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The Republic of Turkey is a state, most of which is located in Western Asia, only 3% of the country’s territory falls on Southern Europe. Its area is 783 km². The landscape is quite diverse, so do not believe the stereotypes that there is nothing to do in Turkey but lie on the beach. Unfortunately, many tourists spend their holidays this way.
Meanwhile, the nature here is very beautiful, the real pride of the country is the Turkish mountains, which occupy most of the territory. In the Republic of Turkey, you can see plateaus, peaks of volcanoes, mountain ranges. It seems to be created for lovers of extreme recreation. There is a wide variety of routes for both experienced climbers and beginners. Of course, this holiday is not for the weak.
If you are going to visit this country in the near future or are just interested in it, pay attention to our article. Below is a ranking of the highest mountains in Turkey.
10 Altiparmak, 3480 m
It is part of the Kachkar Mountains (Pontic Range). Location – northeast Turkey. Mountains are conditionally divided into three parts. Altiparmak is located in the east and is significantly inferior in height to the other two peaks.
The Kachkar Mountains are rocky and difficult to pass. Fast rivers and streams originate there, so not everyone can climb these peaks. Altiparmak should be climbed from the south side. This is not the most dangerous mountain, it is possible to climb unaccompanied. True, it is not very well known, so there are few who want it.
9. Vergenic, 3710 m
Verdzhenik – This is also the peak of the Kachkar Mountains, the “neighbor” of Altiparmak. It is located in the western part of the range. This peak is also not very popular with travelers, although there is where to “roam around”: you can build a combined or technical climbing route.
For your information: it often rains heavily in the Kachkar mountains. Dampness and fog are common, so it is better to choose summer for climbing. In winter, it is very dangerous here, ideal conditions for avalanches have been created.
8. Chatalkaya, 3794 m
One of the two peaks of the Jilo-Sat mountains. They are located in the southeast of the country. The mountains are under the influence of glaciers, so they are often compared to the Alps. Glaciation, pointed mountain and rocky peaks, river gorges, caves, waterfalls – it will not be easy to climb Jilo-Sat. However, real climbers are only happy to test their strength.
They are very popular not only Chatalkaya, but also the neighboring peak Uludoruk. The difficult route attracts the attention of climbers from all over the world. The ideal time for summer excursions is from June to September. For those who prefer winter mountaineering, it is better to visit these places in February – March.
7. Erciyes, 3917 m
It is a layered conical volcano. Location – southeast of the Anatolian plateau. Erdzhiyas is the highest point in Asia Minor. The volcano has two peaks (3 and 917 m). It rises above the city of Kayseri.
You can admire it from afar, it is perfectly visible from the cities of Ukhchisar and Goreme. Daredevils can climb to the top, only it will take three days. It is better to plan the ascent from May to September, since at other times there is snow on the volcano, which will greatly complicate the ascent.
For those who are not particularly fond of mountaineering, it is better to use the services of minibuses. The vehicle will take you to a plateau with a height of 2 meters in less than an hour.
Right at the foot of the volcano is a ski resort. You can not be afraid of eruptions, the last one happened in the XNUMXst century, now Erciyes has the status of extinct.
6. Kavran, 3932 m
And again the Kachkar mountains. Kavran – this is the highest point in their central part. They have a very distinctive look. Due to the large amount of running water and glaciers, the mountains have rough broken bends.
By the way, at the foot of the National Park of Mount Kachkar. This is an ecologically protected place with beautiful views that will take your breath away. Pointed peaks, dense forests, valleys, waterfalls, green meadows with bright colors. For the sake of such splendor, you can climb any peak, Kavran is no exception.
5. Small Ararat, 3925 m
Another stratovolcano located on the territory of the Republic of Turkey. The Armenian highland consists of two peaks: Small Ararat and Ararat proper.
People who have never been interested in geography may be surprised, but this is true. The mountains are located in Turkey, not far from the border with Armenia. The inhabitants of this country consider the mountain sacred, and they call the peaks brothers – Sis and Masis. They are separated by the Sardar-Bulak saddle.
Experienced climbers advise those who wish to conquer Ararat to start with his “little brother”. They say that acclimatization will be much easier this way.
4. Kachkar, 3937 m
Most likely, you have already understood that if you want to conquer as many high mountains as possible, you need to go to Kachkarsky. We have already told you about the three highest points, and now it’s time for the “record holder”.
Kachkar – the highest peak of the Pontic Range. It is located in the Black Sea region of the country, 60 kilometers from the city of Rize. High rocky mountains, lakes with crystal water, lack of civilization… If you want to discover another Turkey, you should definitely climb Mount Kachkar.
What will meet on the route? Spruce and fir forests, high mountain pastures, authentic settlements, mountain lakes, rivers, meadows. The upper part of the mountain is covered with ice.
Travelers who managed to get to the top say that in good clear weather you can see Elbrus from Kachkar.
3. Suphan, 4049 m
Layered volcano, located in the eastern part of the country, not far from the endorheic salt lake Van. It ranks second in height among all the volcanoes in the Armenian Highlands. Syuphan considered extinct. Scientists managed to find out that its last eruption occurred more than 100 thousand years ago.
2. Uludoruk, 4136 m
It has already been noted above that Great is the highest point of the Jilo-Sat mountain range. It remains only to add that these places are distinguished by their special beauty: alpine meadows, mountain rivers and lakes, glaciers. It will take a lot of time and effort to climb to the top of Uludoruk, but it’s worth it.
1. Ararat, 5137 m
Extinct volcano, which was also mentioned above. Some call it Big Ararat. It is located 32 km from the border with Armenia and 16 km from the border with Iran. Big and Small Ararat are located at a distance of 11 km, and their peaks are 25 km apart from each other.
Many come to Turkey in order to conquer this volcano. Tourists willingly share their impressions. Surprisingly, they say that climbing Ararat is not difficult. Of course, only in case of good weather and normal acclimatization.
If you are lucky enough to repeat their feat, you should not relax, even experienced climbers note that the descent is much more difficult.
Interesting fact: in order to climb to the top of Mount Ararat, you will need to obtain permission from the Turkish government. It is called permid. Issuance is handled by local travel companies (the deadline is a month before climbing). Each group is accompanied by a guide, this is one of the prerequisites.