10 Routes For Trekking In Turkey For Both Beginners And Advanced Trekkers In 2024

There is a misguided notion that “trekking is for fitness freaks only”. But if you are travel junkie or an amateur photographer or you are seeking a peaceful and serene environment, then trekking is the best option for you. Especially when you are on a tour to Eurasia, you should go for trekking in Turkey. The spectacular scenery, historic and cultural treasures of Turkey makes the country an ideal destination for trekking and hiking. The country has amazing countryside and a number of mountainous regions ideal for trekking in Turkey. To enhance your experience, you can take a look at the grand reserve of flora, fauna, and wildlife of Turkey on this trekking trip.

10 Renowned Trails For Trekking In Turkey

It is difficult to choose an ideal route for trekking in Turkey as there are around nineteen trekking routes. Here are the 7 best locations for trekking in Turkey:

1. St Paul Trail

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St Paul Trail is one of most special trekking trail of Turkey with a historical significance. The trail was used by St Paul l during his first journey through Asia Minor. It is a long distance trail which can take roughly 27 days to complete. Through this trek, you can witness the beauty of rural Turkish villages as well as extremely beautiful landscapes. The season to go for trekking on the St Paul Trail is April to July and September to November.

Distance: 500 Km
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Route: St Paul Trail stretches from Aspendos or Perge (east of Antalya on the south coast) to Yalvaç, north-east of Lake Eğirdir; the two branches fork at the Roman site of Adada

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2. Lycian Trail

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This is one of the most famous places for trekking in Turkey. The presence of a beach of 12 kms at Patara and stunning views of the coastline from Kas, Kalkan and Mount Olympos makes it one of the most unique trekking spot. You can also witness historic ruins of Lycian cities set against the Mediterranean region. We suggest you to wear proper shoes for hiking and buy a hiking pole, though the latter is not mandatory.

Distance: 509 Km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Route: From Fethiye to Antalya to the coastline of Lycia, southern Turkey

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3. Kaçkar Trail

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Located in the Black Sea region of Turkey, Kaçkar Trail is an extremely eye-pleasing sight. It is also one of the best choices among mountainous regions in Turkey to explore and trek. For trekking in Kaçkar, there is a solid network of mountains to be crossed which can take from a few hours to several days. One can take around 30 days to complete the trek. Mt Kaçkar is known to be Turkey’s fourth highest trekking point. You’re guaranteed to spot a bear, ibex or a wolf. The best and perhaps also the safest time to go on a trek on Kaçkar Trail is from July to September.

Distance: 154 km
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Route: Lies Between Çamlihemsin and Yusufeli in north-eastern Turkey

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4. Evliya Çelebi Way

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Evliya Çelebi Way is one of the oldest and longest trekking trails. This is the best trekking trail for nature and animal lovers. This is the first long Distance trail for trekking in Turkey with both walkers and horse riders at service. You can witness ancient provinces of Bithynia and Phrygia and ancestral homes of Evliya, among many other amazing sights.We suggest you to check the weather online in advance before starting your trek.

Distance: 1200 Km
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Route: From Istanbul to Kutahya

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5. Yenice Forest Trail

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Very less is known about this trekking trail. The main highlight of the Yenice Forest Trail is its strategic location. Located near the historic town of Safranbolu, a well-preserved Ottoman era region, Yenice Forest Trail is a must visit. Safranbolu is the centre of saffron crocus harvest. There is a short route of approximately 396 kms that can be covered via 21 alternative routes. This trail is easily accessible from Istanbul and Ankara region of Turkey. On this trail, you can make use of bikes or opt for horse riding to reach the destination. This trekking trail is ideal for two to a three-day hiking trip. The best time to go on this trek is in the months between March and October.

Distance: 395 Km
Difficulty level: Easy
Route: Yenice is a forest area in the northern part of Turkey

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6. Independence Trail or Istiklal

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It is an old trekking trail which was trekked by the liberating army officials during Turkey’s Independence war in the year 1991. Located at the opposite side of the country somewhere along the beach of the Black Sea, Independence Trail or Istiklal is quite a short trekking trail. This trekking trail has great importance in the history of Turkey. The best time to go on this trek is from March to October.

Distance: 105 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Route: From İnebolu to Seydiler-Kastamonu

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7. Carian Trail

This trekking trail will help you explore the ancient ruins and history of Southwest Turkey for an insightful hiking in Turkey. This trail allows you to witness the unspoiled, colourful and highly traditional version of Turkey. We suggest you to trek on the Carian Trail in the morning hours since there’s a very high chance of running into wild animals like foxes in the night.Remember to carry a flashlight and a bottle of water with you that you can fill up along the trail by stopping at water sources such as streams.

Distance: 820 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Route: The trail starts from Mugla, Turkey

8. Uludag Mountain Trail

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If you’re looking for the best Turkey hiking trails then is the best route leading from Sarialan to Cobankaya. Ths trail is usually known as one of the most popular hiking trails in Turkey during the summer. The winter months are for skiing and enjoying the ski resorts here. The Uludag National Park is a great resort for hikers to indulge in walking trail along the beautiful slopes, glacial lakes and Alpine meadows in the summer. 

Distance: 56 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Route: Through the forest from Sarialan to Cobankaya and the trail above the treeline to the glacial

9. Cappadocia Trail

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A paradise for hikers, this little piece of land has quite a distinct landscape with an abundance of historic sights. The Pigeon Valley is a famous spot for hiking with a surreal landscape, sculpted valleys, canyons and phallic rock formations. Amongst other famous spots for hiking in Cappadocia include Love Valleys, Red valley, Zemi Valley and Rose Valley.

Distance: 8 – 11 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Route: Start The Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi) path starts at Trail Marker G3 on Uzun Dore Road in south-east Göreme. 

10. Taurus Mountains Trail

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This hiking trail is very strenuous one of the most difficult hiking routes that you can find in Turkey. The Taurus mountains feature rocky paths, deep valleys, canyons, alpine pastures and lakes. The most popular trails are in western Taurus and central Taurus for the best trekking Turkey expeditions.

Distance: 6 – 10 km
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Route: You can traverse the old caravan routes, hike through the canyons and get up into the remote, craggy high country that has mesmerizing pastures and lakes.

Further Read: Street Food In Turkey: 10 Finger-Licking Delicacies That Pamper Foodies Of All Kinds

So the next time you plan a visit to Turkey, do not forget to gain an entirely new experience by trekking in Turkey. We promise you that it’ll be an an experience of a lifetime and you’ll go back from Turkey with tons of great memories.

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