Trekking Route 2: Girdev Plateau and Lake Circuit Discovery

The Story of the Route

Get ready to walk on a plateau neighbouring the clouds, 1800 meters above sea level, at the foot of Mount Eren. This route will not only take you to one of Turkey's most important bird sanctuaries but also to the remains of a mysterious ancient settlement lying under and around the water. This walk around Girdev Lake is a mystical journey where nature and history intertwine, prompting the question at every step: "Who lived here, at this altitude?" This is a place that will fill your lungs with clean oxygen while occupying your mind with millennia-old secrets.

Practical Information

| Difficulty Level | MODERATE (Due to high altitude and occasionally uneven terrain) |
| Distance | Approx. 6 km (4 miles) (Full circuit of the lake) |
| Estimated Time | 2 - 2.5 hours |
| Starting/Finishing Point | The main flat area/campsite on the Girdev Plateau |
| Best Season | Summer (June-August), Early Autumn (September) |
| Water Sources | Fountains may be available on the plateau but not around the lake. Bring your own water. |
| Terrain | Meadow, dirt path, occasionally rocky and uneven ground. |

Step-by-Step Route

• The Start: Begin your walk from the main plateau flatland where cars park and campers often set up. You can start walking clockwise or counter-clockwise from a point where you have a full view of the lake.
  


• North Shores and Ancient Ruins: Focus on the northern and western shores of the lake in the first part of your walk. Here, you can more clearly see the scattered ancient stone blocks and sarcophagi with lion lids.
  


• The "Sunken City" Area: Observe the slightly elevated piece of land within the lake and the walls surrounding it. When the water level is low, the house foundations in this area become more prominent. This is one of the most interesting spots for photography.
  


• Full Circuit of the Lake: Although there isn't a single distinct path, you can complete your tour by walking on the meadow surrounding the lake. Watch the views of Mount Eren and the surrounding hills from different angles throughout your walk.
  


• Birdwatching: Stop frequently during your walk and scan the lake and its surroundings with your binoculars. This area is home to hundreds of species, from cranes and wild geese to raptors and songbirds.
  




Route Highlights





• High-Altitude Flora: Endemic mountain flowers and plants that grow only at this altitude.
  


• Historical Mystery: The ruins of the ancient settlement in and around the lake.
  


• Bird Paradise: The opportunity to walk in one of Turkey's most important birdwatching areas.
  


• Panoramic Views: 360-degree views of the Taurus Mountains and Mount Eren.
  

Tips

Don't forget you are at 1800 meters (approx. 5900 feet); the weather can change suddenly. Always have a protective layer for wind and rain with you. As this is a bird paradise, a good pair of binoculars will elevate your experience to a whole new level. The ground around the lake can be wet and uneven in places, so it's best to wear waterproof, high-ankle hiking boots. It's also a good idea to inquire about the condition of the gravel road leading to Girdev before you set out.