Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Etimesgut, Ankara, Turkey
1. Kackar Mountains Trail
A challenging multi-day hike in the Kackar Mountains of northeastern Turkey, offering stunning views of alpine landscapes and pristine lakes.
- High Altitude: Reaches heights of over 3000 meters, providing breathtaking panoramic vistas.
- Remote Location: Ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude and untouched natural beauty.
- Endemic Wildlife: Home to endangered species like the Turkish Chamois, making it a unique wildlife viewing opportunity.
2. Mount Ararat Trek
An iconic hike in eastern Turkey, leading to the summit of Mount Ararat – said to be the resting place of Noah's Ark.
- Historical Significance: Attracts mountaineers and history enthusiasts alike.
- High Altitude Challenge: Reaches a summit of 5,167 meters above sea level, requiring proper preparation and equipment.
- Stunning Views: Offers incredible vistas of the surrounding plains, especially at sunrise or sunset.
3. Lake Hazar Gölü Trail
A moderate hike around the beautiful Lake Hazar Gölü in central Anatolia, providing opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
- Wetland Haven: Boasts an impressive variety of waterfowl, waders, and raptors.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Ideal for relaxation and contemplation amidst unspoiled natural beauty.
- Ancient History: Passes through the ruins of ancient settlements, adding a historical dimension to the journey.
4. Mt. Supashi Trail
A scenic hike up Mt. Supashi in western Turkey, providing panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the Greek islands.
- Stunning Coastal Views: Offers breathtaking vistas of the Aegean Sea and the Greek islands.
- Greek Island Vibe: Provides a taste of the famous Greek island lifestyle without leaving Turkey.
- Rich Cultural History: Passes through ancient ruins and Byzantine churches, offering insights into Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
5. Kaçkar-Zigana-Ağrı Trek
An extended multi-day hike through the Kackar, Zigana, and Agri mountains, showcasing some of Turkey's most remote and pristine wilderness.
- Remote Wilderness: Provides a chance to explore untouched natural beauty in seclusion.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires advanced hiking skills and a strong sense of adventure.
- Rare Flora and Fauna: Boasts unique plant and animal species not found elsewhere in Turkey.
6. Taurus Mountains Trail
A long-distance hike through the Taurus mountain range in southern Turkey, featuring diverse landscapes and ancient sites.
- Diverse Landscapes: Offers a variety of terrains, from forests to plateaus, and provides opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Ancient History: Passes through ancient cities like Sagalassos, offering insights into Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
- Turkish Cuisine: Allows hikers to sample authentic Turkish dishes along the way.
7. Mt. Nemrut Trail
A challenging hike up Mt. Nemrut in southeastern Turkey, leading to ancient ruins and breathtaking sunrises.
- Historical Significance: Provides an opportunity to explore the enigmatic ruins of the ancient Commagene kingdom.
- Stunning Sunrises: Offers unparalleled sunrise views over the surrounding landscape and nearby mountains.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires advanced hiking skills and proper equipment due to steep inclines and rocky terrain.
8. Eğribüzü-Yıldızkaya Trek
A moderate hike through the unique landscapes of the Eğribüzü and Yıldızkaya regions in eastern Turkey, featuring hoodoos, fairy chimneys, and other geological wonders.
- Geological Marvels: Offers a chance to explore unique rock formations like hoodoos and fairy chimneys.
- Remote Beauty: Provides opportunities for solitude and reflection amidst unspoiled natural beauty.
- Ancient Sites: Passes through the ancient site of Hasankeyf, offering insights into Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
9. Lake Abant Trail
A short and easy hike around picturesque Lake Abant in northern Turkey, offering opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
- Serene Environment: Provides a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Boasts an impressive variety of waterfowl, making it ideal for birdwatchers.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
10. Mt. Erciyes Trail
A challenging hike up Mt. Erciyes in central Turkey, providing stunning views of the surrounding region and ancient sites.
- Historical Significance: Passes through ancient cities like Kayseri and Cappadocia, offering insights into Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
- Stunning Views: Offers incredible vistas of the surrounding region, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires advanced hiking skills and proper equipment due to steep inclines and rocky terrain.
11. Babadağı-Zamant Mountain Trail
A challenging hike up Babadağı-Zamant Mountains in western Turkey, providing panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Greek islands.
- Stunning Coastal Views: Offers breathtaking vistas of the Aegean Sea and the Greek islands.
- Greek Island Vibe: Provides a taste of the famous Greek island lifestyle without leaving Turkey.
- Rich Cultural History: Passes through ancient ruins and Byzantine churches, offering insights into Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
12. Akdağlar-Kaş Mountain Trail
A scenic hike through the Akdağlar and Kaş mountains in southern Turkey, featuring diverse landscapes and ancient sites.
- Diverse Landscapes: Offers a variety of terrains, from forests to plateaus, and provides opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Ancient History: Passes through ancient cities like Xanthos, offering insights into Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
- Turkish Cuisine: Allows hikers to sample authentic Turkish dishes along the way.
13. Mt. Süphan Trail
A challenging hike up Mt. Süphan in eastern Turkey, leading to ancient ruins and breathtaking sunrises.
- Historical Significance: Provides an opportunity to explore the enigmatic ruins of the ancient Commagene kingdom.
- Stunning Sunrises: Offers unparalleled sunrise views over the surrounding landscape and nearby mountains.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires advanced hiking skills and proper equipment due to steep inclines and rocky terrain.
14. Lake Iznik Trail
A short and easy hike around picturesque Lake Iznik in northwestern Turkey, offering opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
- Serene Environment: Provides a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Boasts an impressive variety of waterfowl, making it ideal for birdwatchers.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
15. Mt. Erciyes Winter Trail
A challenging hike up Mt. Erciyes in central Turkey during winter, providing opportunities for skiing and snowboarding as well as stunning views.
- Winter Sports Activities: Offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of Mt. Erciyes.
- Stunning Views: Provides incredible vistas of the surrounding region, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Challenging Terrain: Requires advanced hiking skills and proper equipment due to steep inclines and snowy conditions.