An Authentic Journey to the Black Sea Highlands
If you’re yearning for a break from city noise and crowded tourist spots, the Organic Pokut Tour offers a refreshing escape into the peaceful mountain highlands of Turkey’s Black Sea coast. For around $1,300 per person, you’ll spend about four days exploring the lush landscapes, meeting welcoming locals, and experiencing authentic highland culture.
What we love about this tour is how it combines beautiful natural scenery with personalized touches like organic meals prepared by locals and a boutique hotel run by a family who genuinely cares about their guests. The second highlight? The chance to hike or jeep through forests and mountains, followed by evenings filled with local music, dancing, and storytelling that truly bring the highland life to you.
A potential consideration is the road conditions—the routes to Pokut are described as difficult, with some unpaved or narrow sections, which might be less comfortable for travelers prone to motion sickness. Also, the tour is quite active, with multiple hikes and outdoor experiences, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy physical activity and fresh mountain air.
This experience is perfect for travelers looking for authentic cultural exchanges, stunning panoramic views, and organic, homemade food in a peaceful, rural environment. If you’re after a deep connection with local life away from commercialized tourism, this tour provides ample opportunities to meet locals and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the mountains.
Key Points
- Authentic Mountain Experience: Enjoy the highland culture and natural beauty of Pokut and surrounding areas.
- Organic Food Focus: Enjoy homemade, organic meals with ingredients sourced locally, often prepared with long-standing traditions.
- Flexible Excursions: Choose between hiking or jeep safaris to reach remote highlands like Hazinda or Sal Yaylasi.
- Authentic Accommodation: Stay at Zafer’s family-run boutique hotel, owned by a former bagpipe designer, adding charm and personal touch.
- Cultural Encounters: Meet shepherds, local cafe owners, and musicians who keep traditional lifestyles alive.
- Active and Relaxing: Balance the physical activity of hikes and walks with relaxation and cultural evenings full of music and stories.
Planning more time in Turkish Black Sea Coast? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
An In-Depth Look at the Organic Pokut Tour
The Starting Point: Trabzon and the Journey to Pokut
Your adventure begins in Trabzon, a vibrant city on Turkey’s Black Sea coast. Your guide will pick you up either from the airport or a hotel in the Trabzon-Rize area, setting the stage for your mountain escape. The initial drive, approximately two hours, takes you through scenic landscapes with stops such as Çamlhemin and Enyuva Village—perfect spots for quick photos and to stretch your legs.
We appreciated the easy personalization of the tour, with pickup options and a private setting that makes the experience comfortable from the start. These stops are free and give you a taste of local life and views before reaching the highlands.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions of Pokut
After arriving at the Pokut Orion Boutique Hotel, you’ll notice how charming and humble this family-run spot is. Zafer, the owner, brings a unique touch—having been a bagpipe instrument designer, he now shares his love for music by playing bagpipe for guests at night. His wife and assistant keep the place welcoming and cozy, making you feel like a guest in a friend’s mountain home.
Day 2: Sunrise and Highland Life
Starting early, you’ll wake to the fresh mountain air and the chance to see the sunrise from above Pokut. The breakfast here is a highlight—Aye, the host’s wife, prepares a delightful spread with jam, cheese, organic butter, cream, homemade cakes, and freshly milked milk, all crafted with care and tradition. This meal alone offers a genuine taste of local craftsmanship and organic simplicity.
Later, you’ll hike to Sal Yaylasi, where traditional wooden houses and mountain goats evoke a picture-perfect rural scene. Here, you might meet local farmers, see their livestock, and taste local sucuk at a mountain café. The chance to chat with the café owner about organic food adds a personal dimension you won’t find in standard tours.
In the evening, you’ll join a cultural evening—singing local songs, playing the tulum (a traditional bagpipe-like instrument), and practicing horon, a lively folk dance. This authentic interaction makes the experience more than just sightseeing; it becomes a personal cultural exchange.
Day 3: Trekking to Hazinda or Jeep Safari
The optional hike or jeep safari to Hazinda Highland offers a stunning day in nature. The trek involves walking through forested areas where pathways are sometimes unmarked, especially as new roads are under construction. Expect peaceful scenery and encounters with locals, including a highland restaurant for a local lunch of traditional dishes.
The terrace view from Hazinda provides a sweeping panorama of the valley—a moment to truly appreciate the untouched beauty of the region. The walk back to Pokut, or the jeep ride, offers options depending on your energy level and interest in outdoor activity.
Day 4: Celebratory Farewell
On your final day, the community gathers for a farewell night—sharing tea, cakes, stories, and music. It’s a heartfelt, genuine send-off that emphasizes the close-knit community and authentic local hospitality.
The next morning, after breakfast, you’ll leave Pokut with memories of breathtaking views, warm encounters, and delicious organic food, heading back to Çamlhemin and onwards to your next destination.
Why Choose This Tour?
This tour stands out because it’s not just about sightseeing—it’s about living the highland culture. The combination of active outdoor experiences, authentic local food, and warm hospitality offers a well-rounded, immersive holiday.
The family-run hotel adds a personal touch, and the flexible itinerary allows for spontaneous interactions with locals—something that makes this experience special. Plus, the focus on organic food and environmental respect, exemplified by a shepherd like Yaar, underscores a genuine commitment to sustainable tourism.
However, the difficult roads to reach Pokut may be a challenge if you’re not comfortable with bumpy rides, and the physical activity involved means it’s best suited for those who enjoy mountain hikes or outdoor exploration.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience appeals most to adventure-minded travelers who seek authentic mountain life, organic cuisine, and cultural exchanges. Nature lovers will cherish the panoramic views and peaceful atmosphere, while those interested in local traditions, music, and food will find it particularly rewarding. It’s ideal for independent-minded travelers comfortable with active days and seeking a genuine connection with local people and environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is transportation included during the tour?
Yes. Your initial pickup from Trabzon or a hotel in the area is included, and transportation to and from hikes, including optional jeep safaris, is arranged.
What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay at the Pokut Orion Boutique Hotel, a family-run place that used to be a highland house. It offers a cozy, authentic environment with warm hospitality from Zafer and his family.
Are meals included?
Yes. The tour features organic, homemade breakfasts and dinners prepared by the family. You’ll enjoy traditional dishes, with ingredients often sourced locally and organically.
How physically demanding is the tour?
The itinerary involves some hiking—up to three hours in a day, with options for a jeep safari if preferred. The terrain can be uneven and sometimes unmarked, so good footwear and a moderate fitness level are recommended.
Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s room for flexibility. You can choose whether to hike or take a jeep, and can spend more or less time with locals, depending on your interests.
What is the best time to take the tour?
While specific dates aren’t provided, the tour relies on good weather and clear views, so late spring to early autumn would be ideal.
Final Thoughts
The Organic Pokut Tour offers a rare opportunity to step into a slower, more authentic side of Turkey’s Black Sea region. It’s an experience that prioritizes genuine connections, stunning vistas, and organic foods in a setting that feels both remote and welcoming.
If you’re seeking a meaningful adventure that combines outdoor activity, culture, and peaceful mountain scenery, this tour is a rare find. Its authentic hospitality and focus on sustainability make it a memorable choice for those who want more than the typical tourist trail.
While the journey involves some challenging roads, the reward is a deep sense of tranquility and connection with local life. It’s best suited for travelers who value authenticity, active exploration, and organic experiences—perfect for those wanting a trip that feeds both the soul and the senses.
Enjoy your trip to the highlands—where the mountains meet the clouds and genuine hospitality awaits.