Route Details

- The route can be completed in either direction, but this description follows the Huser direction.
- The hike starts and ends in Ayder center.
- Follow the uphill asphalt road; there is a sidewalk along this initial stretch.
- Before reaching Şelale Pansiyon (Waterfall Pension), turn left onto a dirt road.
- The road begins very steeply, but after about 500–600 m and a few bends, it becomes wider and less inclined.
- You’ll reach a narrow trail that turns right into the forest.
- The trail climbs steadily, occasionally becoming steeper, with slippery sections requiring you to step over logs and rocks.
- After emerging above the forest line, follow the ridge of the meadow, which connects to a dirt road leading to Huser Plateau.
- Continue west along the Huser ridge.
- At the westernmost end, leave the plateau road and make the final climb around the meadow’s edge to reach 2400 m elevation (you can also continue on the gravel road if preferred).
- After 500 m, turn left onto a forest road.
- The road descends sharply toward the valley floor, dropping 550 m over 5.5 km, then climbs again 200 m over the next 2.5 km.
- Near the entrance of the plateau, turn left onto a narrow path.
- Cross the Kaçkar Stream to reach Aşağı (Lower) Kaçkar Plateau.
- Without joining the gravel road north of the plateau, continue on the trail for about 1 km, reconnecting with the road at a hill bend.
- Follow the gently ascending road until you reach the Koçdüzü road junction in the valley floor.
- From here, follow the signposted trail to the right, climbing along a ridge line.
- Ascend through terrain rich in green shrubs, rhododendrons, and wild blueberries.
- At 2600 m elevation, stay on the northern side of the ridge, following a soft trail eastward.
- Cross a scree section and follow the ridge that provides stunning views of Koçdüzü Plateau stretching eastward.
- You’ll occasionally follow cow paths or mixed grass-and-scree terrain down toward the plateau (the gravel road is an alternative option).
- In clear weather, the views are magnificent.
- Since the full loop is very demanding, an overnight stay at Koçdüzü or Didingola Plateau is recommended.

Didingola to Avusor Section
- After leaving Didingola Plateau, the trail begins.
- The initial section is short but may feel boggy — follow the markers carefully.
- The trail then climbs in zigzags toward Kaçkar Lake.
- Keep the lake on your right as you continue.
- Beyond the lake, a second steep ascent begins, leading in switchbacks to a pass overlooking Altıparmak Mountain — one of the most scenic points of the route.
- In clear weather, you can see Dadala Pension below you.
- Descend toward the pension, then continue with a gentle incline past wetlands toward the Avusor Pass.
- At the pass, you’ll see Kemerli Kaçkar Mountain, and, if the weather is good, panoramic views of Avusor Plateau and surrounding peaks.
- Descend gently along the mountain slope to reach Avusor Plateau, where the trail connects to the gravel road.

Return to Ayder
- From here, descend about 10 km along the mountain road back toward Ayder Plateau.
- Along the way, you’ll pass the Huser Plateau junction — continue down the main road.
- At the next junction, near Çise Pension, turn right onto the trail.
- Follow the path leading to the Huser sign above Ayder, where it rejoins the road and descends into Ayder center — completing the loop.

Risks

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