This mountain range,
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. 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 summer climbs: 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 South: From Adana to Karsanti, then to the
Aciman or Trak mountain plateaus.
*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. Climbing Demirkazik: To climb Demirkazik (3756
m.), the highest peak in Aladaglar, go from Cukurbag
to the mountain plateau of Sokulupinar, a hike of about
1½ hours, and set up camp. It normally takes between
10-12 hours from the campsite to the peak and back.
For those planning to make a number of ascents in the
Aladaglar Mountains,
it is recommended to use the valley of Yedigoller as
a base camp. It is a 10-12 hour walk from Cukurbag to
Yedigoller.
There are a number of ways to reach the summits of Emler
Peak (3723 m), Kizilkaya (3723 m) and Direktas (3470
m) from Yedigoller. In the village of Demirkazik, there
is a new privately managed mountain resort with a 100-bed
capacity, with eating and bathing facilities as well
as a library. It is possible to use this resort as a
base for reaching the summits of Demirkazik and Lesser
Demirkazik (3425 m).
Leaving from the village of Cukurbag, it is a 1.5-2
hour hike to Emli valley. Using this area as a base
one can climb Mt. Kaldi (3734 m), Mt. Guzeller (3461
m) and Mt. Alaca (3588 m).
