The Kaçkar Mountains (often spelled Kackar in English) are one of Turkey’s most spectacular and rugged mountain ranges, located in the northeastern part of the country, along the eastern Black Sea coast.

Location
Part of the Pontic Mountain range
Stretch mainly across Rize, Artvin, and Erzurum provinces
Very close to the Black Sea, which strongly influences the climate

Geography & Peaks
The highest peak is Mount Kaçkar (Kaçkar Dağı) at 3,937 m (12,917 ft)
Characterized by:

Sharp granite peaks
Deep valleys
Alpine meadows (yaylas)
Glacial lakes and fast-flowing rivers
One of the most alpine-looking regions in Turkey

Climate
Very wet on the northern (Black Sea) side → lush, green landscapes
Harsher and drier on the southern side
Snow often remains on high peaks well into summer

Kaçkar Mountains National Park
Established in 1994
Protects much of the range’s natural environment
Popular for eco-tourism and conservation

Activities
Trekking & hiking (especially July–September)
Mountaineering & alpine climbing
Ski touring in winter and spring
Photography & nature travel
Traditional yayla culture: seasonal mountain villages with wooden houses and grazing animals
Recommended by Vic