Avusor Plateau

Description

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

Story

Avusor Plateau, located at the foot of the Altıparmak Mountains, one of the most fierce and magnificent peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains, at approximately 2400 meters elevation, is one of the obas that preserves Rize's Laz culture and high mountain life in its purest form. The most fundamental feature that distinguishes Avusor from other plateaus is its houses built entirely of stone, with low ceilings and leaning against each other. This architectural structure is a defense mechanism developed over centuries against the region's harsh winds and snow masses reaching meters in height in winter. When you step onto the plateau, you see traces of a life built entirely on survival and harmony with nature, far from the aesthetic concerns of the modern world. Avusor is not just a settlement, but also a gate opening to the heart of the Kaçkars. The plateau's true mystery lies in Avusor Glacial Lake (Dadaş Lake), reached by approximately 1-1.5 hours of nature walk from the settlement area. This glacial lake, with its heart-shaped structure and the reflection of the steep rocks surrounding it hitting the lake, offers visitors a visual feast that would make the Alps jealous. The lake's water is like ice even in the hottest months of the year, and the snows around it sometimes never melt. Time at Avusor is measured by the fog filtering down from the mountains and the bell sounds of cows. Here you can join the sincere conversations of plateau dwellers speaking Laz, and breathe in the fresh bread smell coming from the smoking chimneys of stone houses. Due to the plateau's high elevation, the vegetation consists entirely of alpine meadows, and this situation transforms this place into a flower paradise. For visitors, Avusor Plateau promises a true 'wilderness' experience. For those who want to escape the crowds and tourist intensity of Ayder Plateau, Avusor is an absolute silence and peace sanctuary. Although electricity and technology are limited on the plateau, the brightness of the stars in the sky and the generous landscape nature offers more than compensate for this deficiency. While Avusor's cool wind hits your face, looking at the majestic silhouette of the Altıparmak Mountains reminds one how small but precious a part of nature humans are. This is one of Rize's most characteristic high-altitude points where you can feel the hardness of the earth, the coldness of water, and the taste of freedom at every step.

Visit Tips

• If you're planning to go up to the glacial lake, be sure to wear ankle-supporting trekking shoes; the path is completely rocky and rough.
• Laz culture dominates on the plateau; you'll see they're extremely hospitable when communicating with local people, listen to regional legends from them.
• Weather conditions are very variable; fog suddenly setting in on the lake path can disorient you, so don't leave the trail.
• Be sure to bring energy-giving dried nuts and water with you; there are no facilities around the lake.

Photos