Turkey, Antalya - The Taurus Trail Ride of Contrasts
Up high in the Taurus Mountains, life goes on as it always has in the small isolated villages without the pulsating big city beat. It is fascinating to come here to the horse along the small winding roads. You come into close contact with the friendly locals. You stay 4 nights at the elegant ranch and 3 nights in simple accomodation with local families in the small villages in the mountains. As in most Mediterranean countries, there is always a local restaurant where villagers gather. You will get the chance to try lots of Turkish specialties.
The ride goes up to 1000 meters (3,200 ft) above sea level where the views are breathtaking. On one of the days, you will visit nomads and be invited to join them in an exciting lunch. After four days in the mountains, you return to the beautiful ranch and the turquoise sea.
This trail ride gives you unique experiences in the mountains and lovely sun & sea.
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The Program
Saturday: On arrival, you will be served a welcome drink. You will receive information on the riding center and the weekly schedule.
Sunday:
Breakfast. You get to meet the horses, and take test ride in the ring or simply head out on a short ride. After that, you can relax and have a good time, and maybe take a dip in the pool before dinner (not included).
Monday:
After breakfast, the trail ride begins. You pack the essentials into your saddlebags. You ride about 7-8 hours to the village of Yayla Kuzdere. Yayla Kuzdere is the village closest to the peak of Mount Tahtali (2365 m / 7,800 ft), and is covered with snow until the middle of June. On the way, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the coast and the fresh mountain air. Overnight and dinner with a Turkish family.
Tuesday:
On your second day in the mountains, you will ride to the village of Cukurca in the Taurus Mountains (1500 meters / 4,900 ft). You can also enjoy the beautiful views of the coast today. Overnight and dinner with a Turkish family. 7-8 hours of riding.
Wednesday:
Today you ride about 7-8 hours to the village of Gedelma, located on a mountain plateau and with a great view. Overnight and dinner with a Turkish family.
Thursday:
Today you return to the ranch via the Kesme Bogazi ravine. 6-7 hour riding. You stop and cool down in the icy waters of the Agva River which flow through and down Kesme Bogazi, a narrow pass between steep cliffs. Return to the ranch in the afternoon.
Friday:
On the last day, you ride through forests and fields overlooking the sea. 3-4 hours of riding
Back at the ranch, you can rest and maybe take a dip in the pool before the farewell dinner in the evening (payable locally).
Saturday:
After breakfast you bid farewell to your new friends, the horses and the ranch.
This ride takes you through the Taurus Mountains and the area surrounding the Tahtali Mountains that climb up to 2365 meters (7,700 ft) above sea level. You will ride up to 1000 meters (4,900 ft). This ride is run throughout the summer as the temperatures up here are about 5-7 C degrees (41-45 F) lower than in Kemer city.
Subject to change due to local circumstances. Times are approximate.