3-Day Botanical Route in the Kaçkar Mountains

What if there was a place in the world, where in summertime you feel the breeze, and you taste food differently in this place because the air is so sweet and clean, therefore you also sleep very well since there are no sounds of machines, just nature.

Now, keep that image in your mind and apply it to the Kaçkar Mountains, a mountain range that spreads through Rize, Artvin and Erzurum, approximately 16 kilometres long.

Kaçkar mountaintop is at 3992 metres. Since there is heavy rainfall here, forests, alpine meadows, and flora are nourished, and they are flourishing in every way.

Let’s go on a Kaçkar Mountains excursion where we discover the beloved plateaus in the region, endemic plants in Kaçkar, trekking routes, and camping areas.

6 Points

170 km

5 h

3-Day Botanical Route in the Kaçkar Mountains box 1

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Experience a nature walk and botanical observation route filled with endemic plants in the Kaçkar Mountains.

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Day 1: Amlakit Plateau and Nature Walk

Arrive at Çamlıhemşin from the city centre of Rize, and start your Kaçkar Mountains route here, in the Amlakit Plateau. It’s important to note that having a 4x4 off-road private vehicle throughout this journey can prove to be essential since each plateau goes deeper into nature.

The Amlakit Plateau has an altitude of 1900 - 2200 metres. One of the high mountaintops of the region, this area is celebrated for its Hemşin culture. Every summer, Hemşin people celebrate the return to the plateaus with the Vartevor Festival. The beloved Vartevor Festival is celebrated with traditional dances, especially a dance called Horon, where people gather in circles and dance to the melody of Tulum (a local instrument very similar to a bagpipe) and the rhythm of drums.

The festival also holds special competitions like wrestling and archery. This plateau used to be a popular spot for raising farm animals like cows and sheep. Now, the plateau is more appreciated by people, whether they be tourists or locals.

Nature thrives in this area, and you can even encounter rare birds like the caucasian grouse. Go on a nature walk and discover the wildflowers and beautiful birds around the region. The Amlavit Plateau is great for trekking, hiking and even camping.

If you plan on spending the night in the great outdoors with your tent, make sure to pack nourishment since it’s very unlikely to find shops that would sell groceries. Before you embark on your journey, be sure to shop in Çamlıhemşin. We have a long way to go, and the day is almost ending.

Day 2: Palovit – Elevit Plateaus – Çat Village

On the second day of our journey, we’re at the Palovit Plateau, which is 2400 metres. The Palovit Plateau features a beautiful waterfall called by the same name: Palovit. Start your morning by the side of the waterfall with beautiful air, and your appetite will be whetted.

We have a busy schedule today, so after you rest by the waterfall and quench your appetite, you will continue your way to the Elevit Plateau. Elevit Plateau and many other plateaus in the area feature endemic flora, from trees to flowers. The total known number of different plant species in Rize is 1430. And the area features at least 145 rare and 24 endemic plant species.

The area is abundant with endemic species, and most of them have medicinal properties. Let’s continue our journey towards Çat Village. Çat Village has been around at least since 1876; the resources confirm that the area has been recorded in Ottoman Empire records. From Çat Village, you can visit Zilkale (Castle). The castle’s construction date is not known; however, it’s estimated that it was constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries.

You can end your day in Çat Village by setting up camp in the area. Sleep tight, since tomorrow, you will go to one of the most beautiful plateaus you will ever see.

Day 3: Verçenik Plateau and Endemic Plant Areas

Our last stop on the Kaçkar Mountains route is Verçenik Plateau. With 2618 metres and an abundance of lakes around the area, Verçenik Plateau is one of the most special plateaus in the area. The area has more than 10 glacial lakes; some have names, some don’t, some are small, and some are large, but the area is blessed with great water sources.

If you’re a mountain climbing enthusiast, this is the place to go; you can climb the Kaçkar Mountains from here. Though the climbing route is an advanced one, it can be suggested for professional rock and mountain climbing. Another important note to keep in mind is that cellular reception is very unlikely in the area. If you need to use your phone, it’s best to do so in Zilkale.

The area is accustomed to camping culture and outdoor activities. During your trekking adventure, you may encounter endemic plants such as Alchemilla pectinata, Gentiana boissieri, Campanula lycica, and Sempervivum armenum. Verçenik Plateau is the end of our magnificent Kaçkar Mountains route. Imagine the transformations this abundant nature will bring to your life. The only way to know is to discover what the Kaçkar Mountains offer to us.