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The Highland Line from Kümbet to Karagöl
Routes4 Stop

The Highland Line from Kümbet to Karagöl

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The real face of Giresun is not on the coast but above it. This route starts at eighteen hundred metres and passes twenty five hundred: from a yayla known for its festivals to its quieter neighbour, to a summit named for its mist, and finally to glacial lakes. All four lie along the same ridge but differ in character. Because of the altitude it is better spread over two days.

Dereli, Giresun
Routes
4 Stop
~8 h at places
Travel ~186.3 km · 5 h 11 min
Total ~13 h 11 min
September 7, 2026

Route Stops

1
Kümbet Yaylası

Kümbet Highland.

~1 h 30 min here
Kümbet, Dereli/Giresun

A broad meadow at eighteen hundred metres where the spruce forest ends. Its July festival is among the best known in the region; outside it the place is quiet and cool.

At eighteen hundred metres, a broad meadow beginning where the spruce forest ends. The highland festival in July is among the best known events in the region, bringing together the kemençe, the horon dance and a fair. Outside festival time it is quiet, misty and cool. Sixty kilometres from Giresun, and the road climbs fast, so while it is thirty degrees below you will want a jacket up here.
2
Bektaş Yaylası

Bektaş Highland.

~1 h here
Bektaş, Dereli/Giresun

The neighbouring yayla, less developed and more pasture. Close to two thousand metres, with the timber fabric of its houses intact. The right stop for anyone after quiet.

A neighbour of Kümbet but different in character: less developed, more pasture. At close to two thousand metres, ringed by mist covered hills, it is where herding families spend the summer. The timber fabric of the highland houses survives. It sees fewer visitors than Kümbet, which makes it the right choice for anyone after quiet.
3
Sis Dağı Yaylası

Sis Mountain Highland.

~1 h 30 min here
Sis Dağı, Espiye/Giresun

A place that earns its name; mist covers the hills and the view changes within minutes. Broad meadows and highland houses, with festivals in July and August.

A place that earns its name; mist covers the hills for much of the day and the view changes within minutes. At around two thousand metres, with broad meadows and highland houses, it is among the best known yayla of Giresun. Festivals are held in July and August. There are short trails, but what people mostly do is sit and watch the mist come and go.
4
Karagöl Dağları

Karagöl Mountains.

~4 h here
Karagöl, Dereli/Giresun

Lakes left by the ice age at over twenty five hundred metres. Reaching them requires walking; do not set out without a guide and proper footwear.

A high range holding lakes left by the ice age, the best known being Karagöl with its dark water. The altitude passes twenty five hundred metres and reaching the lakes requires walking. There are alpine meadows, boulder fields and patches of snow unmelted even in midsummer. This is the most serious hiking in the region and should not be attempted unprepared.

Route Map

Route Info
CityDereli, Giresun
TypeRoutes
Stop4
DateSeptember 7, 2026
Radar TürkiyeAuthorRadar TürkiyeStart Route