Ayder Plateau

Ayder Yaylası

A lush, verdant alpine meadow surrounded by forested mountains at 1,600 meters elevation, offering cool mountain air and pastoral beauty. It's a base for hiking, a retreat from summer heat, and a place to experience traditional Turkish mountain hospitality.

Things to do

• Hiking to Uzungöl Lake — Trek through forested valleys to the stunning alpine lake about 10 km away, a half-day excursion offering mountain views and cool forest air.
• Visit traditional tea gardens — Relax in open-air çay bahçesis scattered across the plateau where locals gather to drink black tea and socialize with panoramic meadow views.
• Horse trekking through alpine meadows — Rent a local horse to explore the rolling grasslands and surrounding mountain trails at a leisurely pace, a traditional way to experience the plateau.
• Photography at sunrise — Wake early to capture the mist-covered mountains and golden light illuminating the green meadows, a photographer's paradise especially in spring and early summer.
• Visit Ayder Waterfall — Walk to the cascading waterfall nestled in the forested area near the plateau, refreshing and picturesque especially after rainfall.
• Mountain biking trails — Ride established dirt paths connecting different parts of the plateau and descending into surrounding valleys for adventurous cyclists.

Food to try

• Kaymak and honey with bread — Fresh clotted cream and wild mountain honey served warm with traditional flatbread, a quintessential Ayder breakfast experience.
• Trout from mountain streams — Freshly caught alabalık grilled simply with lemon and herbs, sourced from the cold streams flowing through the plateau.
• Corn bread (mısır unu ekmegi) — Dense, slightly sweet cornbread that's a staple carbohydrate in Black Sea highland cuisine, often served with meals.
• Mountain cheese (dağ peyniri) — Locally made white cheese with tangy flavor, produced by shepherds grazing animals on the plateau throughout summer.
• Wild mushroom dishes — Seasonal mushrooms foraged from the surrounding forests prepared simply sautéed with garlic and herbs, a summer specialty.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive by afternoon to adjust to altitude — At 1,600 meters elevation, take time to acclimate and rest your first evening to avoid mountain fatigue affecting your experience.
• Dress in layers year-round — Mountain weather changes rapidly with cool mornings and evenings even in summer, so bring sweaters and windbreakers despite the pastoral setting.
• Respect grazing livestock and pastoral routines — The plateau is an active summer pasture for sheep and cattle; stay on marked paths and be mindful of herding activities, particularly in early morning and evening.
• Learn basic Turkish greetings — Locals deeply appreciate visitors who attempt 'Merhaba' and 'Teşekkür ederim,' and hospitality is warm when you show respect for their mountain culture.