The Ala Dag - Climbs and Treks in Turkey’s Crimson Mountains

• Location
• Description
• Contents
• Introduction
• Sample Route
• Maps

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1. West to East Traverse of the Range (Trans-Taurus)

General evaluation: This walk covers some of the most beautiful areas of the Ala Dag, hence it is a beloved itinerary of many trek operators. The walk begins at Demirkazik or Cukurbag Village on the west side of the range, goes up to the Yedi Göl cirque via Kara Yalak gorge, descends to Hacer Valley to reach the lush forests on the south-east side of the range and ends at Selaleler (Waterfalls) at Kapuz Basi Village. The walk is straightforward, though some stretches can be tiring, such as the ascent up to Celik Buyduran pass, especially if load carrying. On the other hand, it is possible to hire mules to do the carrying, which not only helps make the whole trip infinitely more enjoyable but includes a free-of-charge guide in the person of the animal owner who, if you want, will accompany you all the way to your destination, loading and off-loading the mules and serving as cook and general helper. However if you want the animals to accompany you the whole way, it is necessary to pay the owner two days return fare. To avoid this, it is also possible to hire the animals to carry your load only up to the Yedi Göl. Some animal owners may choose to stay overnight at the Yedi Göl depending on how late you have arrived, or simply to have a chat with the local Yörüks (semi-nomads) camped up here for the summer. In this case you are not obliged to pay the next day’s return fare, though it might be a good idea to reach an agreement about this in advance and avoid any troubles later.

The trip can be accomplished in two very long days, but this is seldom done, as it would detract from the pleasure. Besides the Yedi Göl corrie being situated at 3,000 metres, a long first day’s push with such a height gain may not be desirable. I have therefore chosen to describe here the four-day alternative which is the most common, though you may feel free to shorten or prolong the trip according to your personal standards.

Route description:
Day 1: Demirkazik or Cukurbag Village to Kara Yalak spring.
Height difference: 900m ascent.
Time: 2-3 hours.
(For details see the introduction to the Yedi Göl sector.)

Day 2: Kara Yalak spring to Yedi Göl corrie.
Height difference: 1,250m ascent, 200m descent.
Time: 4-5 hours.
(For details see the introduction to the Yedi Göl sector.)

Day 3: Yedi Göl corrie to Soguk Pinar Yayla.
Height difference: 1,000m descent.
Time: 4-5 hours.
The path to Hacer Valley goes past the base of the north wall of Direktas in an easterly direction until the rim of the corrie from where a clear view down to the beginning of the forest inside Hacer Valley will be seen. Follow the track some three hours to reach this forest and the beginning of a tractor trail.

Follow the trail about an hour before coming to a small side track leading right off the main trail and connecting to Soguk Pinar Yayla in fifteen minutes or so. At this junction your destination to Soguk Pinar Yayla is not marked, and the crossing being ill defined it is easy to miss. Two helpful landmarks are the crude corral situated shortly before the turnoff and the piled-up lumber at the junction itself. Soguk Pinar Yayla offers a clear spring, friendly nomads and ample space for your tents.

Day 4: Soguk Pinar Yayla to Selaleler (Waterfalls).
Height difference: 1,000m descent.
Time: 4-5 hours.
From Soguk Pinar Yayla retrace your steps of the previous day to the main tractor trail. The tractor trail winds its way through the forest and hence is not followed in its entirety by locals travelling on foot. There are many shortcuts considerably decreasing the time needed to get to Barazama (Ulupinar) Village. However if you are not confident about your sense of direction avoid straying off at every side trail which may seem like a shortcut. Cairns are usually a good indication of major shortcuts. From Soguk Pinar Yayla about an hour and a half’s walk leads to the first sight of Barazama Village, a further hour being required to reach the village itself. (Here it is possible to find a vehicle to the town of Yahyali if necessary.) From the village centre walk down to the edge of the nearby stream and follow the path leading south and parallel to the stream. An hour’s walk will lead onto a bridge crossing to the opposite bank. The trail then continues above the river through pine woods and finally well-kept fields to the village of Kapuz Basi. Walk some way downhill, past the village until reaching several waterfalls which erupt forth from a sheer drop. It is possible to spend the night either at Kapuz Basi Village or to continue some fifteen minutes down the road to Büyük Cakir Village which is scenic and well recommended. Local buses are available from Büyük Cakir Village to Yahyali.