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Çamlıhemşin Highlands

Çamlıhemşin Highlands: Stops Closest to the Sky

Çamlıhemşin is a legend not only for its valleys but also for its highlands arranged like a crown on the peaks of those valleys. Rising above the branches of the Fırtına and Çat Valleys, these highlands are unique living spaces where you can experience the "sea of clouds" phenomenon and where wooden and stone architecture integrates with nature.

Some are known by everyone and crowded, while others are silent shelters hidden at the foothills of Kaçkar. Here are the most special highlands of Çamlıhemşin, valley by valley, hill by hill:

Ayder Highland (Ayder Yaylası)

It is the showcase of the region, the easiest to reach, and the most touristic center. Starting where the spruce forests end, Ayder is the starting point of Çamlıhemşin trips with its hot springs, the famous Bridal Veil Waterfall (Gelin Tülü Şelalesi), and the festival atmosphere it offers every season. It has the most developed facilities in terms of accommodation and restaurant variety.

Click for Ayder Highland Travel Guide: Things to Do and Accommodation

Avusor Highland (Avusor Yaylası)

It is a Laz highland famous for its stone houses, established right under the Kemerli Kaçkar Mountain, welcoming you as you go up from Ayder. Especially the glacial lake (Avusor Lake) right above it offers a mesmerizing view for hikers and campers.

Click for Avusor Highland and Glacial Lake Hiking Route

Pokut Highland (Pokut Yaylası)

It is the undisputed star of social media. Located on a steep ridge at an altitude of 2050 meters, Pokut is known as the most aesthetic highland of Çamlıhemşin. Hosting the most beautiful examples of wooden architecture, the highland offers a fairytale atmosphere with fog clouds descending on the valley.

Click for Everything About Pokut Highland and Transportation Tips

Elevit Highland (Elevit Yaylası)

Unlike the peaks, it is established inside the Çat Valley, by the stream and at the forest border (1800m). It is known for its wooden bridges and being intertwined with wildlife, where locals live densely in the summer months. It is ideal for those looking for a greener, more sheltered, and peaceful atmosphere.

Click for Elevit Highland: Every Shade of Green and Accommodation

Gito Highland (Gito Yaylası)

It is one of the most popular stops on the Çat Valley route. With an altitude of 2070 meters, Gito allows you to look down on the clouds and is especially famous for its swing set against the view. Its nature, which remains more pristine compared to Pokut, is the choice of those who love silence.

Click for How to Get to Gito Highland? Detailed Guide

Badara Highland (Badara Yaylası)

It is a small but sincere stop on the way to Gito. With a small pond in the middle and stone-wood mixed houses lined around it, it resembles a natural movie set. It is a perfect stop to take a short break and capture great photos.

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Sal Highland (Sal Yaylası)

It is located right next to Pokut, within a 15-20 minute flat walking distance. Unlike Pokut, it is famous for its wide flat grassy area (square). Watching the Kaçkar Mountains and tasting the famous rice pudding (sütlaç) on this plain where children run and cows graze is a classic.

Click for Sal Highland Guide and the Story of Sal Rice Pudding

Kavron Highland (Kavron Yaylası)

It is divided into Lower and Upper Kavron. It is the last point reachable by vehicle closest to the summit of the Kaçkar Mountains (3937m). Being the main base camp for mountaineers, Kavron is a key point for those who want to hike to glacial lakes. It appeals to true nature lovers with its rugged geography.

Click for Kavron Highland and Glacial Lakes Hiking Route

Samistal Highland (Samistal Yaylası)

It is one of the highest and oldest highlands in the region. Since the road is difficult, it has been preserved from mass tourism. Its houses made of huge stone blocks (slate stones) astonish those who see them with their architecture resembling ancient times.

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Tirovit Highland (Tirovit Yaylası)

It is one of the crossing points between Fırtına Valley and Çat Valley (Elevit branch). With its high altitude and panoramic view, it is a frequent destination especially for groups doing trans-highland hiking.

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Kaleköy Highland (Kaleköy Yaylası)

It is the region where the historical Kale-i Bala (brother of Zilkale) watchtower is located. With both its historical texture and its position dominating the valley, it brings history and nature lovers together at the same point.

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Hazindak Highland (Hazindak Yaylası)

Located on the Pokut and Samistal/Ayder route, it is a highland that has preserved its texture due to limited vehicle access. With its wooden houses and location on the ridge, it is one of the favorite break points for hikers.

Click for Hazindak Highland Hiking Route

Huser Highland (Huser Yaylası)

It is the most legendary address for sunset. It is known as the terrace of Çamlıhemşin above the clouds. When the weather is clear, there is an endless sea of clouds under your feet and the redness of the setting sun. Most of the famous swing photos are taken here.

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Hacıvanak Highland (Hacıvanak Yaylası)

Located in the upper parts of the Elevit stream, in a spot that is quite difficult to reach. It is a desolate paradise adorned with stone houses, completely away from human crowds, where you can only hear the sound of the wind and water.

Click for Undiscovered Route: Hacıvanak Highland

Çiçekli Highland (Flower Highland)

It takes its name from the thousand and one kinds of flowers that bloom in the spring months. Used by the residents of Çinçiva (Şenyuva) village, this highland is a peaceful stop at the foothills of the Kaçkars offering unique frames for photographers.

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Çeymakçur Highland (Çeymakçur Yaylası)

It is close to the Ayder and Kavron route. It is mentioned together with Palakçur. It is a pleasant highland by the stream, generally preferred by those who want to escape the crowds of Ayder and have a quiet picnic or walk.

Click for Çeymakçur Highland Travel Notes

Amlakit Highland (Amlakit Yaylası)

Just like Elevit, it is established on the valley floor, by the stream. It is one of the highlands where "Vartavor" festivals are celebrated most enthusiastically. It is a settlement where the highland culture is still alive with its grocery store, coffeehouse, and friendly atmosphere.

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Ambarlı Highland (Ambarlı Yaylası)

It is one of the high highlands in the Kavron valley that cannot be reached by vehicle and is reached on foot. It is on the transit route of mountaineers going to the lakes region. It offers a truly "wild" experience without electricity, away from technology.

Click for Ambarlı Highland Camping Guide

Apivanak Highland (Apivanak Yaylası)

Deep in the Palovit Valley, it is another quiet route where you can see the most beautiful examples of stone architecture. Since transportation is difficult, its nature has remained completely pristine.