Eastern Black Sea

Kaçkar Mountains are a mountain range extending parallel to the sea, east of the Black Sea. In the west, their average altitude exceeds 2,000 meters, while in the east, it exceeds 3,500 meters.  Within the cities of Rize and Artvin, the Kaçkar Mountains National Park is located in the eastern part of the country, where the average altitude exceeds 3,500 meters.

Kaçkars are among the richest places in the world in terms of biodiversity. The mountain range, which includes the national park, is one of the world's top 25 biodiversity hotspots.

Up to a certain height, high and majestic mountains are covered in broad-leaved and majestic, lush trees. Fresh air flows over very cold streams. The walking routes, which start on the banks of the river, continue towards higher altitudes. Sometimes they go beyond the clouds and reach wide highlands. Wide highlands are adorned with numerous glacial lakes. You can take a break in the highlands, pitching your tents near the lakes and taking advantage of the abundant oxygen.

In the summer, crossing the mountains to reach high altitudes is not difficult, but in the winter, it is quite difficult. Because, as the winter months approach, the snow can close valleys and cover the highlands and walking trails. The white cover lasts until the beginning of the summer.