Karagöl lake, a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
Karagöl Gölü is a glacial lake at an elevation of 2.661m (8,730ft) above the sea level, located on the borderline of Niğde Province and Mersin Province, in southern Turkey.
Tucked away in Toros Mountains, the road to the high mountain lake is totally unpaved. 4x4 vehicle required. With such a high summit altitude the road can be closed anytime due to snowfalls. The zone is prone to heavy mist and can be dangerous in low visibility conditions. The road is poorly constructed and have no safety barriers in place. It’s narrow and wind sharply up the mountain making turns impossible to navigate. The lake is home to Rana holtzi, an endemic frog.
This trail passes through remote areas, so you need to be prepared. If you dare to take the risk and travel along this dusty and bumpy route, then make sure to be driven by someone who has experience of the road. If your driver loses concentration or control of the car, the drop down the side of the mountain will make any roller coaster ride you previously had, pale in comparison. The road to the lake starts at Madenköy, a village in Ulukışla district of Niğde Province.
Pic: mehmet ziya seydioglu