TREKKING PROGRAM 3

5 NIGHTS, 6 DAYS .... FROM KALKAN
(Grade – Medium)

Although Kalkan, once a tiny fishing village, is now a coastal resort town, alot of the old charm remains. A great place to start to become acquainted with the Turkish way of life in all its forms before entering the villages and mountains. This 6 day series of walks gives a fantastic overview of what this region of Turkey has to offer in the outdoors. Largely unknown by the non-shepherd, these trails are completely unspoilt.

Day 1: Leave our hotel in Kalkan and go to Sinneli by minibus. From here we commence our walk through wonderful forest. Picnic lunch on route. Let your guide point out the much varying flora all the way to Ikizce. Meet our minibus again for the return journey to Kalkan and our most hospitable hoteliers.

Total walking time – 6 hours.

Day 2 : Today we set out after breakfast for a coastal walk from Kalkan to Patara beach. Views of the Mediterranean all the way, numerous photo opportunities and a chance to spot some bird life. Enjoy a picnic lunch on Patara beach before free time to laze on the fine sand, swim or explore into the sand dunes. Minibus transfer to Arsa Köy for the evening where we are treated to some village hospitality.

Total walking time – 4 hours.

Day 3 : After breakfast we hitch a ride in a tractor up Akdag to the 1600m point. Here we are left to hike (strenuous) the remaining 1200m to the peak for breathtaking views over mountains and valleys to the Meditteranean. Keep your eye out for herds of goats and their shepherds. A chance to see some birds of prey too. Picnic lunch enroute.

We descend again to 1600m where the tractor awaits to take us back to Arsa Köyü.

Dinner & overnight at Arsa Köyü.

7 hours including tractor ride.

Day 4 : After breakfast we are straight into walking – to Saklikent (Hidden Gorge). Time to explore the gorge and perhaps take a breathtaking dip in the fast flowing, chilly, spring water that gushes from the source inside the gorge. Lunch by the stream at a local restaurant.

Our minibus then transfers you back to Arsa for another night of village life.

Total walking time (excluding exploring canyon) – 4 hours.

Day 5 : Minibus transfer to the ‘Monumental’ trees for a guided trek among some of Turkey’s great, high altitude forests. See massive cedar trees – Turkey’s oldest.

Spend the night at Dereköy where we will enjoy the local food and sleep in village houses.

Total walking time – 5 hours.

Day 6 : A transfer to the beginning of a great final day hike to the Karanlikiçi (dark) canyon. This canyon is a true wonder – found anywhere else it would be visited by streams of tourists each day. But this is so secret, most locals are unaware of it’s existence. Some scrambling over rough terrain rewards you with exhilarating discoveries. A true highlight. Lunch on fresh trout at Ören before a transfer back to your base in Fethiye.

Total walking time – 6 hours.

NOTES:

1.Guided by our professional, experienced mountain guide and accompanied by our licensed tour guide.

2.All meals, bottled water and transfers included.

3.Main packs transfered between overnight stays by our minibus, clients only carry a day pack with water, lunch and personal daytime needs.

4. Firstaid kit, radio and mobile phone carried by guide at all times.

5. Accommodation is basic, clean and friendly in either pensions or village houses.

6. The ideal time to walk this route is April/May for wildflowers and September/October/ November for mild weather.

7. Requirements for this walk – sturdy walking boots, day pack, water bottle, sleeping bag & sleeping mat (for village house stays), swimming gear, waterproof jacket & sunscreen.

Trekking Program 1         Trekking Program 2           Trekking Program 4