Saklikent Gorge - Every Step You Take

Today we broke up our four- hour drive to our next destination with a unique activity. Saklikent Gorge is a natural wonder located in the southwestern region of Turkey, near the city of Fethiye. At 11 miles long, it is Turkey's longest and deepest gorge. During the warmer months, walking through it is good for a full day's refreshing experience.

Trying to get out of going into the water, Greg said he'd wait for us at the entrance. It is a good thing he changed his mind or he would've missed out on an adventure! We spent the next 1 1/2 hours trepidly walking through the icy snow-melted and very muddy waters of the gorge.

The gorge starts with a short 1/2-mile suspended plank pathway - bringing you to a clearing with some picnic tables and a small cafe. For the less-adventurous (and almost Greg), this short journey is the endpoint.

We had to cross a fairly deep section to reach the gorge hike. The decently flowing waters came up to the middle of my thighs

The cold, muddy water is an unavoidable discomfort and helps numb your feet so the rocks don't hurt as much.  Water shoes help your feet a little bit too.

As the gorge winds, you have to keep crisscrossing through the river. I was trying to decide where it was easier to walk - in the water (the more direct way), in the quicksand mud, or along the bank. None were pleasant on my angry feet.

The pictures make it look like a walk in the park. In reality, every step you take is a struggle. There is nothing to hold onto as the current is pushing you, but you're trying to take careful steps because you have no idea what size rock you're about to step (or trip) on or how deep the water will be. Rachel described the experience as walking on legos. I'd agree, except for adding "blindfolded" to it since you can't see your feet.

I tried to make it to the somewhat undefined "end" for those who venture without a guide. It got progressively deeper with bigger obstacles to scramble so we turned around here.

Logistics: The water level is highest as the snow melts, or after a rain, and lowest during the summer months. I am guessing for us the water was on the high side. The current only felt strong when the water was up to our knees - near the end it stole my water shoe. By July the water can be completely dried up. The entrance fee is 40tl. At the shop next to the parking lot (fee) you can rent water shoes for 300tl; we bought some less-durable ones for 150 tl ($4.50).

For lunch we chose one of the fun restaurants next to the gorge - where you sit on colorful cushions, or hang in a chair, along the stream

We arrived to Pamukkale in the late afternoon, giving us a little time to walk through the small town and enjoy an early picnic dinner in Pamukkale Natural Park - offering a sneak peek of what we'll get to see up close tomorrow!

Pamukkale Natural Park

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