This ravine, 30 km from Fethiye, cuts deeply into the mountains of the Akdaǧlar Range. Most visitors come to trek the gorge, which has wooden boardwalks along part of the trail high above the river. The last section of the trail is reached by fording the swift-running river itself to then walk through the narrow fissure to the end. There are cushion-strewn tea houses beside the river if you don't fancy walking through the freezing cold water. There are also canyoning and rafting trips along the river
Saklikent Gorge is not for everyone.
Unless you are in relatively good shape and not adverse to difficult terrain, this gorge is not for you. If you are looking for an excitement like this, read on! Saklikent Gorge may be exactly what you are looking for!
Saklikent Gorge is not for everyone.
Unless you are in relatively good shape and not adverse to difficult terrain, this gorge is not for you. If you are looking for an excitement like this, read on! Saklikent Gorge may be exactly what you are looking for!
Wear Good Shoes
Saklikent Gorge is the largest gorge in Turkey. It got this way by water erosion over hundreds of thousands of years from waterfalls that are still pouring to this very day. Considering the 4km hike along the gorge is to one of these waterfalls, it should be no surprise to you when we tell you that the trail is wet. Very wet. Wet, slippery, and tricky hike. The water in the gorge ranges from stagnant puddles to a fairly strong current as is the case of the very beginning of the hike. In many instances, the water is also clouded from the silt that is kicked up and you cannot see the bottom, leading to moments of unsure footing. Not so much from loose rocks, but rather due to not seeing how deep your foot will go.It is because of these reasons that good foot wear is a must. |
Go Early
Saklikent Gorge is one of the region’s biggest tourist attractions, Imagine the tricky parts we mentioned above with 30 people behind you pushing forward and 30 people ahead of you trying to pass through on the return hike. Now add in the fact that most of these people have bad footwear, young kids, or just shouldn’t be hiking here and you’ll wish you got in and out before they arrived. If you’re staying in Fethiye, a bus will leave about every 20 minutes from the station near the main mosque (not the otogar bus station, but the smaller one near the marina). It takes about an hour and is around 17 Lira each way. By skipping out on the organized tour and going early you’ll have an immensely rewarding experience. |
Prepare to Get Wet
There are a few moments in the gorge that are worth noting here, because a trip to this spot means you are going to get wet. And when we say you’re going to get wet, we really mean you’re going swimming. The very first crossing to enter the gorge is perhaps the worst of the entire hike, even if it isn’t the deepest spot you’ll encounter. There is a strong river that you must traverse with the aid of a rope. This crossing is actually quite easy upon retrospect, but one feature makes it unbearable |
Do Not Take Anything With You
It should be pretty obvious from this point that you should NOT take any items with you other than some money and a zip lock bag for your wallet and valuables. Please don’t be one of those people. It is a wet hike in a gorge. Only bring what you absolutely need, and a camera you won’t be upset getting damaged (unlikely, but something to consider). It should be pretty obvious from this point that you should NOT take any items with you other than some money and a zip lock bag for your wallet and valuables. Please don’t be one of those people. It is a wet hike in a gorge. Only bring what you absolutely need, and a camera you won’t be upset getting damaged (unlikely, but something to consider). |
In The End, Saklikent Gorge is Amazing
While the above tips may make you think that Saklikent Gorge is not the best place to visit, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
We think that the gorge is possibly one of the most amazing things you can see while in Fethiye, and was the highlight of the holiday.
That being said, Saklikent Gorge is not for everyone. If you don’t want to jump in cold water, wade up to your chest, or get on all fours to climb up slippery rocks, this attraction is not for you. If you are in a group who wants to visit this particular region you may want to check out the river tubing option at the entrance as a suitable alternative to pass the time (it looked very fun to us).
But if the above description does sound like your idea of a good time, go early, take a good pair of sandals, a waterproof camera, and have fun!
While the above tips may make you think that Saklikent Gorge is not the best place to visit, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
We think that the gorge is possibly one of the most amazing things you can see while in Fethiye, and was the highlight of the holiday.
That being said, Saklikent Gorge is not for everyone. If you don’t want to jump in cold water, wade up to your chest, or get on all fours to climb up slippery rocks, this attraction is not for you. If you are in a group who wants to visit this particular region you may want to check out the river tubing option at the entrance as a suitable alternative to pass the time (it looked very fun to us).
But if the above description does sound like your idea of a good time, go early, take a good pair of sandals, a waterproof camera, and have fun!