ABOUT KACKAR MOUNTAINS
| KACKAR MOUNTAINS QUICK FACT BOX |
| Elevation |
12,933 ft, 3,937 m |
| Location |
Rize, Turkey |
| Range |
East Blacksea Range |
| Prominence |
2,271 meters (7,451 ft) |
| Coordinates |
40°50'N 41°09'E |
| Convenient Center(s) |
Ayder and Yusufeli |
| Nearest Major Airport |
Trabzon Airport |
Kackar mountains, Kackar Daglari or simply Kackar(s) are a mountain range rising above and along the Black Sea coast in Eastern Turkey. With highest peak Kackar Dagi (elevation 3937 metres), and mountain plateaus at about 3000 metres in elevation, it is the highest part of the Pontic Mountains. The Kackars are glaciated mountains, alpine in character, with steep rocky peaks and numerous mountain lakes.
Geography and Nomenclature
The name Kackar may be used in various senses. It may describe the whole mountain range, including the many mountain groups, or it may just describe the Kackar-Kavron group with its highest peak, or just the highest peak itself. The local name for the highest peak or for its mountain group, Kackar Dagi, translates to Kackar mountain, and in turn the name of the range Kackar Daglari translates to Kackar mountains.
On the south and east, the Kackar mountains are bordered by the Coruh river valley; on the north, by the Black Sea coast.
The easiest route is a walk-up with scrambles. This range is an important glacial region and there are many falling rocks. The Kackars are usually rainy or cloudy so be ready for an unexpected shower anytime!
Major mountain groups
Altiparmak group
Kavron (or Kackar-Kavron)
Vercenik group
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT KACKAR MOUNTAINS & BLACK SEA REGION
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. The Altiparmak, Kackar and Vercenik mountains are the principal peaks of the Kackars. Both the north and south faces of the Altiparmak and Kavron (Kackar) can be scaled, but Vercenik should only be attempted from the north face. It is imperative to use a guide when climbing the Kackars.
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 region enjoys an almost sub-tropical climate of temperature with rainy weather and an average temperature of 14 degrees C. The lowest temperature falls in the month of January while August sees the hottest days reaching a maximum recorded temperature of 22.6 degrees 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 elevations of 750-1500 meters, 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.
Located in the eastern Black Sea, parallel to the coast between Rize and Hopa, Kackar Mountains range offers a magnificent view with acres of green forests, clear blue lakes and glaciers.
Kackar range 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.
The Kackar Mountains are one of the 200 ecological sites under preservation with its breathtaking beauty and cultural traits. They are the most important stretch of the Alp-Himalayan formation in Anatolia. The mountains stand at 40 km's inland and reach nearly 4000 meters of height). The humid and mild climate on the north of the mountains determines the flora there. They have created a unique ecosystem in the region. As it is a migratory route for predatory birds, it has become a natural habitat for a variety of them. In addition, it's inhabitants contain mammals such as bears, jackals, foxes, lynx, wild cat, mountain goats, roe, marten, and sable. There are also rare species of birds such as birch, Caucasian mountain-rooster, mountain partridge, bearded vulture, and snake-eagle. Their presence increases the importance of this region. It also has rich flora with 2,500 varieties of plants and flowers. 300 of them are found exclusively in Turkey and 160 of them grow only on the Kackar Mountains. The old forests of the Eastern Black sea Mountains are the only mild climate rain and boreal forests in Turkey, and are unique with their biological diversity.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is in Trabzon and Erzurum. You can easily get there via Istanbul or Ankara. For the summit attempt from the Northern Route: You should go to Pazar from Trabzon. Then take a bus for Ayder Yayla and Yukari Kavron. Climbers should walk up to the Okuzyatagi(Camp Site) from Yukari Kavron…For the summit attempt from the Southern Route: You must go to Yusufeli/Artvin from Trabzon. Then go to Yaylalar Village, Olgunlar Yaylasi and Dilberduzu camp site (Yayla means “mountain pasture” in Turkish).
Red Tape
No permission or other kind of pass is required. Kackars is a national park so a fee may be charged in Ayder Plateau. However, they do not usually ask for a fee.
When To Climb
June, July and August are the best months to climb Kackar and it is often impossible to get to the camp sites in the hard winter conditions. Kackar mountains block the moisture from the Black Sea, while the south slopes are much dryer, the northern slopes of these mountains are usually covered with fog and the northern valleys contain rain forests. This region has a sub-tropical climate.
