Erciyes
Outdoor, sports & travel guide
Erciyes is a 3,917-metre volcanic mountain rising just above Kayseri. In winter, it offers a wide area for skiing and snowboarding; when the snow melts, summit climbs, mountain biking and high-altitude hiking come into their own. Few places are this close to a city centre and still feel so unmistakably like a mountain.
Why Erciyes is a great outdoor destination
Erciyes is more than a ski resort. You can see that when you look towards the mountain from Kayseri: the city almost ends at the foot of the mountain, while the mountain rises like a landscape of its own, far bigger than a holiday village. The area you explore by lift in winter takes on a completely different character in summer, when climbing and cycling come into focus.
The biggest advantage in winter is the size of the area. Four gates — Tekir, Develi, Hisarcık and Hacılar — connect across the same mountain. Beginners can spend an easy day in the learning areas, while more experienced skiers can move between gates and link different slopes and routes. That makes Erciyes a good choice not only for a quick two-day trip, but also for several days of skiing without getting bored in the same place.
The mountain’s elevation matters too. Erciyes rises to 3,917 metres, and the ski area sits at high elevations. That can give it an advantage over many resorts in Central Anatolia when it comes to snow conditions. Still, high altitude does not guarantee perfect snow: wind, visibility and temperature can change considerably during the day. In recent years, the resort’s artificial snowmaking system has helped prepare the slopes at the start of the season and during periods with little natural snow. For your actual plans, check official open-run, lift and camera information on the day you travel.
What makes Erciyes stand out is that it still has plenty to offer after ski season. Guided summit climbs, hikes, mountain biking and high-altitude experiences bring the mountain back to life in summer. If you add Cappadocia to your plans, its roughly one-hour drive turns this into a broader Central Anatolia getaway, not just a sports trip.
Things to do in Erciyes
What’s where in Erciyes
Hiking routes in Erciyes
The Kayseri Governor’s Office’s official Hiking Routes and Tourism Discovery Guide lists 14 day hikes around Erciyes. We selected six routes from the easiest to the longest; the distances and difficulty ratings come from the same guide.
R01Kızık — GeremeThe easiest of the day hikes starts on a dirt road in Kızık village, Develi, and ends at the Gereme archaeological site.DISTANCE5 kmDIFFICULTYEasy
Kızık–Gereme: A short history walk on the slopes of Erciyes
This route runs from Kızık neighbourhood in Develi to the Gereme archaeological site on the southern slopes of Erciyes. At 5 kilometres and difficulty level 1 in Kayseri’s hiking guide, it is one of the shorter day walks around the mountain and a good option if you want an easier pace.
The trail follows dirt roads from Kızık to Gereme. At the end, you’ll find more than a viewpoint: the remains of an old settlement on the slopes of Erciyes. Gereme, part of Develi’s historic heritage, has Roman-era remains, an old settlement, a rock church and tumuli. It lies around 5 kilometres northeast of Kızık.
The best reason to choose this route is that it pairs a short nature walk with the area’s history. You can explore the mountain without preparing for a summit route or a long-distance trail. It is a rewarding choice for a day trip and for anyone who wants to end a walk at a historic site.
The listed 5-kilometre distance is the route record; if you return the way you came, your total distance will be longer. Check return transport and current route information before setting out, and bring water and shoes suited to the ground. Kızık–Gereme is a good choice if you want to add a historic destination to a short walk at Erciyes.
R02Hacılar Gate — Lifos — Tekir YaylasıClimbs from Hacılar Ski Resort to Atağılı Yaylası and visits the remains of ancient walls on 2,509 m Lifos (Barut) Mountain.DISTANCE7 kmDIFFICULTYModerate
Hacılar Gate–Lifos–Tekir Yaylası: Nature and history at Erciyes
Starting at Hacılar Gate, this trail climbs towards Atağılı Yaylası, then crosses Lifos Mountain and continues to Tekir Yaylası. Kayseri’s hiking guide lists it as 7 kilometres and moderate. Don’t let the short distance fool you: it crosses mountain terrain and reaches the area around Lifos, at 2,509 metres.
A highlight is the historic remains on the Lifos summit. Around the crater are traces of walls and towers, cisterns, stone dwelling remains and arched tombs. Lifos overlooks the pass down to Tekir Yaylası and the Kayseri Plain, suggesting that the structures may once have served as a strategic lookout or defensive point. Some remains have been damaged over time, so it is better to picture this as a historic settlement whose traces are still visible on the mountain than as a grand ancient city.
This route suits anyone who wants to discover Erciyes through its highland pastures and historic traces, as well as its ski resort and summit climbs. As you head from Lifos towards Tekir Yaylası, you get to see different sides of the mountain. Check the weather beforehand; bring water, suitable shoes and current route information. It is a moderate route that combines mountain views and history over a short distance.
R03Hitit Tepe — Sütdonduran — Water TankStarts at Hitit Tepe, the upper Hacılar station of the ski resort, and visits Sütdonduran Yaylası, the northern gateway for summit climbs.DISTANCE11 kmDIFFICULTYModerate
Hitit Tepe–Sütdonduran–Water Tank: One of Erciyes’s high-altitude routes
Starting at Hitit Tepe, the upper station at Hacılar Gate, this trail visits Sütdonduran Yaylası and continues to the Water Tank. The route guide lists it as 11 kilometres and moderate. It is a day-hike option if you want to walk at higher elevations and see lesser-known slopes of Erciyes.
Sütdonduran Yaylası is a notable stop. It is one of the approach and camping points used for summit climbs on Erciyes’s northern face; for hikers not aiming for the summit, it offers a chance to experience the mountain at high altitude. The Kayseri Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism also lists the route to Sütdonduran via Hacılar and Aksu Yurdu among Erciyes’s climbing routes.
Along with the 11-kilometre distance, account for the elevation and weather. Sütdonduran’s connection to climbing routes is a reminder that this is a mountain environment, not an ordinary pasture walk. Check current weather and trail conditions, and bring water, layered clothing and shoes suited to the ground. This moderate route is for anyone who wants to experience Erciyes at high altitude and in a more mountainous setting.
R04Erciyes Hotels — Hisarcık Valley — Tekir YaylasıPasses through part of Hisarcık (Kırlangıç) Canyon and the Roman-era Kesikkemer aqueduct.DISTANCE15 kmDIFFICULTYModerate
Erciyes Hotels–Hisarcık Valley–Tekir Yaylası: From canyon to highland pasture
This 15-kilometre trail starts in the Erciyes Hotels area, passes through part of Hisarcık Valley and reaches Tekir Yaylası. Walking through Hisarcık Canyon, also known as Kırlangıç Canyon, adds a different side of Erciyes to the mountain scenery. Kayseri’s hiking guide rates the route as moderate.
A historic highlight is the stone structure known locally as Kesikkemer. You can see it as you pass through the valley. The Regional Board for the Conservation of Cultural Property describes it in its inventory as a structure thought to be an aqueduct, with its architectural period recorded tentatively as “Roman?”. It is more accurate to call it the historic Kesikkemer water structure than to present its period as certain.
This route is a good fit if you want to see canyon scenery and historic traces as well as walk on Erciyes’s higher slopes. The 15-kilometre distance and moderate rating call for fitness and time planning. Check return transport and current trail conditions before you go, and bring water and shoes suited to the ground.
R05Erciyes Hotels — Pumice Quarry — GeremeThe longest day hike in the official guide; start at the pumice quarry to shorten it by four kilometres.DISTANCE18 kmDIFFICULTYHard
Erciyes Hotels–Pumice Quarry–Gereme: A long mountain walk
Starting in the Erciyes Hotels area and ending at Gereme, this is the longest of Erciyes’s day-hiking routes. It is 18 kilometres and rated difficult. The starting point is around 2,370 metres; the route descends from the southern slopes of Erciyes towards the historic remains at Gereme.
The Pumice Quarry is an important stop along the way. To shorten the walk, you can start near the quarry and cover about 4 kilometres less. That shortens the trail but does not change its mountainous terrain or the long walk to Gereme.
The route follows trails and dirt roads; around Yörüksekisi it joins a dirt road and then a tractor track. At Gereme, the walk ends at a historic site in Develi, with Roman-era remains, a rock church and tumuli.
This is a full-day walk, not a quick visit to Erciyes. Since the one-way route ends at Gereme, arrange return transport in advance. Bring enough water and food, and wear shoes suited to the ground. It is a strong option for experienced hikers who want to cross the foothills of Erciyes over a longer distance and finish at historic Gereme.
R06Erciyes CircleA four-day camping route around the mountain: Hisarcık Gate — Hitit Tepe — Sarıgöl — Ortataş — Tekir Pond.DISTANCE46 kmTIME4 daysDIFFICULTYHard
Erciyes Circle: A four-day camping hike around the mountain
Erciyes Circle is a 46-kilometre multi-day route connecting different landscapes and stops around the mountain. Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality lists it as “Erciyes Circle (Hotels–Sarıgöl–Tekir Pond)”. Its stages run from Hisarcık Gate to Hitit Tepe, then via Sarıgöl and Ortataş to Tekir Pond, offering a four-day exploration of the mountain.
The best part is getting to know Erciyes from different slopes and higher sections, rather than from a single viewpoint. Sarıgöl is one of the crater lakes surrounded by rocky terrain on the mountain’s slopes; Tekir Pond is another notable waterside stop. As the landscape changes from stage to stage, the scale of the mountain becomes part of the walk.
This is not a day hike: it is a difficult route that requires you to carry your camping setup and supplies for four days. Plan the stages and overnight stops in advance, and check the status of water sources and current weather. Erciyes Circle is a rewarding option for experienced long-distance hikers who want to explore the mountain over several days.
Winter mountaineering and the summit
There are two main ways to climb Erciyes: the northern glacier and snow-and-ice routes starting at Sütdonduran, and three eastern routes starting at Tekir Yaylası. All are technical mountaineering routes and require an official notification.
Before a mountaineering or winter sports activity, you fill in the form and submit it with a petition to the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports.
Include your route map and the participating organisation or club in the application.
This requirement comes from a circular order dated 15 December 2022; the form and application process may have changed. Check the latest information with the Kayseri Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports before setting out.
Start of the northern ascent; some sources give an elevation of up to 2,950 m
Camp area for the eastern ascent
For both northern routes (Buzul, Kar-Buz)
Summer climbing season
The official guide names five routes: two from the north (Sütdonduran) and three from the east (Tekir):
- 01BuzulNORTHThe steepest route, covered with snow and ice year-round; a guide and technical equipment are essential.
- 02Kar-BuzNORTHA two-branch climb; the left branch is steeper and not recommended for inexperienced climbers.
- 03Şeytan BoğazıEASTThe steepest and hardest route; avalanche risk, and a guide is used in winter.
- 04Sol Kulvar (Nesrin Topkapı)EASTSlightly less risky than Şeytan Boğazı.
- 05SırtEASTThe longest route, but the least risky in summer; avoided in winter because of the wind.
Under the 2022 circular order, this route is considered suitable only from 15 May – 15 July and in October – November.
Ski conditions in Erciyes
The MGM station is not reporting snow depth right now. We don’t show it as zero; the value will appear here once measurements resume.
07 — RACES & EVENTS
21:00
Poizi
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYES10SAT21:00
Düş Sokağı Sakinleri
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYES13TUE20:00
Ruh Öküzüm
Kayseri Culture CenterTheatreKAYSERI15THU20:30
Bu Hikaye Senden Uzun Osman
Kayseri Gültepe Kültür MerkeziTheatreKAYSERI16FRI20:30
Grup Abdal
Kayseri Culture CenterConcertKAYSERI16FRI20:30
Grup Abdal
Kayseri Bahçeşehir KolejiConcertKAYSERI20TUE20:00
Bagjan Oktyabr - Ruh Terapisi
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYES24SAT20:00
Nurettin Rençber
Kayseri Kadir Has Gösteri ve Sanat MerkeziConcertKAYSERI24SAT20:30
Salih Bademci - Sesler
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziTheatreERCIYES28WED20:00
Burak King
JJ Pub KayseriConcertKAYSERINothing listed for October 2026 yet. This month fills in automatically as new events are added.
21:30
Berkay
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYES07SAT20:30
Erdal Erzincan
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYES08SUN20:00
Konken Partisi
Kayseri Kadir Has Gösteri ve Sanat MerkeziTheatreKAYSERI12THU20:30
HiraiZerdüş - Göğe Bak Benimle
Kayseri Kadir Has Gösteri ve Sanat MerkeziConcertKAYSERI13FRI21:00
Koray Avcı
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYES15SUN21:00
Gazapizm
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYES19THU20:00
Üstün Dökmen ile Küçük Şeyler
Kayseri Culture CenterTheatreKAYSERI21SAT21:00
Gökhan Tepe
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYES22SUN15:30
Çok Güzel Hareketler 2
Kayseri Kadir Has Gösteri ve Sanat MerkeziTheatreKAYSERI22SUN20:30
Çok Güzel Hareketler 2
Kayseri Kadir Has Gösteri ve Sanat MerkeziTheatreKAYSERI27FRI21:00
Karsu
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYES28SAT20:30
Emre Aydın
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYES29SUN21:00
Wegh
EKM Erciyes Kültür MerkeziConcertERCIYESNothing listed for November 2026 yet. This month fills in automatically as new events are added.
20:30
Seksendört
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Who to go with
When to go?
Erciyes has two main seasons. In winter, the resort is all about skiing and snowboarding; in summer, the mountain’s high-altitude terrain, climbing and cycling take centre stage. The busiest periods are the school mid-year break, around New Year and weekends. If you want a quieter day on the slopes, going on a weekday makes a clear difference.
7-day forecast
Mostly cloudy this week, highs of 5–11°; rain expected Thursday.
| Day | Today7 Oct | Thu8 Oct | Fri9 Oct | Sat10 Oct | Sun11 Oct | Mon12 Oct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temphigh / low | 5°1° | 6°3° | 7°2° | 9°4° | 10°5° | 11°6° |
| Sky | Overcast | — | Overcast | Overcast | Overcast | Overcast |
| Rain | No rain | 2 mm · 60% | No rain | No rain | No rain | No rain |
| Wind | 9 km/h | 10 km/h | 9 km/h | 10 km/h | 17 km/h | 21 km/h |
| Direction | SW | SSW | WSW | S | S | SSE |
| Gusts | 33 km/h | 41 km/h | 31 km/h | 21 km/h | 40 km/h | 57 km/h |
| UV | 5 Moderate | 5 Moderate | 6 Moderate | 6 Moderate | 5 Moderate | 5 Moderate |
| Daylight | 06:39 – 18:12 | 06:40 – 18:10 | 06:41 – 18:09 | 06:42 – 18:07 | 06:43 – 18:06 | 06:44 – 18:04 |
What to pack
Pick your activity and tick off your pack. The top rows come from this week’s weather and sea forecast.
Your ticks are saved on this device; no account needed. This week’s additions follow the 7-day forecast; for a later trip they may differ.
Your ticks are saved on this device; no account needed. This week’s additions follow the 7-day forecast; for a later trip they may differ.
Your ticks are saved on this device; no account needed. This week’s additions follow the 7-day forecast; for a later trip they may differ.
Your ticks are saved on this device; no account needed. This week’s additions follow the 7-day forecast; for a later trip they may differ.
Your ticks are saved on this device; no account needed. This week’s additions follow the 7-day forecast; for a later trip they may differ.
- GUIDE →
- Don’t head up onto the high route alone. If it’s your first climb, go on one of Erciyes A.Ş.’s scheduled climbs or with an experienced club.
Your ticks are saved on this device; no account needed. This week’s additions follow the 7-day forecast; for a later trip they may differ.
Beyond the activities
A trip to Erciyes does not have to mean “go up the mountain, then head straight back to the hotel”. Kayseri city centre is about twenty minutes away. That makes it easy to ski in the morning and have dinner in town, or split a few days between the mountain and the city. Hunat Hatun Complex, Kayseri Castle and the bazaar area are good stops for a short walk around the city centre. Pastırma and sucuk are the first foods that come to mind, but mantı is not something to dismiss as “just a quick plate” in this city. After a big day on the mountain, keeping the evening plan simple may be the better call. Cappadocia is about an hour away by road. That makes Erciyes one of the few places in Türkiye where you can combine skiing, culture and scenery in a short trip. Just don’t rush off after a tiring day on the slopes to “catch the sunset” too; Cappadocia deserves its own half-day.
What to eat in Erciyes and Kayseri?
On the mountain
All four gates have cafés, restaurants and shops where you can grab something to eat or drink without cutting your day short. The operator lists 16 food and drink venues in total. There is also a free barbecue and picnic area at Tekir; menus, opening hours and which businesses are open can change by season, so check before you go.
After the slopes, in town
Kayseri city centre is around 20 minutes from Erciyes, so it’s easy to plan dinner in town after skiing. Mantı, sucuk, pastırma and yağlama are not just products to take home; they’re the quickest way to get to know the city’s food culture. After a long day on the slopes, sitting down for mantı or yağlama and saving sucuk and pastırma for the trip home may be a better-balanced plan. Kayseri Mantısı received geographical indication registration in 2009; Kayseri Sucuğu and Kayseri Pastırması in 2002. Kayseri Yağlaması is also a geographically indicated product.
Small pieces of dough folded around minced meat and served with yoghurt and a butter sauce; a local classic.
Kayseri sausage, seasoned and cured, served at everything from breakfast to a barbecue.
Cured meat coated with çemen; its flavour comes through best when thinly sliced.
- 04YağlamaThin layers of flatbread with minced meat between them; a shared dish that is even better around the table.
Getting to Erciyes
You can reach the ski resort in about 25 minutes from Kayseri Airport and about 20 minutes from the city centre.
During ski season, buses run from Kayseri at weekends and daily during the school mid-year break. Minibuses towards Develi are another option, but snow and road conditions can change the timetable or cancel a service. Don’t leave your return plan until the last departure. If you’re staying on the mountain, check which gate you’ll start skiing from; if you’re staying in the city, work out your morning transport. A shuttle between the four gates may operate during the season, especially at weekends and during the school break; check official announcements for its hours and whether it is running.
In winter, a car or transfer is the most flexible option, especially if you’re bringing equipment. You can also travel to Kayseri city centre from the airport first and connect from there.
Journey times are map estimates (no snow or traffic) and will increase on snowy days. Winter tyres are compulsory only for commercial vehicles; there is no legal requirement for private cars. However, local reports say that on days with heavy snow, cars without chains may not be allowed up the mountain.
Driving times are approximate, without traffic · routing by OSRM · © OpenStreetMap contributors
Further reading
- Soğanlı Valley — Photo: Munalas / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0. Image cropped.
6 ROUTES · 1 SKI RESORTSee on map