Where is Palandöken Mountain in Erzurum Province and How Was It Created?

Palandöken Mountain is a tectonic mountain in Erzurum with an altitude of 3125 meters. Palandökenensis, a flower unique to Palandöken, can be found in May. There is a ski center in Başköy area.

Its name is based on the words palan (donkey saddle) and shed. It is allegory that the saddlebags struck by the donkey's scimitar fall over the steep paths of the mountain.

It is the highest point of the region with its summit located about 10 km south of Erzurum city. Erzurum city center due to a mountain of 1950 meters in height and mass as Turkey does not seem as big as other mountains over 3000 meters. However, his name is mentioned in mythology, especially in many legends in Anatolia.

Palandöken, the amount of snow on the northern slopes of hosting the winter, and the snow quality in the country with Turkey's longest ski piste is having one of the leading ski resorts.

Although it does not have any difficulties in terms of technical climbing, it should be climbed with technical equipment in the winter season, considering all possibilities, as in other 3000s. Some of the steep trails of the mountain can be dangerous due to the extremely harsh winters locally. The best and most comfortable route to the 3125 m summit from Erzurum city center is through the ski center.

There are facilities that can meet all kinds of needs in the hotels located at an altitude of 4 m, which is approximately 2100 km away from Erzurum city center. In terms of security, the gendarmerie works 24 hours a day. This location is also ideal for camping. With the ongoing highway, you can reach the higher hotels. This place is at an altitude of 2450 m and after this level, the chairlift line is followed and the summit is reached over the ridge. The other road is the road that reaches the summit from Başköy village on the southern slope of the mountain. This route does not include any technical climbing difficulties.

The highest point of Palandöken Mountains is called Büyükejder Hill. Here, there are communication transmitters and a private business cafeteria, and the summit can be reached by the chairlift during ski season. On the line descending from the summit, at an altitude of 2500 meters, there is a special cafeteria at the end of Ejder Lift.

In addition, it hosted the 2011 World University Winter Games with Palandöken Mountain and many facilities and ski centers established in Erzurum.