Kaçkar and Yukarı Kavron 2026: Peaks, Lakes, Forests and Pastures

عاشق الأناضول · Oct 4, 2026

A stream and houses at Kavrun in the Kaçkar Mountains.

The Kaçkar Mountains are a major range in the eastern Black Sea region, with rocky summits, valleys, forests, pastures and high lakes. Yukarı Kavrun is one of the settlements associated with this landscape in Rize province. The area reveals the natural variety that comes with altitude, combining wildlife habitats with an inherited culture of yayla summer pastures and settlements.

Summits and Mountain Terrain

Kaçkar differs from the hills near the coast in its height, steep slopes and extensive rocky ground. Glacial processes and rivers have shaped valleys, basins and lake sites, leaving some slopes particularly rugged and exposed. This variety explains the contrasting landscapes within the range, from dense forest to meadows and summits with few trees.

Lakes and Waterways

Mountain lakes and streams are scattered through the uplands, feeding water networks in the valleys below. Some lake basins were formed by glaciers, distinguishing them from lakes created by natural barriers or engineered dams. Water connects the high environment with life on the slopes, shaping vegetation, grazing land and rivers flowing towards the Black Sea.

Alpine meadows and flowers in Kaçkar Mountains National Park.

Yukarı Kavrun

Yukarı Kavrun, also rendered Yukarı Kavron, is a rural settlement among pastures and high slopes. Its occupation is linked to summer grazing traditions, and the houses and meadows add a social dimension to the surrounding peaks. Visiting the settlement differs from following summit or lake routes: the presence of a village does not mean that conditions are similar throughout the surrounding mountains.

Conservation and Natural Diversity

The Kaçkar area includes protected land, with plants and habitats varying according to altitude, aspect and moisture. Flowers and meadows appear at particular times of year, while snow and water transform the terrain at others. Conservation matters because upland soils and plants are vulnerable to trampling and litter. The area’s value extends well beyond reaching its highest point.

Practical Notes

A visit to the village and nearby meadows requires different preparation from a long mountain walk. Check weather, snow and route difficulty, and use a guide where appropriate. Follow trails, leave plants untouched and carry out rubbish. Exploring the settlement and surrounding scenery is a rewarding option without climbing to the summits.

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Kaçkar and Yukarı Kavron 2026: Peaks, Lakes, Forests and Pastures

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