History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Geyik Mountains, rising to the sky with its 2,877-meter peak at the intersection of the Central and Western Taurus Mountains, is one of the most legendary ranges of Anatolian mountaineering and Yoruk culture. The mountain takes its name from the noble Taurus deer and mountain goats that lived in herds on these steep peaks in ancient times. According to Yoruk legends, the Geyik Mountains are the home of saints, dervishes and legendary Yoruk lords who live above the clouds. It was believed that the prayers of shepherds who prayed by the glacial lakes on the mountain were accepted, and that the avalanches that broke out from the peak in winter were the roar of the mountain dragon. It is the highest plateau land where Alanya, Manavgat and Gündoğmuş Yoruks have climbed with camels in the summer months for centuries. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The highest peak of the Geyik Mountains is 2,877 meters and the plateaus extend between elevations of 1,800 and 2,400 meters. Geologically, it consists of karst limestone and calcareous dolomite blocks. In the summit belt, there are glacial cirques and seasonal glacial crater lakes from the ice ages. The tree line on the mountain ends at 2,000 meters; It is covered with alpine meadows, endemic Taurus snowdrops, mountain hyacinths and astragalus. Wild goats, golden eagles, vultures and lynxes are the guardians of this wild geography. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:It is an open alpine plateau zone and entrance is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days:It is suitable for visiting from the beginning of June until the end of September, when the snow melting is completed and the plateau roads are opened; In other months, there is heavy snow, blizzard and avalanche danger.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Oxygen is low due to high altitude; It is dangerous for those without mountaineering experience to climb the summit alone. Weather conditions can suddenly turn to fog and storm, a compass, GPS and warm clothing are essential; The terrain is very rough and rocky and is definitely NOT suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.•Facilities and Amenities:The area is completely wilderness; there is no hotel, restaurant or WC; There are only traditional Yoruk stone plateau houses and shepherd's springs; campers must carry all their logistics with them. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Geyik Mountains Peak and Plateaus Belt, 07860 Gündoğmuş / Antalya.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: The approximately 40 km road from Gündoğmuş center to the plateaus is a mountain and forest road; The last 15 kilometers are a plateau stabilized road with stones and gravel. Only suitable for 4x4 off-road vehicles, high-frame SUVs and pickups; It is not recommended to go out with standard passenger cars.•Real Public Transportation Information: There is no public transportation; It can be reached by off-road vehicles provided by mountaineering clubs and safari agencies.•Parking Availability:There is unlimited natural meadow parking space on the plateau plains. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photo Spots and Frames:Snowy limestone peaks reflected in the mirror of glacial lakes at 2,500 meters, the sun rising over a sea of clouds at sunrise, and herds of grazing Yoruk sheep.•Light and Shooting Hours:The first light of the morning (05:30 - 07:00) and the fascinating Alpenglow effect that paints the mountain peaks red at sunset.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Fresh goat tulum cheese fermented by Yaylacı Yoruks in their quarries, plateau yoghurt and thyme tea brewed with ice-cold spring water should be tasted.