2-Day Route in Aladağlar National Park

If it's the peace of Türkiye’s nature you're after, you’ll surely love a trip to Aladağlar National Park.

The park is located within the borders of Niğde, Kayseri, and Adana, covering an area of 55,065 hectares. The most exciting part is that it offers plenty of things to see and do, including:

Dozens of different routes for nature walks
Steep routes leading to the summits
Exquisite spots to observe nature and capture unique shots
Suitable camping areas in different valleys

Here is our handy guide to make your Aladağlar National Park vacation planning easier.

6 Points

150 km

3 h

2-Day Route in Aladağlar National Park box

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Discover a 2-day Aladağlar National Park route with scenic hikes, camping, birdwatching, valleys, and authentic local flavours.

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Day 1

To start your day, head over to Gümüşler Monastery and Underground City, located 10 km from the Niğde city centre. The monastery is believed to have been built between the 8th and 12th centuries. Carved into a large rock mass, this well-preserved structure features a church on the northern side of the complex. Inside, you can admire impressive murals depicting religious figures and events.

Then make your way to Demirkazık Village in Çamardı and start your hike. Continue from the village to Pınarbaşı and then to Maden Valley, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere along its natural rock formations and lucid streams.

In Aladağlar National Park, red pine forests are prominent at lower elevations, while cedar, black pine, and fir communities are abundant at higher elevations. The area's flora is also rich in endemic plant species.

Another exciting highlight to add depth to your excursion is that the park is home to approximately 150 bird species. At altitudes of 2800 metres or higher, various mountain birds become observable.

You can see the Caspian snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius) and the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), which are rare and distinctive bird species mostly found in Aladağlar. Although there is a bird observation tower in the area, bringing your equipment and setting up camp in specific locations will increase your chances of spotting these rare species.

To wrap up your day, camping in Arpalık Plateau is a great idea. While you are surrounded by breathtaking nature, you’ll have a chance to unplug and experience the simple life.

Day 2

Start your second day by climbing toward Tekepınarı. Along your way, magnificent peaks and vibrant flowers accompany you, and another world unfolds.

While descending into the Cimbar Valley, you can observe steep rock walls, wild goats, and eagles, and take stunning photos.

At Demirkazık Village, you can find local delicacies for lunch, such as Kayseri Mantı, a tiny, dumpling-like pasta. These thin-crust dumplings are filled with delicious meat and served with yoghurt and spices. Topped with hot butter and red pepper flakes, it offers an unforgettable flavour.

Other tastes you should definitely try are Mazaklı köftesi (Mazaklı meatballs) and tahinli pide (pide with tahini). Mazaklı köftesi is made with minced meat, fine bulgur, semolina, and a variety of spices. The mixture is rolled into small spheres and boiled in water with tomato paste and onions.

An indispensable flavour of Niğde, pide with tahini comes in two varieties: sugared or plain. It is made by baking masters who roll the dough, composed of flour, yeast, and water, on their arms. Tahini is then poured on the dough and rolled again.

If you have extra time and want to also experience the city atmosphere before you leave, consider adding short visits to Niğde Castle or Alaaddin Mosque.