4-Day Aladağlar & Sultan Marshes Birdwatching Tour
A four-day Aladağlar birding program combining Caspian Snowcock searches on high plateaus with forest birds and Sultan Marshes wetlands.
About this tour
This four-day program explores the varied bird habitats around Aladağlar National Park and the nearby Sultan Marshes. High plateaus, rocky valleys, forest edges, mountain springs and open wetlands create opportunities to look for alpine specialists, raptors and migratory waterbirds.
The first morning starts before dawn for the best chance of hearing and seeing Caspian Snowcock on Arpalık Plateau. Later outings visit Cimbar Valley, Emli Valley and Maden Plateau, while the final day changes pace with a visit to Sultan Marshes and Ovacık. Each field session is arranged around local conditions and bird activity.
Target species can include Caspian Snowcock, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Wallcreeper, Chukar Partridge, Alpine Accentor, White-winged Snowfinch, Common Hoopoe, Crimson-winged Finch, Red-fronted Serin, Western Rock Nuthatch and White-throated Robin. All birds are wild and sightings are not guaranteed.
The EUR 450 per-person rate is for groups of two to six. It covers three nights at Şafak Pansiyon, breakfast and dinner, local birdwatching guidance throughout, 4x4 field transport, and local transfers to the main Aladağlar sites and Sultan Marshes. International and domestic flights, personal costs, and anything not specifically listed as included are separate. Weather and local conditions may change the daily routing so field time can be directed to the strongest current birding opportunities.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Turkey.
Birds you can spot
Prunella collaris
target
Gypaetus barbatus
target
Tetraogallus caspius
target
Alectoris chukar
target
Upupa epops
target
Rhodopechys sanguineus
target
Aquila chrysaetos
target
Serinus pusillus
target
Tichodroma muraria
target
Sitta neumayer
target
Irania gutturalis
target
Montifringilla nivalis
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arpalık Plateau and Cimbar Valley
Begin with a light breakfast at 03:00, then travel for about 90 minutes by 4x4 vehicle to Arpalık Plateau. Spend roughly two to three hours looking for Caspian Snowcock and other mountain birds before continuing to Cimbar Valley. Return to Şafak Pansiyon for a fuller breakfast and rest.
Day 2
Emli Valley forest birds
After breakfast at around 07:00–08:00, travel for about 45 minutes by 4x4 vehicle to Emli Valley. Bird the valley and surrounding forest for approximately three to four hours, then return to the pension.
Day 3
Maden Plateau
Travel through Demirkazık and Pınarbaşı villages on the roughly 90-minute 4x4 journey to Maden Plateau. Spend two to three hours birding around the plateau's mines and springs before returning to the pension.
Day 4
Sultan Marshes and Ovacık
Depart at around 07:00 by 4x4 vehicle for the approximately 90-minute journey to Sultan Marshes and Ovacık. Walk around the lake and wetland habitats for three to four hours, looking for migratory and resident birds, then return to Şafak Pansiyon.
Locations & map
- Arpalık Plateau - Aladağlar National Park Turkey (High plateau at about 2,400 metres, used for an early Caspian Snowcock search.)
- Cimbar Valley - Aladağlar National Park Turkey (Rocky mountain valley with additional birding after the plateau visit.)
- Emli Valley - Aladağlar National Park Turkey (Valley and forest habitats for a three- to four-hour birding session.)
- Maden Plateau - Aladağlar Turkey (Mountain plateau reached through Demirkazık and Pınarbaşı, with birding around mines and springs.)
- Sultan Marshes and Ovacık - Kayseri Province Turkey (Wetland and lakeside habitats used by seasonal migratory birds.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Best from April to June and September to November
Included
- Three nights at Şafak Pansiyon
- Breakfast and dinner
- Local birdwatching guide throughout the tour
- 4x4 transport during birdwatching activities
- Transfers to the main Aladağlar birdwatching locations
- Transfer to Sultan Marshes
- Local transfers to suitable birdwatching sites
- Local guiding and assistance
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Personal expenses
- Items not specifically listed as included
Transport & stays
- 4x4 birdwatching vehicle Field routing may be adjusted for weather, local conditions and current bird activity. | Meet: Şafak Pansiyon | Pickup: Local transfers to Aladağlar sites, Sultan Marshes and other suitable birding locations
Accommodations
- Şafak Pansiyon Local guesthouse base in Çamardı
Policies & FAQ
When is the best season for this tour?
The operator identifies April to June and September to November as the best periods for birdwatching in Aladağlar.
Is Caspian Snowcock guaranteed?
No. The tour starts early and visits suitable high-altitude habitat, but all birds are wild and no sighting can be guaranteed.
Are accommodation and meals included?
The program uses Şafak Pansiyon as its base, but current room, meal, transport and fee inclusions are confirmed in the quotation for each inquiry.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.