Route Information: Otnag highland - Mount Mereto summit
Total Distance: 5 km (Round trip)
Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty Level: Medium hard
Suitable Time: From June to November
Accommodation: Suitable for camping. Additionally, during the summer months, hikers can stay in the highlands where local villagers reside.
Water Availability: There is a water source problem from the summit trail onwards, for approximately 2-3 hours of walking leght.
Food: Food needs can be met by local villagers in the highlands from June to mid-September. In other times, hikers should come prepared to bring their own food.
Route Details
This route can be used both for a day hike and a camping hike. Hikers can reach to the Otnag highland at the foothills of Mount Mereto via Çalışırlar village by vehicle. However, since it may be hard for some vehicles to reach the highland from Çalışırlar village, it is recommended to use experienced drivers from nearby villages who are familiar with the mountain roads.
Camping can be done at Otnag highland for a day. From the highland, there is a steep and rocky path leading to the summit, approximately 3 km long. Following this trail to the summit takes about 2-3 hours. After a break at the Meryem Ana Church at the top, hikers can return to the highland via the same path.
For camping programs, watching the sunrise and sunset from Mount Mereto worths seeing. Also, during the summer, late at night, the Milky Way, full moon, and city lights of the nearby towns can be seen from the mountain's high peaks.
