İspir Yedigöller

Altitude is a determining factor here. Being at 3,200 meters, snow melts late, and in some years, snow remnants can be seen in the region until June. The district governor's office indicates the most suitable period as after June fifteenth until the end of August. Outside this window, roads may be closed, and even with an off-road vehicle, passage may become difficult.

The journey is in two stages. First, you reach Çayırözü village from İspir town center via an asphalt road. After that, a 21-kilometer stabilized road begins, and this part cannot be traversed by a normal passenger car; a 4x4 off-road vehicle is essential. The distance from Erzurum city center varies between 115 and 170 kilometers according to sources; this difference can be explained by the route. For those wishing to come from Rize, a connection via Ovit Mountain is also an option, with the distance from Rize center being approximately 125 kilometers.

Half a day might be enough for those who just want to see the lake area and return, but when travel time is factored in, this takes up most of a day. For those who want to camp and explore multiple lakes, or take short hikes to nearby hills, planning 1-2 nights is more logical. It is not a place to go without equipment and experience. The altitude and terrain difficulty should be taken seriously.

A reasonable plan would be to visit İspir Castle and the historical Sırakonaklar houses in İspir center, then head to Çayırözü village in the afternoon, and depart for the lakes early the next morning. If you plan to return the same day, you need to leave early in the morning due to the length of the road and terrain conditions. Factor in starting your return journey in the afternoon.

Cell phone reception is weak or non-existent in most of the region. Weather conditions can change rapidly due to altitude; sudden downpours and fog are common in the afternoon during summer. Warm clothing, rain gear, and sufficient water are essential. It is not recommended to go alone without an off-road vehicle or local guide knowledge, as road signage is limited.

The turquoise hue of the lakes is best revealed at midday when the sun is high; in early morning light, the water color appears darker. The close proximity of the 11 lakes of different sizes also allows for general landscape photos taken from the hills. The clear waters where red-spotted trout live also offer an opportunity for those interested in macro photography.

Despite its name, Yedigöller (Seven Lakes) actually has eleven lakes of different sizes. These volcanic lakes are located on the southern slopes of Ovit Mountain, among peaks approaching four thousand meters. Rich vegetation and wildlife such as mountain goats and Caspian snowcocks make the region one of İspir's important stops for nature tourism.