guide and a cooking team and muleteers.

Accommodation : Comfortable hotels in Istanbul at the foot of the mountain.

                                 During the trek, we stay in tents with a mess tent and camping tables and chairs. 

Formalities : French citizens need a passport that is valid for more than 6 months.

Equipment to be carried : All the climbs can be completed with a day pack. Travel bags are transported by vehicles or mules.

Local transport : Minibuses are used for all transfers during the trip.

PRICE :  € 1940 per person  excluding flights. + flight to Kayseri via Istanbul on the journey out.

                  Return journey: Kayseri - Istanbul on Friday 6 August 2010

                                              Istanbul - Paris (or an alternative return destination) on Sunday 8 August 2009

                  At the time we planned this trip, tickets cost approximately €350.

Air Travel : Please ask us for more information.