Kaçkar Mountains glacier lakes hike with Huser sunset

Climb to a glacier lake and swim in meltwater, then descend to watch the sun drop below the clouds

A full-day hiking tour in the Kaçkar Mountains Range starts with hotel pickup and a drive to Avusor Plateau (2,350m), then follows a trail climbing 1.5 hours to Avusor Glacial Lake at 2,700 meters. You have two hours at the lake to swim (weather permitting), eat lunch and rest before the descent. The day ends at Huser Plateau for sunset, then transfer back to your hotel. The tour runs 9 hours total, with 7.5 hours at the hiking locations and the rest in transit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking and sunset at Kaçkar Mountains

• Pick up guests at 09:00
• Drive 1 hour to Avusor Plateau
• Hike 1.5 hours to Avusor Glacial Lake
• Enjoy 2 hours free time at lake
• Hike back to Avusor Plateau
• Drive 40 minutes to Huser Plateau
• Watch sunset at Huser Plateau
• Transfer guests back to hotel

The experience

You start from your hotel in Ayder Plateau or Çamlıhemşin at 9:00 am and drive roughly an hour to Avusor Plateau. The hike begins at 2,350 meters and climbs for about 90 minutes to Avusor Glacial Lake, which sits at 2,700 meters. The trail passes through wild flowers and open terrain. The pace is steady but manageable for most fitness levels. Once you reach the lake, you have two hours of free time: long enough to swim in the glacier-fed water (if conditions allow), eat the lunch you've brought, and recover before the return walk.

The descent takes roughly the same time as the climb. After you finish at Avusor Plateau, the minibus drives you about 40 minutes to Huser Plateau, where you watch the sunset from above the cloud line. This is the day's final moment before the transfer back to your hotel, ending the tour around 6:00 pm. Your guide speaks English or Turkish throughout and handles all logistics. You bring your own food and water.

What’s included

• Private minibus transportation from your hotel and back.
• a live guide speaking English or Turkish.
• two hours of free time at Avusor Glacial Lake for swimming and lunch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Turkish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by PALOVİT TURİZM TAŞIMACILIK LTD.ŞTİ

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day of hiking with private transport and guide included, plus two hours at the glacier lake for swimming rather than a quick stop.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Turkish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high is Avusor Glacial Lake and what is the hike like to get there?

Avusor Glacial Lake sits at 2,700 meters. The hike climbs for about 90 minutes from Avusor Plateau (2,350m) through open terrain with wild flowers. The pace is steady and the trail is suitable for all fitness levels, though the altitude and distance require a moderate level of endurance.

Can I swim in the glacier lake, and how much time do I have there?

Yes, you can swim in Avusor Glacial Lake depending on weather conditions. You have two hours of free time at the lake to swim, eat lunch and rest before the descent begins.

What happens after the hike ends at Avusor Plateau?

After the hike, you drive about 40 minutes by minibus to Huser Plateau to watch the sunset. Once the sun sets, you transfer back to your hotel in Ayder or Çamlıhemşin, ending the tour around 6:00 pm.

What should I bring, and is lunch provided?

Bring your own lunch and water for the day. The tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation by minibus, and a guide who speaks English or Turkish. You are responsible for your own food.

What time does the tour start and end?

Hotel pickup is at 9:00 am from Ayder Plateau or Çamlıhemşin. The full tour runs 9 hours, with about 7.5 hours spent at the hiking locations and the rest in transit. You return to your hotel around 6:00 pm.