New Delhi, April 16 (IANSlife): If you're planning a business or city trip to Istanbul, include a few extra days for a beautiful outdoor adventure. Trekking paths in and around Istanbul allow "Bleisure" travellers to unwind after meetings and touristic visitors to discover distinct natural landscapes. Here are the greatest trekking paths in Istanbul.
Natural Wonder of Istanbul: Belgrade Forest
The Belgrad Forest in Sariyer district is ideal for nature lovers in I?stanbul. Belgrad Forest, described as the "lungs of Istanbul," covers 5,300 hectares and offers tree-shaded picnic areas and different hiking routes. The 6.5-kilometre-long Neset Suyu Trail is a favourite among runners and walkers.
Remember: Belgrad Forest features the Bahçeköy Wildlife Production Station and ancient dykes, some of which were built during the Roman Empire period to carry water from northern forests to I?stanbul.
Paradise Next to the City: Ballikayalar
Ballikayalar Nature Park is just an hour's drive from I?stanbul. This natural park in Tavsanli village of Gebze, located in a 2-kilometre valley with a stream, is well-known among nature lovers, rock climbers, and hikers. It offers easy to moderate trekking experiences. The valley's lake, waterfalls, and travertine terraces leading to the Ballikaya Stream are spectacular. Furthermore, the park's abundance of fauna and flora contributes to its popularity. While trekking, you may observe roe deer, wild rabbits, wild boars, moles, martens, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
Remember: Ballikayalar, home to rare birds, butterfly species, and 20 types of orchids, is an essential route near Istanbul for bird, butterfly, and flower watchers for its outstanding biodiversity. Spring is a perfect season to explore this route.
Hidden Treasure of Tekirdag: Uçmakdere
Uçmakdere, located in the Sarköy district of Tekirdag, is a popular destination for nature lovers and trekkers from I?stanbul. The region is covered with lush pine forests and offers incredible views of Ganos (Isiklar) Mountain and the Marmara Sea. This natural area is known for its local village products, lifestyle, and culture, making it a popular route for cyclists, motorbike travellers, and campers.
Remember: Uçmakdere is also perfect for paragliding. Professional guides will take you paragliding on Nisantepe, 650 meters high. Sarköy, famous for its vineyards, also offers lovely Turkish wines.
Escape to Nature: Erikli Plateau
The Erikli Plateau, located in Yalova's Çinarcik district, is another popular trekking destination close to Istanbul. The plateau, about a two-hour drive from Istanbul, offers a fantastic hiking trail surrounded by apple, fir, linden, chestnut, and elm trees. While the trails in the area have a slight slope, offering a moderate rather than easy level of trekking, encountering a waterfall during your walk is a delightful reward. After camping on the Erikli Plateau and exploring the region to your heart’s content, you can explore the region’s Tesvikiye City Forest, Double Waterfall, and Small and Big Bottomless Lakes.
Remember: After the Erikli Plateau, you can visit the Delmece Plateau, another well-known plateau in Yalova that is famous for camping.