Aladaglar National Park was established in 1995 and every year adventure and nature lovers from all over the world visit. It is possible to reach this region, which stretches along Adana, Niğde and Kayseri, by road, airway and railway. 

Etymology 

The origin of the name Aladağlar (Mountains that are Al) is the hills that show their color most at sunset. 

Geography 

Aladaglar is the name of a mountain range in Turkey. It includes the highest peaks of the Eastern Taurus. The highest peak of these mountain ranges stretching along Niğde, Adana and Kayseri is Kızılkaya (3771m), while Demirkazık is said to be the toughest peak. 

Fauna & Flora

Fauna: Dwarf bat, wolf, fox, tamarin, squirrel, badger, mongoose, hedgehog, porcupine, marten, caracal, ermine, weasel, otter, mole, vole, horseshoe bat, hyena, lynx, wild goat, hare and wild boars are important fauna members of this mountain range. 

 Flora: Tree species such as juniper, fir, larch, red pine, oak, cedar, aspen and herbaceous plants such as detached, keven, daisy, spurge, mullein, thyme, violet, wild clover constitute the flora.

Mountain Peaks 

It has more than 60 peaks that are over 3000 meters high. For all these peaks, besides the classical climbing routes, there are also routes that require rock climbing. The summits contain more than 170 traditional climbing routes in total. Its highest peak is Kızılkaya with 3767 meters, it is also the highest mountain of the Taurus mountain range. The second highest peak is Demirkazık with 3757 meters. It is the most well-known and the most difficult peak of the Aladağlar to climb. During mountain climbing, it is necessary to have both technical equipment and knowledge and experience. The most enjoyable mountaineering activity in Aladağlar is the melting snow in April and May, its green nature and the cleanest running waters of cold water that cannot be stopped for even a minute. 

Natural Resources 

Yedigöller: It is at an altitude of 3500 meters. IV. It is the name given to 7 glacial lakes of various sizes, which were formed as a result of glacial erosion that took place in the geological time, but; In late spring and early summer, the number of lakes exceeds 20 due to factors such as snow and rain. In the dry summer season, many of them dry up and only those fed by groundwater remain. Apart from mountaineers, Yoruks also come here from Adana for transhumance. Transportation can be provided from Aladag district to the region. You can reach Hacer Forest from Kapuzbaşı Team Waterfalls, which is 46 km from the town center, by car, and then on foot in 3-4 hours. 

Cold Spring (Hacer Forest): It is the most important of the four water sources in the Hacer Forest. It is located in the center of the forest and the surrounding area is also used as a camping area. Toprak Taş cave, which is used as a “natural cold storage” by the Ulupınar villagers, is in front of the caves worth seeing here. 

Aksu Canyon: It is located in Yahyalı district of Kayseri. The tunnels formed by the ice masses falling into the canyon from time to time are worth seeing. Aksu Valley is frequently used by nature enthusiasts in the region for trekking. This region, which is visited especially towards the end of spring, is one of the most attractive places in Kayseri that can be preferred for nature photos and trekking. The canyon is located near Ulupınar village, above Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls. 

Zamantı Valley: The part of Zamantı River between Yeşilköy and Büyükçakır villages is a great area for rafting. It is said that there are many tracks in 4,5 and 6 degrees difficulty. There are at least 15 waterfalls that fall from the slopes in April-May, but over time, the water of these waterfalls is withdrawn. 

Kapuzbaşı Team Waterfalls: One of the waterfalls here is the highest in Turkey and the second highest waterfall in the world. It is located in Yahyalı district. 

Sports Activities 

Mountaineering 

Aladaglar National Park, located in these mountain ranges with all the main peaks higher than 3700 meters, gathers mountaineering enthusiasts from all over the world. 

Climb 

June, July, August and September are the best times. For Demirkazık, one of the most important peaks, Sokullupınar, which is one and a half hours away from Çukurbağ village by walking, is chosen as the camp site. Climbing and returning from here to the summit takes 10-12 hours under normal conditions. 

Important: Make sure you have a guide with you for climbing this mountain, which is said to be more challenging than Mount Ararat. 

Camp 

While Sokullupınar, Soğukpınar (Hacer Forest) and Yedigöller Valley are used as camp sites, there is also a 100-bed chalet in Demirkazık village.