The River Altiparmak (Barhal), located
in the province of Artvin, emerges from the southern
side of the Kackar Mountains and runs about 40 km to
join the Coruh river 2 km south of Yusufeli.
The Altiparmak flows through a strikingly
beautiful valley enveloped by high mountains. Recommended
for canoeing and rafting, the river has a rich selection
of flora and fauna, and a high flow-rate year round
because of the run-off of melting snow.
The basin of the Altiparmak can be reached by Yusufeli
via Artvin or Erzurum. Ogdem Creek joins the Altiparmak
6 km from Yusufeli, and the town of Sarigol is 19 km
from Yusufeli and accessible by a stabilised gravel
road.
The area of Deftise, situated about 1.5 km beyond Sarigol,
is distinguished by wooden two-
story houses built in traditional Black Sea style. Edged
by dense green forests, these picturesque houses and
the misty summit of the Kackar Mountains create a very
beautiful panorama. The village of Altiparmak (Barhal)
is accessible from Sarigol via a narrow, 12km long road,
and the people here are very hospitable and friendly,
with accommodation available in simple guest-houses.
This village serves as one of the main campsites on
the climb up Kackar Mountain. A stabilised road
leads
to Yaylalar, 24 km beyond Altiparmak, and west is the
Artvin Kackar Tourism Centre.
COURSES
The pretty hamlet of Deftise, north of Sarigol, provides
the best starting point for canoe and raft expeditions
down the Altiparmak, which runs approximately 22 km
from this point to the junction with the Coruh, with
class 3-4 waters. The riverbed is rocky, and special
care needs to be taken when the river flow rate is low.
Three km from Sarigol, the ruins of citadel of Bahceli
lie to the right of the creek before reaching Yusufeli,
after crossing the concrete bridge near the junction
of Ogdem creek and the Altiparmak. The run may be completed
either at Yusufeli or 2 km ahead, before the Altiparmak
flows into the River Coruh River.
The best months to plan a canoe or
raft trip on the Altiparmak is between May and August.
