The highlands
in foothills of the Kaçkar mountain range with their
unspoiled natural surroundings and charming highland
houses are a must-see.
The most significant highlands around Rize are, in Ikizdere:
Anzer, Çagrankaya, Ovit, Varda, Gölyayla and Cimil;
in Hemsin Ambarli; and in
Çamlihemsin:
Ayder, Asagi and Yukari Kavran, Elevit, Tirevit, Kale,
Bas Highland, Hacivarak, Palovit, Çaymakçur, Amlakit
and Samislat. The highlands of Ayder, Anzer and Yukari
Kavran have been declared Tourist Centers.
ÇAMLIHEMSIN-ASAGI
AND YUKARI KAVRAN HIGHLANDS
Transport
: The Asagi Kavran highland, located 19 km southeast
of Çamlihemsin, can be reached via a 10 km dirt road
that starts in Ayder. There are minibuses that provide
transportation. It is 3 km from Asagi Kavran to Yukari
Kavran.
Description
: It is about 8 km from the highland village of Yukari
Kavran, (elevation 2300 m) to the peak of Kaçkar Mountain
(3937 m.). The village is the base camp for climbers on their
way to Kaçkar. This village, which has no infrastructure,
does have a small market that can provide basic necessities.
Mules can also be rented here as pack animals for those climbing
Kaçkar Mountain.
Accommodation - Food and Drink :
There are no accommodations here. There is a hotel and a bed
and breakfast in nearby Ayder.
IKIZDERE-ANZER (BALLIKÖY) HIGHLAND
TOURISM CENTER
Transport :
It is located 39 km south of Ikizdere. The road between Ikizdere
and Dereköy is asphalt for 4 km. and dirt road for 25 km.
During the summer there are minibuses. Description :
The infrastructure of this village situated at 3000
m. is finished. There is a post office, small market, butcher,
bakery, green grocer, teahouse and restaurants. The famous
healing spring of Anzer Bali which has brought many people
back to health is
found here.
Accommodation - Food and Drink :
There are many bed and breakfast establishments here and all
of your basic needs can be obtained from the village markets.
ÇAMLIHEMSIN-AYDER THERMAL SPRING
AND TORISM CENTER-AYDER
HIGHLAND
Transport :
Located 19 km southeast of Çamlihemsin, there is a year-round
minibuses service. Description :
With an elevation of 1350 m. the Ayder Highland is
the most well-known highland along the Black Sea. The infrastructure
is totally in place and it almost has the appearance of a
small town. Besides the abundant plant and wildlife, it is
also very famous for its thermal spring. The hot waters (50
C) bring healing to rheumatism, various stomach
and feminine
ailments and. The area around this highland village, used
as part of the ascent up the Kaçkar mountains, has abundant
wildlife. Among the animals that can be seen are curly-horned
mountain goats, lynx, bear and wolves. The 'Ayder' Festival
is held here every year.
Accommodation - Food and Drink :
There are several hotels as well as bed and breakfast
type lodgings. Everything that one would need can be found
here in the village.
IKIZDERE-ÇAGIRANKAYA HIGHLAND
Transport :
Located 25 km east of Ikizdere, it can be reached by minibuses
which run during the summer and the dirt road leading to the
village is a very scenic route. Description :
Situated at 3200 m., the Çagirankaya Highland, which
is a flat mountain plateau, gets its name from the echoing
effect provided by the steep slopes and cliffs which surround
it. There is electricity and telephone service and a small
market, butcher and a teahouse.
Accommodation - Food and Drink :
There are no accommodations here. One should bring
camping equipment, but meat, milk and bread can be purchased
in the village.
