|
ABOUT
THE KACKAR
MOUNTAINS
|
|
|
The Kackar Mountains, part of the Pontic Alps, is the
glaciated, granite mountain range which hugs the south
coast of the Black Sea, extending from the Caucasus
towards Istanbul.
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.
Lakes, springs and streams are plentiful and clear.
|
The crown of the range is the Altiparmak (six
fingered) and Kackar mountains, and Mount Kackar, at 3932m,
is the fifth highest peak in Turkey. Best points to arrive are
on the south side of the range, which is exempt from damp rolling
mists which clothe the northern slopes most afternoons. The
locals say that if the north face has 5 clear days in a month,
it's a surprise; if the south has 5 rainy days, it's amazing.
|
