The Kackar: Trekking in Turkey’s Black Sea Mountains

The Kackar Mountains are part of the Pontic Alps, a glaciated, granite mountain range which hugs the south coast of the Black Sea, extending from the Caucasus towards Istanbul. The mountain range is lushly wooded on the north, with pines succeeded at lower levels by chestnut, hornbeam and beech trees, with tea plantations and hazlenut groves spilling down towards the waves. The contrasting southern slopes are patched by summer pastures where black bulls graze and lakes, springs and streams are plentiful and clear. This 2nd edition of the guidebook and map describe over 30 days of trekking on eight major routes around the Kackar National Park. The guide includes comprehensive historical and cultural details of the area and clear colour photographs. It includes a two-sided full colour contour map with access to downloadable GPS data. The guidebook contains a new section on the unique flora of the area. It describes 7 day-walks and 8 multi-day treks crossing the main range of the Pontic Alps and subsidiary ranges, with altitudes up to 3900m. Full logistical information is included, with additional material and updates on the website.