Turkey can in
fact, boast of two peaks called Nemrut. The one
near Adiyaman in the Southeast is primarily of historical and archaeological
interest, home for over 2000 years to the colossal stone heads of King
Antiochos I and a number of classical deities. The other Mt. Nemrut in
Eastern Anatolia is well known for its geological formations, and for mountaineering
purposes; the more interesting of the two peaks.
An extinct
volcano, the Tatvan Mt. Nemrut ascends to 3050 m. It is located within
the province of Bitlis, rising from the South-western shore of Lake Van
and entering the district of Ahlat to the North. Mt. Nemrut is the Southernmost
and youngest of the chain of volcanoes in Eastern Anatolia. A strato-type
volcano, it began erupting during the fourth geological era and continued
to be active until 1441 A.D. As a result of the volcanic eruptions of Mt.
Nemrut the single Van-Mus river basin was divided into two separate basins.
Mt. Nemrut is bare of vegetation except in the South, which has groves of oak and birch trees. Summer (June-September) is the best season for expeditions up Mt. Nemrut. Hikers who climb to the crater and summit from the Southeast or Eastern face of the mountain are rewarded with wonderful views of Lake Van.
Süphan Mountain, a magnificent dormant volcano rises from the Northwest
shores of Lake Van.
Throughout the winter, snowfalls on Süphan reach a depth of three to four metres. The mountain's steeply inclined slopes and snow blanket combine to make it a good location for "Heli-skiing" - using helicopters to drop you off on the slopes for an adventure of high mountain skiing.
To climb from the Eastern flank take the coast road that circles Lake Van. In the stretch between Adilcevaz and Erciyes turn North to Aydinlar village. From there you continue on to Kisgilli village where you can hire a guide to lead you in your ascent.
The climb from the South begins at the village of Harmantepe.
The
Western branch of the Toros (Taurus) mountains, the Bey Mountain range,
is located in the province of Antalya. The crest of the range parallels
the North- South line of the Western shore of the Gulf of Antalya. With
altitudes ranging between 600 and 3086 metres, these mountains offer geologists
and geographers many peculiar morphological characteristics. Tekedorugu,
Bakirlidag, Tahtalidag and Kizlarsivrisi summits are particularly remarkable.
The highest point in the mountains is Mt. Kizlarsivrisi (3086m), and climbers reach it through the cedar forested Çamçukuru valley. The best approach to the valley is by road inland from Antalya to Elmali. Antalya, of course, can be reached from Izmir, Istanbul and Ankara by land, air and sea routes.
Tahtali mountain, West of Kemer, offers another interesting ascent. Rising to an elevation of 2360 metres, pine and deciduous forests cover the slopes up to an altitude of 2000-m. Bare meadow stretch to the summit.
The climb up Mt. Tahtaly begins at Sogukpinar, a short drive from Kemer. From there a combination of walking and climbing brings you to a place to make camp. The final ascent is carried out on the flank facing the coast and offers a spectacular and ever-changing view.
Although it is possible to organise trips to the Bey Mountains all year round; April, May, and June offer both a temperate climate and a chance to experience the richest vegetation.
Continuing
the line of summits in a Southeasterly direction, the Bolkar Mountains
are bounded by the Göksu river to the West and the Pozanti river to
the East. The Northern parts of the mountain lie in Nigde province while
the Southern peaks rise in Mersin province.
These mountains exhibit interesting geological characteristics. Made of sedimentary material such as limestone and dolomites, the range reveals excellent examples of nappes, or folds in the layers of rocks. There are vast formations of karst as well as landscapes that reveal the effects of glacier and water erosion. Despite this erosion, no real water network has developed on the mountains. Because of the sedimentary nature of the rocks, water is absorbed creating large areas of karst, such as Pozanti and Sekerpinari.
The highest peaks of the Balkier are: Medetsiz (3524 m), Kefirdagi (3475 m), Koyunasagi (3426 m), Tahtakaya (3372 m) and Ederkaya (3347 m).
The Northern flank receives the most exposure to snow and glacier formation; it is nevertheless the best route for an ascent to the highest summits of the Bolkar.
Erzincan, a major city North of the mountain ranges and accessible by air, rail and road, is the base from which to attempt an ascent on the North face.
Those wishing to climb the mountain from the South begin their trek at Ovacik in the middle of the Munzur mountains. Climbers entering from this point can reach the highest summits of the Munzur. Ovacik lies 70 kilometres from Erzincan and is accessible by a road which follows the banks of the Munzur valley. The Munzur River, which rushes through a national park, tempts tourists with superb fresh fish and beautiful mountain scenery.
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spesific tours related to mountaineering please contact us
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