Menekşe Plateau

After leaving Istanbul in the morning, we set out towards Aytepe. Upon arriving in Yuvacık, we reach the facility where we will have our village breakfast. After enjoying the village breakfast here, our journey, which will last about 1 hour, begins. Our vehicles bring us to the start of the trail, and after loading our backpacks, we start the hike. 

After completing the final preparations and distributing food, we begin walking on the dirt road. After about half an hour of downhill walking, we arrive at Uncle Veysel's gazebo. This is a frequent stop for hikers; a shelter with a fire always burning that provides warmth in cold weather. There's always tea and coffee. After resting here a bit, we cross the bridge to the other side of the stream and enter the forest trail.

We will walk on the inclined trail for the first 45 minutes. Near the end of the incline, we veer off the path slightly and go to Şahin Rock. We will take a short break here and admire the magnificent view of the Beşkayalar Canyon. Şahin Rock is a steep block rising from the valley floor, so it is advisable not to take jumping or leaping photos here. After the photo break, a 10-minute walk completes the ascent. From then on, we walk mostly on a flat path; when we rejoin the dirt road, we are close to the plateau. Fifteen minutes after entering the path leading to the plateau, we reach Papaz Meadow.  This is a flat grassy area with a stream running through its center where we will have lunch.

While lunch preparations are made, those who wish can hike up to the plateau 15 minutes away, or others can rest in the wide grassy area. The plateau is at 800 meters elevation and is still in use. Livestock farming is not practiced, but agriculture continues. It is a suitable place for photography. You will see plenty of mountain violets, from which the plateau gets its name.

After lunch, the return hike begins. Our route is the same; we return the way we came. We take our last break at Uncle Veysel’s gazebo, drink our tea, then climb up the initial downhill slope to complete the trail. Depending on road and weather conditions, we will be in Istanbul around 7:30 pm.