İskilip Plateaus are a mountain range located north of the İskilip district of Çorum, along the İskilip-Tosya highway, covered with pine and oak forests, including Elmabeli, Beşoluk, Çiçekli, Demirbükü, and Yalak plateaus; preferred for day-trip picnics and 13 kilometers from the center.
İskilip Plateaus are not a single plateau. They encompass several interconnected plateaus on the mountain range north of the İskilip district. Elmabeli, Beşoluk, and Çiçekli plateaus are located on the İskilip-Tosya highway; Demirbükü and Yalak plateaus can be reached by turning left at the 8th kilometer from this road and driving another 17 kilometers. Elmabeli Plateau is an area covered with pine and oak forests, approximately 1,200 meters above sea level.
Being in the transition zone between the Black Sea and Central Anatolian climates keeps the region both rainy and cool. In summer, the air is fresher compared to the district center. The local people traditionally used these areas for grazing animals and temporary accommodation, but today they are mostly visited for picnics and recreation.
Its proximity to the highway makes access easy. It is only 13 km from İskilip center, making the plateau a practical option for a day trip. On the same trip, İskilip Castle, the Hittite Bridge, and İskilip Rock Tombs can also be visited. It is possible to combine the historical texture of İskilip with the plateau atmosphere in one day.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Summer months are the most suitable period. From June to September, the plateaus are green and cool; July-August is the preferred time for those who want to escape the heat of İskilip center. In winter, due to the altitude, there is a risk of snow and ice, and road conditions may vary. In spring, roads can be muddy due to melting snow.
How to Get There
First, you need to reach İskilip from Çorum city center, then take the İskilip-Tosya highway. Elmabeli, Beşoluk, and Çiçekli plateaus are on this road, 13 km from İskilip. For Demirbükü and Yalak plateaus, you need to turn left at the 8th kilometer of the same road and drive another 17 km. Going by your own car is the most comfortable way; renting a car might be sensible as public transport options are limited.
How Much Time to Allocate
Half a day is enough for a single plateau. For those who want to visit several plateaus in the region, it is better to plan a full day. The Elmabeli-Beşoluk-Çiçekli line can be visited in one day; allocating a separate day to go to Demirbükü and Yalak plateaus ensures a comfortable journey, especially on the 17 km side road.
Route Suggestion
Start from İskilip center and first visit Elmabeli Plateau; the pine forests here are suitable for picnics. Then see Beşoluk and Çiçekli plateaus. If you have time, turn left at the 8th kilometer and go to Demirbükü and Yalak plateaus; these two plateaus are more heavily used as recreational areas. Visiting İskilip Castle on the way back completes the day.
Budget
Entry to the plateau is free. The majority of the budget is allocated for fuel and food/drinks. Since there is no guarantee of finding a market or kiosk on the plateau, it is safer to buy picnic supplies from İskilip center.
Things to Consider
Road conditions vary by season; dirt roads can become slippery after rain. Phone reception may be weak in forested areas, so downloading directions in advance is useful. It is important to take back trash and waste to protect the forest.
Photo Spots
The wide pine-oak forest view from Elmabeli Plateau's 1,200-meter altitude is suitable for photography. Ayrangölü around Yalak Plateau is also a visually striking spot.
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