Kaçkar Dağları

 
Overview

The Kaçkar Mountains or simply Kaçkars, formerly known as the Lazistan Mountains are a mountain range that rises above the Black Sea coast in eastern Turkey.

Description

Rippling along between the Black Sea coast and the Çoruh River, the Kaçkars rise to almost 4000m, affording superb hiking when the snow melts in summer. Spending a few days crossing the yaylalar (mountain pastures) between hamlets like Olgunlar and Ayder is one of Turkey's top trekking experiences, and the lower slopes offer cultural encounters. The local Hemşin people are a welcoming bunch, serving their beloved, fondue-like Muhlama (cornmeal cooked with butter and cheese) in villages with Ottoman bridges and Georgian churches.