Nigde Aladaglar

The mountains between Kayseri, Adana, and Niğde are known as the Alps of Anatolia. Just a 10-minute walk will take you to Cimbar Canyon from Demirkazık Köyü. There's a unique climbing route in this canyon. You can also walk on foot without making the summit.

This mountain range, is in the provinces of Kayseri, Nigde, and Adana, has a wide variety of plant and animal life and because of this, a 54,524-hectare area was declared a national park in 1995.

In this range, there are three peaks of 3700m, many more over 3000m, with numerous lakes. In the spring, a large number of lakes are formed from the melting snow but the in dry summer season most of them evaporate. Only a few, fed by underground water sources, remain by the end of the summer.

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Height: 3756 m.

Location: These mountains are the highest in the province of Nigde, and are an extension of the Taurus Mountains.

The Best Time for Climbing: The best time for climbing is between June and September.

Characteristics: The mountains consist mostly of limestone. There is practically no forested area outside the Emli and Barasama valleys. Alpine vegetation in the area is very developed.

Transport and Accommodation: There are three primary ways to reach the Aladaglar Mountains.

From the West: The villages of Cukurbag or Demirkazik can be reached from Nigde in 1½ hours. The mountain resort here provides all the necessary services of a regular hotel.

From the North and Northeast: From Kayseri to Yahyali, and then to the villages of Barazama or Buyuk Cakir (Selale).

Climbing Equipment: Normal camp equipment, rope, safety gear (carabine, hammer, climbing tape, etc) and personal supplies.