The Kackar Mountains, 3932 m. In the rainy and lush landscapes of Northeastern Turkey, the Kackar mountains form the Northern section of the Anatolian mountain chain. The Kackar-Kavron summit, at an altitude of 3932 meters, is the highest point in the range. Extensive glacier and water erosion have given these mountains their craggy, rugged look, and they are known for the complexity and power of the streams and rivers which rush down to the lower altitudes.
In fact, this range is the third most important glacial region in Turkey following the Agri (Ararat) and Cilo Sat mountains. The geological and mountaineering aspects of the Kackars contribute to their importance in Turkey’s economy and tourism. The region enjoys an almost sub-tropical climate of temperate yet rainy weather with an average temperature of 14 C. The lowest temperature, 7C., falls in the month of January while August sees the hottest days reaching a maximum recorded temperature of 22.6 C.
The Kackars rise between the shores of the Black Sea to the North and the Coruh river valley to the South. On the Northern flank, an immense variety of vegetation flourishes in the rainy climate. Up to 500 meters above sea level, tea plantations and citrus orchards cover the hillsides. Chestnut, hornbeam, beech and other large-leafed trees forest the slopes to 750 meters. Between 750 1500 meters of elevation, pines mix in with the large leafed trees until gradually they remain the only species of tree from 1500-2000 meters.
Alpine meadows and other grassy vegetation cover the ground above 2100 meters. On the Southern faces of the Kackars, which receive strong sunshine and less precipitation, the agriculture is based on the cultivation of fruit and vines. On the Northern side, in the higher elevations, meadows of wild flowers and grasses blanket the slopes up to elevations of 2300 meters.
Height: 3932m.
Location: The eastern Black Sea, parallel to the coast between Rize and Hopa.
The best time for climbing: August to September during summer, February to March during winter.
Characteristics: The mountain is made up mostly of granite, cyanite, andesite and diorite. Swift running water and glaciers have caused significant erosion, which has given the mountains a rough broken appearance. The northern slopes, which are covered with lush vegetation, rise right out of the sea. The Kackar Mountains can be divided into three sections: Vercenik in the west, Kavran in the centre, and Altiparmak in the east.
Transport: The easiest way to reach the Kackar Mountains is from the north via Trabzon – Rize – Ardesen, finally arriving at Camlihemsin, a journey of 75km. When hiking to the peak of Kackar, it is possible to stop over at the mountain pasture at Ayder. From here one may reach the beginning of the ascent to the peak by way of either the Lower Kavron or the Upper Kavron road. Another important peak in this range is Vercenik, which can be reached via Cat and Bashemsin.
Climbing Equipment: Rope, helmet, crampons, ice picks, appropriate and adequate camping gear and clothing for humid and rainy weather. Climbing preparations can be made in Ardesen and Camlihemsin.
Trips and Climbs: To climb Mt. Kackar take the road to Ayder Ilicasi, and for Mt. Vercenik, go to the village of Cat, which has a superb view. It takes about 4 hours to climb up to Ortakoy, and from there continue to the mountain pasture at Ismer, where you can set up camp. Here you will be at the base of the 3711m peak of Vernecik, and there are many ways to tackle the peak. The historical ruins of Zirkale and the village of Kolona are on the road to Vercenik. The Altiparmak, Kavron and Varsamba mountains are the principal peaks of the Kackars. Both the North and South faces of the Altiparmak and Kavron can be scaled but Varsamba should only be attempted from the North face. It is imperative to use a local guide when climbing the Kackars.
The Climb up the Peaks of Kavran: A number of different ascents can be used to reach the peaks of these mountains.
The Northern Face: The last opportunity for outfitting is at Ayder. Lower (Asagi) Kavran and Upper (Yukari) Kavran can be reached by car, or 1½ hours on foot and then another 2 hours to reach the Bogacayiri (Okuzcayiri), where camp can be set up at 2900 meters. From here there are a variety of climbs to the nearby peaks. The highest peak, Kackar (Kavran), with an altitude of 3932 meters, is to the south. A climb up the northern face takes 7-9 hours.
The Southern Face: The southern approach is reached by following the road through Yusufeli, Barhal, Yaylalar (Hevek), Olgunlar and Meretet. Local transport is available to Yusufeli and Olgunlar. It is also possible to rent out a vehicle in Yusufeli. Final preparations should be made in Yusufeli but last minute food items can be bought at the village of Yaylalar (Hevek). Local accommodation is available in boarding houses, or campsites. It is possible to reach Olgun by car, and pack animals may be rented to carry supplies. The hike from Yaylalar to Dilberduzu, the main camp site, can be easily made in 5 hours.
Around the main camp there are a number of peaks, which are good for one-day out, and the peak of Mt. Kackar can be reached a number of different ways. It takes 9-10 hours to reach the top and there is a camp site there. Between August and September there is no need for crampons or ice-picks. The main campsite at Mt. Kackar, Dilberuzu, is south of the peak itself. The peak cannot be seen from the campsite, and to see it requires a 30-minute climb up the peaks to the south and southwest of the campsite. The elevation of the campsite is 3000 meters, and it is possible to ascend up either side. If you go to the south, it is possible to reach the Altiparmak mountains.
Climbing the Mountains of Altiparmak: The northern route passes through Ayder and Dutha. By setting up camp at Agvecur, Kackar or Zigam, you can climb Mt. Karatas (3492m) or Altiparmak (3480m). Those who take the southern route, drive from Erzurum to the village of Altiparmak Barhal. From here, it is a 5 hour hike to the campsite at Karagol. From the campsite, there are different ascents which depends on each climber’s level of skill.