Mount Kaçkar Mountain
Highest peak of Turkey's Kaçkar Range, rugged alpine
A high summit in Turkey's Kaçkar range with glaciated ridges, alpine meadows and summer shepherd routes; trekkers use multi-day approaches for remote climbs and mountain scenery.
Mount Kaçkar at a Glance#
About Mount Kaçkar#
Mount Kaçkar is the highest summit of the Kaçkar range in northeastern Turkey, a prominent peak in the Pontic Mountains known for steep, glaciated terrain and high alpine meadows.
Trekking and mountaineering are the main activities, with multi-day routes that cross glacial cirques and alpine pastures; the upper slopes retain perennial snow and ice in sheltered areas. Visitors use nearby mountain villages as bases for guided or independent climbs into the high country.
The Kaçkar massif has long been part of local pastoral and mountain-use traditions; in the modern era it has become better known to hikers and climbers as trail networks developed and mountain tourism increased in the region.
The mountain sits in northeastern Turkey within the Pontic (Black Sea) mountain system, in the administrative area of Artvin Province close to the border with Rize and the coastal Black Sea districts.
- Approximate elevation range: The principal peak in the Kaçkar Mountains rises to roughly 3,900 to 3,940 metres, making it one of Turkey’s highest non-summit ranges in the northeast.
- Trekking and access: The area is known for sustained alpine trekking and mountaineering seasons, with access from local Black Sea highland villages used as trailheads.
What to See#
- Main summit (Kaçkar peak): The main summit of the Kaçkar range is a steep, glaciated peak that forms the highest point of the Kaçkar massif and is the focus of extended alpine routes.
- Glacial cirques and alpine meadows: High mountain meadows, glacial cirques and remaining icefields occupy the upper valleys and are common features on multi-day trekking routes into the massif.
How to Get to Mount Kaçkar#
The Kaçkar range is accessed from the town of Çamlıhemşin and the city of Rize on Turkey’s Black Sea coast. Roads can be winding and narrow; most climbers use hired transport from Rize or Hopa and proceed via established trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Mount Kaçkar#
- Hire a local guide for route-finding and up-to-date beta on conditions - the Kaçkar massif is remote and highly weather-dependent.
- Plan for unpredictable weather and pack for high-altitude alpine conditions even in summer.
- Allow extra days for summit attempts; glacier and snow conditions can delay climbs.
Best Time to Visit Mount Kaçkar#
Best climbed in summer (June-September) when weather and access are most favorable.
Weather & Climate near Mount Kaçkar#
Mount Kaçkar's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -17°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (975 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -17° - -9° | -21° | 72 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| February | Poor | -17° - -9° | -21° | 69 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.5h |
| March | Poor | -15° - -7° | -18° | 75 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -8° - -1° | -11° | 102 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.1h |
| May | Poor | -4° - 4° | -5° | 122 mm | overcast | 76% | 4.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.3h |
| June | Acceptable | -1° - 9° | 0° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.8h |
| July | Good | 2° - 14° | 6° | 57 mm | some cloud | 82% | 4.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.6h |
| August | Good | 2° - 14° | 6° | 53 mm | some cloud | 82% | 4.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.6h |
| September | Good | -1° - 10° | 2° | 56 mm | some cloud | 80% | 4.0 m/s | 1.5 high | 12.3h |
| October | Acceptable | -5° - 3° | -5° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Poor | -10° - -3° | -13° | 94 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 4.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.8h |
| December | Poor | -15° - -8° | -19° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 4.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.2h |