How to Get to Pokut Yaylası: A Heavenly Plateau in Turkey
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Curious to visit one of the most picturesque places on Earth? Here’s everything to know about how to visit Pokut Yaylası in Turkey!
While everyone knows about Istanbul and Cappadocia, certain corners of Turkey are yet to be discovered by the masses. Until they are, they remain some of the most beautifully unspoiled places we’ve ever visited.
Among these destinations is Pokut Yaylası, nestled in the hills of northern Turkey.
Pokut Yaylası is a breathtakingly picturesque scene that isn’t necessarily easy to reach, but damn worth it once you do. This slice of heaven should be on everyone’s travel bucket list and we’re sharing exactly how to accomplish this.
Get ready to experience the finest of Turkey’s nature, enjoy a home-cooked meal in the clouds, and soak in some unbelievably spectacular views.
In this guide, find out how to get Pokut Yaylası, tips for visiting and where to stay.
What is the Pokut Yaylası?
Yaylası, or yayla in Turkish, translates to “highland” or “plateau” in English. In particularly mountainous regions of northern Turkey, you’ll come across many of these, while they’re a distinct characteristic of Turkey’s high-altitude landscapes.
Pokut Yaylası happens to be one of the most well-known highlands in Turkey, although there are a handful of others worth trekking to.
These alpine pastures are reminiscent of scenes from a storybook and, in our opinion, are the most picturesque sites in all of Turkey.
A yayla in Turkey is more than just a place, but a way of life that has been formed over numerous generations. Among the lush greenery and dense forests, you’ll stumble upon quaint villages nestled in the dips of the terrain.
The small plateau settlements practice traditional methods of cooking, farming, and often even consist of homes that are over 200 years old. As time stands still in places like Pokut Yaylası, many of the existing homes have been transformed into summer getaways and charming guesthouses.
Upon reaching Pokut Yaylası, stop at one of the guesthouses for a home-style meal while floating above the clouds.
Above all, visiting a Turkish yaylasi means you are floating above the clouds and in parallel with some of Turkey’s greatest mountain peaks.
The panoramic views and tranquil atmosphere from Pokut Yaylası in particular is one of the most breathtaking experiences you’ll ever come across.
Where is the Pokut Yaylası Located?
Pokut Yaylası is located among the handful of other plateaus in the Black Sea Region of northern Turkey. This region of Turkey is lined by the Black Sea to the north and the border with Georgia is just to the east.
The nearest major city to Pokut Yaylası is Rize, a coastal hub and also the capital of the Rize Province. On the way to Pokut Yaylası, the closest inhabited town is Çamlıhemşin.
The Black Sea Region is the best destination in Turkey for a peaceful getaway among nature. Defined by a hilly and mountainous countryside, filled with rivers and deep valleys, the Black Sea Region remains relatively wild and unspoiled.
For the traveller who prefers the non-touristy path, the Black Sea Region is a dream. It’s a beloved place for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, or anyone who enjoys a solid picnic with epic views.
The Rize Province is most notably known for its tea cultivation, which has been booming since the 1940s. As you gaze over the hillsides within the province, you’ll notice that tea is being farmed absolutely everywhere.
About 90% of all black tea consumed in Turkey comes from the Rize Province. If you’ve spent any time in Turkey, you know how big of a deal black tea really is to the culture. To witness tea cultivation from the direct source in the Black Sea Region is a one of a kind experience while visiting Turkey!
Flying to the Black Sea Region of Turkey
While the Black Sea Region of Turkey may seem elusive to reach, we have a feeling it’s going to start growing in popularity thanks to a recently built airport.
Rize-Artvin Airport officially opened in 2022 and is one of the newest local airports in Turkey. Constructed on a sea embankment on the Black Sea, it’s fully operational and the best place to fly into if you’re planning a trip to the Black Sea Region, or Pokut Yaylası specifically. In fact, Pokut Yaylası is just one hour away from the Rize Airport.
If you’re planning to visit Pokut Yaylası by plane and flying internationally, you should first fly to Istanbul.
From Istanbul, you can essentially get anywhere in Turkey, including Rize, by a short local flight.
The flight path from Istanbul to Rize takes less than two hours, costs less than €50 one-way, and departs multiple times per day.
How to Get to Pokut Yaylası
The Easiest Route to Pokut Yaylası
Whether you are driving or hiking, we recommend beginning your journey in the village of Şenyuva. Here, you’ll also have the pleasure of seeing the incredible Şenyuva Köprüsü (Şenyuva Bridge).
If you’re using Google Maps or navigation, Çinçiva Kafe is a good starting point and the last bit of civilisation before heading up the hill to the plateau.
Hiking to Pokut Yaylası
If you follow the route in the map above, you will hike along a gravel road (instead of a dirt path) with plenty of serpentine curves.
Hiking to Pokut Yaylası is no easy feat for the average hiker, but can very well be done for those who enjoy trekking and stunning views while doing so.
While the journey from Şenyuva to Pokut Yaylası is roughly over 12 km (7.4 miles) long, the elevation gain is just over 2,100 metres (6,889 feet).
Depending on your experience and pace, this can be accomplished in a few hours or turn into an all-day excursion.
For adventurers who are keen on hiking to Pokut Yaylası, it’s recommended to plan an overnight stay at one of the guesthouses at the plateau top before descending back down the next day.
Off Roading to Pokut Yaylası
If you are planning on driving to Pokut Yaylası, only do so in a 4×4 capable vehicle with enough ground clearance. Do not attempt to drive up the mountain to Pokut Yaylası in a regular car (or rental car) because it will not make it.
Not only is a 4×4 car required to make it to the alpine pasture, you should also consider yourself an experienced driver when it comes to off-road paths.
The route is unpaved, consists of potholes and rocks. As if this isn’t challenging enough, you must remember that you’re ascending a very steep hill with a rising altitude of over 2,000 metres.
Although the distance is a mere 12 km, we climbed to the top of Pokut Yaylası in our own off-road capable car (Mitsubishi Pajero) in 1st gear, but it took one hour.
As expected, there are no guardrails and very few good spots to pull over, so it’s not the safest road either. But, for any overlanding or off-roading enthusiast, Pokut Yaylası is an excellent experience and rather enjoyable ride.
Pokut Yaylası Guided Tours
Whether you’re traveling throughout the Black Sea Region without a car or a rental car that won’t make it to the top of the plateau, there is still hope to visiting Pokut Yaylası.
Guided tours and 4×4 excursions are the easiest way to experience the incredible alpine pasture without breaking a sweat.
Of course, the best part about visiting Pokut Yaylası with a guide is that you’ll be driven to the plateau in an off-road vehicle and don’t have to worry about transportation.
Çamlıhemşin is one of the closest towns to Pokut Yaylası where you can easily find a local tour operator. A guided tour of the plateaus above will likely include a stop at Pokut Yaylası and perhaps another location, but the tours are usually customisable so don’t be shy to explore your options.
Şamatalı Gez Tur-Samata Tur is our recommended tour operator near the town of Çamlıhemşin, which performs regular visits to Pokut Yaylası.
Or, you can try to find guided tours online, but if you book one in person, you’re much more likely to get a better deal.
Tips for Visiting Pokut Yaylası
☀️ Do your best to visit the highlands on a clear day without fog. If you visit Pokut Yaylası during the winter, you have a less likely chance of catching it on a sunny day. While sun isn’t necessary to enjoy your time there, a clear day is. Otherwise, you won’t see a darn thing up there and it may feel like a waste of time.
👨👩👧 Pokut Yaylası is a great and safe place to visit as a family with children. There are many farm animals like chickens, horses, and cows roaming around, which our young daughter particularly couldn’t get enough of.
🥘 The most popular place to eat at the top of Pokut Yaylası was the guesthouse located here, which doesn’t have a name on Google Maps. They famously serve a home-style breakfast or just drinks, all on the outdoor terrace and with views of the mountains.
🚐 If you plan to travel to Pokut Yaylası with a guided tour, the cheapest option is to join a tour bus that’s scheduled for the destination with other guests. This shouldn’t cost you more than 200 TL (~$7) per person for the round-trip. Clearly, if you book a curated or private tour, it’ll cost much more.
Where to Stay While Visiting Pokut Yaylası
The Black Sea Region is home to some of the best tiny homes and cabins we’ve ever experienced. Newly constructed huts and bungalows are continuing to pop up like daisies which makes the region a really alluring destination for those that appreciate a unique place to stay.
While there are traditional hotels in the Rize Province, we highly recommend choosing to stay at a bungalow or guesthouse instead while visiting Pokut Yaylası.
The top-rated places to stay near Pokut Yaylası in Turkey:
Vagona Tiny House
Constructed in the shape of a shipping container, this tiny home offers access to a garden and is directly situated on the riverfront.
Northland Bungalows
The perfect mountain oasis for couples to enjoy in both summer and winter. With glass walls and ceilings, this property’s most iconic feature is a floating deck with a hot tub for guests.
Tuva Villa Bungalov
Elevated “summer camp” style cabins with cozy interiors and modern bathrooms, these huts are located on the waterfront of the rushing river.
Dream River Bungalow
Who doesn’t love a good A-Frame bungalow? Featuring a tranquil garden, on-site restaurant, and mountain views.
Elva Bungalov
A chalet-style getaway tucked away in the hills and among the tea leaf farms. Features a BBQ pit and wellness spa packages.
North Dome & Suite
Finally, a treehouse for adults! This accommodation allows you to sleep in a dome within the trees of the landscape. Cuddle up to a wood-fired stove and surround yourself with undisturbed nature.
Tanura Bungalows
Featuring campsite-style cabins in a small community of tiny homes, located on the bank of the river and well rated by guests with kids.
Berona Dağ Evleri
Exquisitely located wooden cabins that are surrounded by nature, silence, and the occasional goat or two. Features large windows with gorgeous views of the river and surrounding valley.
More Turkey Travel Posts:
- 🏔 How to Visit Mount Nemrut
- 🗺 The Best Road Trip Routes in Turkey
- 🧒🏻 Where to Go in Turkey With Kids
- 🇹🇷 One Day Itinerary for Istanbul
- 🚗 How to Drive From Italy to Turkey
- 🎈 3-Day Cappadocia Itinerary
Turkey Travel Resources
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
