Penguin Travel

This spectacular journey takes us to Central Anatolia, Turkey. The mountains and the ancient volcanoes in this region are perfect playground for ski touring. The trip offers fantastic free ride skiing/snowboarding along the untrodden slopes of four of the highest peaks of Aladaglar, Taurus mountains, the extinct volcano Mt. Erciyes (3916m.a.s.l) and Mt. Hasan (3268 m.a.s.l). As well as being a fantastic destination for skiing and snowboarding, this tour is an invitation to experience another civilization and culture.

 Tour Highlights

  ♦ The imposing rocky Taurus (Aladaglar) mountains with highest peak Demirkazik – 3756m
  ♦  Cappadocia – a land of extreme natural beauty, mystery and rich history
  ♦ Stunning alpine lanscapes and rich wildlife
  ♦ The extinct volcanoes Hasan and Ercyes 
  ♦ The unique underground citiy Derinkuyu

Itinerary:

Day 1. Ankara - Helvadere village
Arrival in Ankara (approx. 230 km) or Kayseri (approx. 130 km) airports and transfer to Helvadere village for overnight.

Day 2. Helvadere village - Hasan volcano - Cukurbag village
We leave the pension early in the morning, starting the ascent from 2100m.a.s.l.
After about 5 hours trekking on the northern slopes of Hasan, we reach the top of the extinct volcano (3268 m.a.s.l). The route offers stunning views of the vast Anatolian Plateau and the valley of Helvadere. Enjoying the spectacular downhill ride (about 1200 vertical meters) we join back the minibus for a transfer to Cukurbag village, situated at the foothills of Aladglar Mountain. We stay the rnight in an authentic local house.

Day 3. Cukurbag - Alaca peak - Cukurbag village
We begin with a transfer to the starting point of today’s trek - Aksampinari valley, where we put our ski (snowshoes for those with snowboards) and head towards Avciveli pass (3400m.a.sl). Ascending on the southern slopes of the peak soon we reach the top of Alaca (3585m.a.sl). After enjoying the spectacular panoramic views, a great downhill ride along Buyuk Mangirci valley is in store of us. Once we reach the high-mountain plateau Skulpinar, we will be transferred to Ckurbag village for overnight.

Day 4. Cukurbag - Emler peak - Cukurbag
Transfer to Sokulupinar plateau (around 2000m.a.s.l), from where the trek along Karayalak valley starts. In about 4 hours we reach Celik buyduran pass (3450m. a.s.l), from where we have to overcome about 300 vertical meters more to Emler peak (3723m.a.sl). The view from the top is truly breathtaking – in a nice weather we will have the chance to enjoy a spectacular view to the massif of Aladaglar, Mt. Ercyes and Mt. Hasan volcanoes and the vast Anatolian plateau. We descent back to Sukulpinar plateau along the same route. Overnight we stay in Cukurbag village.

Day 5. Aksam Pinary plateau - Guzeller peak
Transfer to Aksam Pinari area. About 4 hours easy trek up to Mt. Guzeller summit (3461m.a.s.l). Skiing / snowboarding on the same route back to Aksam Pinari plateau.

Day 6. Maden gorge - Kalatepe peak - Derinkuyu Underground City - Cappadocia
Morning transfer to Maden gorge. After about 3 hours light ascent we reach the top of Mt. Kalatepe (3200m.a.sl), where our effort will be rewarded with awesome panoramic view. On our way down we have to pass about 1500 vertical meters on the western slopes of the peak to Buldurus pass (1700m.a.s.l), where a mini-bus will be waiting to transfer us to Cukurbag village. In the late afternoon, we will be taken to Cappadocia. On our way, if we have enough time we stop and visit the underground city of Derinkuyu. It is eight floors at a depth of approximately 85 m.
Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 7. Cappadocia - Ercyes ski resort - Ercyes peak - Cappadocia
Today we start very early in the morning with a transfer (about 1 hour) to the ski resort of Mt. Erciyes. Here we take a lift that will save us a big part of the ascent. Reaching the last station we will have only about five hours trek on the north-east slopes of Seytanderesi valley to the highest point of Central Anatolia - the extinct volcano of Ercyes (3916m.a.s.l). After enjoying the stunning panoramic views from the top we head back towards the ski resort. The downhill ride takes about 2 hours. Reaching Mt. Erciyes resort we will be transferred back to our hotel in Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 8. Cappadocia - Ankara
After breakfast we will be taken to airport for departure. 

Included in the price: ►Accomodation in pension (day 1), authentic village house (days 2, 3, 4 and 5) and hotel (days 6 and 7)►full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner included (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners, lunches will be provided as lunch packs or picnics)►all ground transfers as per itinerary, local English- speaking guides.
 
Not included: ►Private equipment►entrance fees►tips►alcohol drinks and other personal expenses.

Other expences: single room supplement: 70 Euro

We recommend the trip in the period: Februarry - April   

Necessary equipment: • Ski equipment: skis (fat skis, enough light for ski touring / snowboard; ski touring boots / snowboard boots; ski touring bindings (alpine ski adaptor is an alternative, but not recommend); sticks; ski skins / snowshoes (for those with snowboards); crampons • Clothing and accessories: thermal underwear; thermal socks; fleece jacket / wind stopper jacket; jacket made of breathable material (Gore-Tex or simiralar) with absolute wind and water resistance. Side-openings and powder skirt are recommendable; pair of pants – with side-openings, breathable fabric (Gore-Tex or similar); hat that covers the ears (Polartec, Windstopper); fool face hat (recommendable); gloves / mittens (breathable waterproof if possible); helmet; sunglasses (guaranteed 100% UV protection); goggles; sunscreen lotion (high UV protection); lip balm (high UV protection); sleeping bag. *Dressing in layers is highly recommendable • Recommendable safety equipment: helmet; back protector / backpack with spine protector; avalanche transceiver; shovel; avalanche probe; first aid kit. 
   

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