Kackar Mountains (Kackarlar)

Looking like a pristine natural park, the Kackar Mountains between Rize and Hopa have a dazzling array of plants and animals, clear blue lakes, green forests and razor-sharp glaciers which can be seen year-round.

Kackar Mountains (Kaçkarlar) by I was in Turkey

The highest peaks in the range are Altiparmak (3480m), Kackar (3937m) and Vercenik (3710m).

Every year hundreds of climbers visit Kackar Mountain, whose southern face offers an easy climb. If there is no fog, there is a magnificent view of the mountains of the eastern Black Sea. The northern face is usually for more experienced climbers, with the opportunity to visit the thermal springs at Ayder on the trip down.

Climbing the mountain in the winter is as hard as the summer climb is easy. In the winter months, snow fills the mountains and covers the high pastures, and the houses disappear completely. The slopes of the glaciers are very conducive to avalanches.

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. 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 geological and mountaineering aspects of the Kackars contribute to their importance in Turkey's economy and tourism.

This region enjoys an almost sub-tropical climate of temperate, yet rainy weather with an average temperature of 14° C. The lowest temperature, 7° C., falls in the month of January while August sees the hottest days reaching a maximum recorded temperature of 22.6° C.

The Kackars rise in between the shores of the Black Sea to the north and the River Coruh valley to the south. On the northern flank, a good variety of vegetation flourishes in the rainy climate. Up to 500 meters above sea level, tea plantations and citrus orchards cover the hillsides. Chesnuts, hornbeam, beech and other large-leafed trees which forest the slopes to 750 meters. Between 750-1500 meters of elevation, pines mix in with the large - leafed trees forest the slopes to 750 meters. Between 750-1500 meters of elevation, 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 fruits and vines. As on the north Side in the higher elevations, meadows of wild flowers and grass blanket the slopes up to 2300 meters.