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The Cilo-Sat Mountain Range 4136m
The Cilo-Sat mountains, within the southeastern Hakkari
province are the eastern extension of the Toros (Taurus)
mountain chain which stretches from west to east along Turkey's
southern boundaries. The mountain range forms the western
section of the Himalayan mountain belt. At 4136 meters,
the Uludoruk (Re_ko) summit is the highest in the Cilo mountains;
Catalkaya(Samdi), which rises to 3794 meters crowns the
Sat mountains.
Resembling the Alps both in general appereance and glacier
topography, the Cilo_Sat mountains are the areas in Turkey
most affected by glaciers. The high altitudes of the mountains
testify to the effects of glacial formation and water erosion.
Of the ten differently shaped glaciers, the largest, Izbìrak,
measures five kilometres in length, 500_600 meters in width.
It reaches up to 100 meters in depth.
A wide arid expanse stretches across the southern base
of the mountain range. The highlands, in contrast, receive
plentiful precipitation during the winter months. In between
crests and summits, fertile green valleys dotted with rural
settlements, enjoy a temperate climate that makes them ideal
for wine and fruit agriculture.
Above the low valleys, alpine meadows blanket the mountain
slopes at altitudes between 2000 and 3100 meters. Herds
of domestic animals, the raising of which makes up the primary
economic activityof the region, graze on these pastures.
TRIPS AND CLIMBS
Arduous and elevated summits, high glaciers, glacial rivers
and fast moving streams combine to make the Cilo_Sat mountains
both a fascinating geographic and geological site of worldwide
importance and a national park of spectacular beauty. The
best time for summer excursions is during June, July, August
and September. For winter climbing February and March are
the most suitable months.
GETTING THERE
To reach the Cilo_Sat mountains, travel to Van from Ankara
by road, rail, or air and then follow the 245 km long highway
to Hakkari. Serpil village offers one route for an ascent
of Uludoruk.
REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS
A vast plateau, yayla culture has evolved on the Cilo and
Sat mountains, and the summer migration of the colorfully
clad local population to the high grazing pastures is a
memorable event. Mountain glaciers and swiftly running rivers
alive with fish and beautiful glacier lakes are a few of
the area's natural wonders.
Activities
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