Nestled high in the Pontic Mountains of northeastern Türkiye, the Kadırga Highlands (Kadırga Yaylası) is one of the most famous summer plateaus in the Black Sea region. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters (7,545 feet), the highland is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery, traditional pastoral lifestyle, and the legendary Kadırga Highland Festival, one of the largest and oldest cultural gatherings in the region.
Surrounded by rolling alpine meadows, mist-covered peaks, and fresh mountain air, Kadırga Yaylası offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the centuries-old traditions of the Black Sea highland communities. During the summer months, the plateau comes alive as villagers return with their livestock, families escape the coastal heat, and thousands of visitors gather to celebrate one of Türkiye’s most vibrant folklore festivals.
Location
Kadırga Highlands lies in Trabzon Province, close to the borders of Giresun and Gümüşhane, making it a meeting point for several Black Sea communities. The plateau is situated about 14 kilometers east of the Erikbeli Tourism Center and is connected to nearby towns by scenic mountain roads.
Because of its strategic location, the highland has historically served as an important summer gathering place for villages throughout the region.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Kadırga Highlands is by private car from Trabzon or nearby districts. During the summer season, minibuses and commercial vehicles operate along the mountain road, providing transportation for festival visitors and local residents.
Although parts of the route remain unpaved or consist of mountain roads, they are generally accessible during the warmer months. Travelers should drive carefully, especially in foggy weather, which is common at higher elevations.
Approximate travel times include:
- Trabzon City: around 2.5–3 hours
- Akçaabat: approximately 2 hours
- Tonya: around 1.5 hours
- Erikbeli Tourism Center: about 20 minutes
The journey itself is one of the highlights, passing through forests, mountain villages, streams, and spectacular panoramic viewpoints.
The Famous Kadırga Highland Festival
Kadırga Yaylası is best known for its annual Kadırga Highland Festival (Kadırga Otçu Şenlikleri), one of the oldest and largest traditional highland festivals in Türkiye.
Every summer, tens of thousands of people from Trabzon, Giresun, Gümüşhane, and neighboring provinces gather on the plateau to celebrate their shared cultural heritage.
The festival transforms the peaceful mountain pasture into a lively open-air celebration filled with:
- Traditional horon folk dancing
- Performances by local musicians
- Kemençe and tulum (bagpipe) concerts
- Folk songs and storytelling
- Wrestling competitions
- Horse riding demonstrations
- Traditional games
- Artisan stalls
- Local handicrafts
- Regional food markets
- Family picnics
The atmosphere resembles a giant mountain fair, with colorful tents, food vendors, music echoing across the valleys, and visitors dressed in traditional Black Sea clothing.
For many local families, attending the Kadırga Festival is an annual tradition passed down through generations.
Natural Beauty
Outside festival season, Kadırga Highlands offers peaceful landscapes perfect for nature lovers.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Endless alpine meadows
- Wildflowers during late spring and summer
- Mountain photography
- Hiking trails
- Birdwatching
- Scenic picnics
- Sunrise and sunset views
- Stargazing under exceptionally dark skies
Because the plateau sits above the tree line, the views stretch across surrounding mountain ranges, often with clouds drifting beneath the peaks.
Morning fog frequently creates dramatic scenery that photographers particularly appreciate.
Traditional Highland Life
Like many yaylas in the Black Sea region, Kadırga remains an active seasonal settlement.
During summer, local families move into traditional wooden highland houses while grazing cattle and producing dairy products such as:
- Fresh butter
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Cream (kaymak)
Visitors have the opportunity to experience authentic village hospitality and observe a lifestyle that has changed little over centuries.
Facilities
Although remote, Kadırga Highlands provides several basic services for visitors, particularly during the summer season.
Facilities include:
- Electricity
- Running water
- Public toilets
- Small grocery shops
- Bakery
- Butcher
- Local restaurants
- Tea houses
- Small convenience stores
- Basic camping supplies
Additional temporary stalls and vendors appear during the annual festival.
Camping and Accommodation
Camping is one of the best ways to experience Kadırga Highlands.
The open meadows provide numerous scenic locations for tents, allowing visitors to enjoy spectacular mountain views and peaceful evenings surrounded by nature.
Campers should bring:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag suitable for cool mountain nights
- Warm clothing
- Flashlight
- Basic cooking equipment
- Drinking water and outdoor essentials
Although small shops sell everyday necessities, visitors planning overnight stays should arrive well prepared.
Nearby districts such as Tonya, Şalpazarı, Akçaabat, and Trabzon also offer hotels, guesthouses, and boutique accommodations for travelers seeking greater comfort.
Local Cuisine
A visit to Kadırga Highlands is also an opportunity to sample the rich flavors of Black Sea cuisine.
Popular regional dishes include:
- Kuymak (muhlama)
- Akçaabat meatballs
- Grilled lamb
- Cornbread
- Black cabbage soup
- Stuffed cabbage rolls
- Fresh mountain honey
- Local cheeses
- Butter produced on nearby highland farms
- Traditional Turkish tea
Festival days feature numerous food stalls serving homemade specialties prepared by local families.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal period to visit Kadırga Highlands is between June and September, when the mountain roads are open and the plateau is covered in lush green meadows.
The annual Kadırga Festival generally takes place in mid to late July, although dates may vary each year.
Outside the summer season, heavy snowfall often makes access difficult or impossible.
Travel Tips
- Dress in layers, as mountain weather can change rapidly.
- Carry a waterproof jacket, even on sunny days.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring cash, as card payment facilities may be limited.
- Arrive early during the festival to avoid heavy traffic and secure parking.
- Respect local customs, grazing animals, and the fragile alpine environment.
- Help preserve the natural beauty of the plateau by taking all litter with you.
Why Visit Kadırga Highlands?
Kadırga Highlands offers far more than spectacular mountain scenery—it is a living expression of the Black Sea region’s cultural identity. Whether you’re hiking through alpine meadows, enjoying the sounds of the kemençe, tasting freshly made village cheese, or joining thousands of people at the famous highland festival, a visit to Kadırga Yaylası provides an unforgettable experience that blends nature, tradition, and hospitality.
For travelers seeking authentic cultural encounters away from Türkiye’s crowded tourist destinations, Kadırga Highlands remains one of the country’s most remarkable and rewarding mountain escapes.