Amlakit Plateau

Description

It is an area in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, known for its natural beauty.

Story

Amlakit Plateau, located in the heart of the Kaçkar Mountains, at one of the deepest and most magnificent points of Palovit Valley, is a nature fortress established at approximately 2000-2100 meters elevation. Amlakit, thanks to being located at a relatively difficult point to reach, has become one of the places that best preserves that pristine and traditional fabric among Black Sea plateaus. The plateau is settled like an oasis on the shore of Palovit Stream, between steep slopes and massive forests. The road to Amlakit is an adventure-filled route passing through centuries-old pines and roaring waterfalls. What greets you when you reach here is not just a settlement; it is nature's raw power and human labor that has adapted to this power. The plateau's architecture consists of houses made entirely from river stones and hardwoods obtained from the region, built with steep roofs to carry tons of snow accumulated in winter. Amlakit Plateau is especially famous for the 'Amlakit Vartivor Festivals', one of the region's largest plateau festivals. During this period, the plateau turns into a festival ground where thousands of people gather, horons never stop, and Hemşin culture is displayed in its most vibrant form. However, outside the festival period, Amlakit is a peace point where absolute silence and nature's rhythm dominate. The cold stream passing through the center of the plateau is a natural cooling source for plateau dwellers and visitors on hot summer days. For visitors, Amlakit Plateau is a true trekking and exploration center. The paths extending from the plateau to other high plateaus like Hazindak or Samistal are considered among Turkey's best routes for professional nature walkers. Amlakit's air has a very special freshness thanks to the dense forest fabric in the region and the presence of water. A night spent here promises the most peaceful sleep of your life with the brightness of the stars and the lullaby of the stream. Amlakit Plateau is one of the Black Sea's deepest and most honest geographies where one can move away from the ambitions of the modern world and be alone with nature and one's inner voice. This is a place that reminds one of the sanctity of earth and water at every step.

Visit Tips

• The road to Amlakit is quite rough and may include stream crossings at times; it must be traveled with a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle.
• Be sure to stop at the famous Palovit Waterfall on the plateau road; however, be careful of the extremely humid and slippery rocks around the waterfall.
• If you're planning to go during the festival (Vartivor) period, be prepared considering the extreme crowds and limited accommodation in the area.
• Since Amlakit is close to a valley floor, the sun sets earlier than other plateaus; plan your walks well according to daylight.

Photos