Best Backpacking Destinations in Sincan, Ankara, Turkey

1. Karacaören Cave

An ancient underground wonder offering a unique camping experience, with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Uniqueness: One of the few caves in Sincan open for camping.
Historical Significance: Paleontological findings and archaeological artifacts dating back to prehistoric times.
Adventure Level: Requires moderate hiking and caving skills for exploration.

Expansive parkland with diverse flora and fauna, providing a serene camping spot away from city life.

Biodiversity: Home to numerous bird species, wild boars, foxes, and wolves.
Landscape Variety: Offers forests, rivers, waterfalls, and canyons for exploration.
Camping Availability: Designated campgrounds with basic facilities.

Geothermally heated lake surrounded by colorful mineral terraces, perfect for a relaxing soak after a long hike.

Natural Wonders: Unique geothermal activity with boiling mud pots and fumaroles.
Therapeutic Benefits: Mineral-rich waters believed to have healing properties.
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Best suited for day trips, but nearby campgrounds available.

Ancient cave with paintings dating back to the Paleolithic period, perfect for history enthusiasts.

Historical Significance: One of the most important cave paintings sites in Turkey.
Cultural Richness: Showcases the daily life, hunting, and religious rituals of prehistoric humans.
Camping Availability: Limited campgrounds available nearby.

Family-friendly campground offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature, with easy access to hiking trails.

Family Friendly: Amenities such as bathrooms, showers, and BBQ areas.
Nature Experience: Surrounded by forests, rivers, and hills for exploration.
Accessibility: Easy to reach by car or public transportation.

Multi-day hiking trail connecting Atabey National Park and Sıcaklıgöl Geothermal Area.

Length: Approximately 25km long, taking 2-3 days to complete.
Difficulty Level: Moderate hiking difficulty with steep ascents and descents.
Scenic Variety: Offers diverse landscapes, including forests, rivers, canyons, and geothermal areas.

Natural hot springs with various pools offering relaxing soaks.

Relaxation: Perfect for unwinding after a long day of hiking or sightseeing.
Therapeutic Properties: Mineral-rich waters believed to have healing properties.
Accessibility: Easy to reach by car or public transportation, with nearby campgrounds available.

Ancient cave featuring a mosque inside, offering a unique spiritual experience.

Spiritual Significance: One of the few mosques located inside a cave in Turkey.
Historical Interest: Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, it is considered an important architectural and historical site.
Camping Availability: Limited campgrounds available nearby.

High-altitude plateau offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Remote campground offering tranquility and a unique connection with nature.

Seclusion: Located deep in the forest, away from city noise.
Nature Experience: Surrounded by forests, rivers, and hills for exploration.
Accessibility: Requires a 4x4 vehicle to reach, adding to the adventure.

picturesque valley with a crystal-clear stream running through it, perfect for picnicking and swimming.

Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful waterfalls, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife.
Relaxation: Ideal for unwinding with a picnic or taking a refreshing dip in the stream.
Accessibility: Easy to reach by car, with nearby campgrounds available.

Multi-day hiking trail connecting Yıldızlıkaya Campground and various attractions.

Length: Approximately 30km long, taking 2-3 days to complete.
Difficulty Level: Moderate hiking difficulty with steep ascents and descents.
Scenic Variety: Offers diverse landscapes, including forests, rivers, canyons, and caves.

A large salt lake with unique landscapes, perfect for an otherworldly camping experience.

Landscape Variety: Offers a surreal and otherworldly landscape during sunset.
Relaxation: Ideal for unwinding and stargazing, with minimal light pollution.
Accessibility: Easy to reach by car or public transportation, with nearby campgrounds available.

Multi-day hiking loop connecting Atabey National Park and Tuz Gölü Salt Lake.

Length: Approximately 50km long, taking 3-4 days to complete.
Difficulty Level: Moderate hiking difficulty with steep ascents and descents.
Scenic Variety: Offers diverse landscapes, including forests, rivers, canyons, caves, and a salt lake.

Extended multi-day hiking circuit connecting Yıldızlıkaya Campground, Atabey National Park, and Tuz Gölü Salt Lake.

Length: Approximately 80km long, taking 4-5 days to complete.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging hiking difficulty with steep ascents and descents.
Scenic Variety: Offers the most diverse landscapes in Sincan, including forests, rivers, canyons, caves, a salt lake, and geothermal areas.