Kaçkar Mountains
Located at the eastern edge of the Black Sea region, the Kaçkar Mountains, spanning the provinces of Rize and Artvin in northeastern Türkiye, are a haven for nature enthusiasts. This breathtaking mountain range reaches its highest point at Kackar Mountain - 3,937 meters. And the most scenic, Altıparmak Mountain, will be witnessed by runners of the Kaçkar 100K.
The Kaçkar Mountains offer a diverse climate with temperatures ranging from 29°C to 12°C, averaging around 20°C annually, and dropping to 3°C during the colder months. In September, the average temperature typically ranges from about 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). However, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and specific location within the mountains. Higher elevations can be significantly cooler, especially at night.
Ayder Plateau
Located at an altitude of 1,350 meters, serves as the hub for the Kackar by UTMB, marking both the start and finish lines of the race. This picturesque plateau, known for its lush green meadows and traditional wooden houses, will also host the event expo and offer accommodation for athletes.
Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kaçkar Mountains, Ayder Plateau combines natural beauty with convenience, providing a unique base for participants to experience both the excitement of the race and the charm of the region.
Zil Castle
One of the most notable structures in the region, Zil Castle is located 15 km south of the Çamlıhemşin Town Center on the western slopes of the Fırtına River. Perched 750 meters above sea level, it features outer walls, inner walls, and a central fortress with a guardhouse, chapel, and a four-story main tower with arched windows and arrow slits.
Built in the 5th-6th centuries and strategically placed on an important caravan route, the castle served as a security point during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Historical Bridges
In Rize, numerous historical bridges span river valleys, providing access to homes, plateaus, and farmland. These bridges, featuring rounded or slightly pointed arches supported by piers on either side. Ranging from 2-3 meters to 15-20 meters in height and 20 to 45 meters in length, they are built with neatly cut stone arches and rubble stone piers.
These ancient structures, crafted from local stone, showcase the impressive engineering skills of past civilizations and have served as crucial links in the region's transportation network for centuries. The stone bridges offer a glimpse into the historical significance of these routes.
Over the Clouds
The Kaçkar Mountains are often celebrated as the "Over the Clouds" place due to the breathtaking phenomenon where their towering peaks rise above a sea of clouds.
This enchanting view allows observers to experience a surreal landscape where the mountain tops pierce through a thick, ethereal cloud cover, creating a striking contrast between the clear, high-altitude skies and the billowing cloud sea below.
This unique vantage point not only highlights the dramatic elevation of the Kaçkars but also adds a layer of mystique and awe to the already stunning natural beauty of the region.
Key Features
Landscapes:
The Kaçkar Mountains are a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. The region features rare glacial valleys and ice fields, with streams from the northern slopes flowing into the Black Sea and southern slopes descending into the Çoruh Valley. Notable plateaus like Ayder, Pokut, and Gito provide stunning views and insights into traditional plateau life. The Hemshin and Laz communities contribute to the area's unique cultural experience with their rich traditions, local cuisine, and crafts.
Flora and Fauna:
The Kaçkar Mountains host diverse wildlife, including hawks, brown bears, wild goats, wolves, jackals, and Caucasian black grouse. The lush vegetation includes broad-leaved trees like beech and chestnut at lower elevations and coniferous trees such as spruce and fir higher up.
The şimşir trees are special for their ancient, gnarled forms and remarkable ability to thrive in the rugged, high-altitude environment, creating a unique and enchanting landscape. Alpine meadows and endemic plants thrive above 2000 meters, while summer brings vibrant flowers like wild orchids, lilies, and bellflowers. Rhododendrons, locally known as "kumar," highlight the region’s botanical richness.
Activities
Hiking, Trekking, and Mountaineering:
Rize offers trails from easy to challenging year-round, with Kaçkar peak providing memorable mountaineering experiences.
Zipline:
Ayder Plateau in Çamlıhemşin boasts a premier zipline course offering thrilling high-altitude rides through stunning natural scenery.
Rafting:
Fırtına River in Rize, spanning 57 kilometers, combines adventure with cultural exploration as it flows through tea gardens and historic bridges.
Nature Photography and Bird Watching:
Rize is ideal for nature lovers, with İkizdere offering top spots for photography and birdwatching, including raptor migrations from July to August and in March.
Heliski:
Since 2004, the Kaçkar Mountains have attracted European heliskiers who access its peaks by helicopter. This challenging sport draws about 1,000 skiers each year to Ayder, İkizdere, and Ovit from January to April.
