Ayder Plateau Travel Guide: Entrance Fees, Camping & Real Tips 2025

We can describe this place as the most popular but also the most debated route of the Black Sea region. Ayder Plateau, located in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, has transformed over the years from a quiet highland village into a massive tourism center. Those misty, enchanting views you see on social media are real; however, the crowds and concrete construction are unfortunately just as real. If you set your expectations correctly, Ayder can still offer you incredible moments.

It would not be wrong to compare this place to an amusement park; it is very colorful and lively, but it can sometimes be exhausting for those seeking the silence of nature. Nevertheless, you should definitely add this route to your list to watch the fog in the early morning hours or to gaze at the stars in the evening when the crowds recede. With this guide we have prepared for you, you can plan how to enjoy Ayder without falling into tourist traps.

• Altitude: 1350 Meters
• Best Time: May-September (For Greenery), January (For Snow Festival)
• Road Status: All asphalt (Accessible by any car type)
• Camping: Available (Facilities and wild spots exist)
• Phone/Internet: Good signal in most spots

2025 Ayder Plateau Entrance Fees

Since Ayder is located within the borders of Kaçkar Mountains National Park, you are required to pay an entrance fee determined by the National Parks at the gate. The toll booths are located at the entrance of the plateau, and there is no chance to pass by car without paying. Finding a parking space inside the plateau can be quite challenging, especially during the summer season and weekends, so the most logical move is to park your vehicle in a suitable place after paying the fee and continue on foot.

Note: Prices may be updated seasonally by the National Parks Directorate.

Where is Ayder Plateau and How to Get There?

Ayder Plateau is located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Rize city center. We can say it is the most convenient plateau in the Black Sea in terms of transportation because the entire road is covered with asphalt. Although this situation has slightly damaged the naturalness of the plateau, it provides problem-free transportation even with low-chassis passenger cars.

The asphalt road leading to Ayder Plateau with Firtina Valley scenery.

After turning into Fırtına Valley from Ardeşen, you arrive at Çamlıhemşin district center. From here, you just need to turn left (not towards Zilkale) and follow the Ayder signs. Fırtına River will accompany you along the road; driving while listening to the sound of the water with the window down is the most enjoyable part of the journey. If you do not have a private vehicle, you can also reach there by minibuses departing from Rize center or Pazar district. However, if you are using Rize-Artvin Airport, you need to go to Pazar district from there and then take the Ayder dolmuş (shared taxi).

Panoramic view of Ayder Plateau showing wooden houses and green hills.

Places to Visit in Ayder Plateau

When you arrive at the plateau, the first things to welcome you will be hotels and restaurants built on the slopes. However, there are a few points you need to focus on by escaping the crowds.

Gelintülü Waterfall (Bridal Tulle)

The most iconic view of the plateau is definitely the Gelintülü Waterfall. The flow of water gliding down from the skirts of the Kaçkar Mountains truly resembles a bride's veil. It is not possible to go right up to the bottom of the waterfall by car or on foot; in fact, it gives the best view from across, that is, from the meadow area used as the viewing terrace of the plateau. This is the right spot for taking photos. However, be warned, there might be a photo queue in front of it, especially at noon.

Distant view of Gelintulu Waterfall flowing down the green mountains in Ayder.

Ayder Hot Springs

The plateau is not just about the view; it is also home to healing waters. The famous hot springs, coming from 260 meters underground and reaching 50 degrees Celsius, are preferred for rheumatism and skin disorders. Apart from the facility's general pools, there are also private family rooms for those seeking a more hygienic experience. If the idea of a crowded pool is not for you, renting private rooms is a much more comfortable option.

What to Do in Ayder Plateau?

If you do not plan your to-do list correctly in Ayder, you might just walk on a crowded street and return. Here are real experience suggestions for you:

• Have a Picnic: Restaurant prices in the plateau can be quite high compared to city centers. As locals and experienced travelers do, taking your food with you and spreading out on the grass facing Gelintülü Waterfall is both budget-friendly and much more enjoyable.
• Rafting on Fırtına River: You will see many rafting facilities on Fırtına River along the plateau road. If you like adrenaline, do not return without experiencing this in the ice-cold water.
• Join the Festivals: If you are here in January, you might catch the famous Snowman Festivals. Even watching people sliding with tires is entertainment in itself.

Accommodation: Hotel, Bungalow, or Camping?

Accommodation options in Ayder can be a bit confusing. There are hundreds of hotels, pensions, and bungalows in the region. Prices vary greatly depending on the season; while it is almost impossible to find a place in summer, you can catch more reasonable options in the spring months.

Various accommodation options and bungalows nestled in nature at Ayder Plateau.

If you want to be alone with nature, camping is the best option. Private camping areas like "Ihlamurlar Altında" offer basic needs such as toilets and water for those who want to set up a tent. Doing wild camping in the plateau has become a bit difficult because most of the flat areas belong to businesses or are under protection. If you are going to camp, do not forget that the weather gets seriously cold in the evenings even in summer, and choose your sleeping bag accordingly.

After the day-trippers leave, that is, after 18:00, Ayder takes on a completely different identity. Silence falls, and the real plateau atmosphere begins then. Therefore, we recommend staying at least one night if you have the opportunity.

Food and Dining Tips

Although Muhlama (a local cheese fondue) is the first thing that comes to mind when the Black Sea is mentioned, be careful not to fall into the "tourist" taste trap in Ayder. Preferring places that look more boutique and family-run on the road gives more satisfying results in terms of both taste and price. Laz pastry (Laz Böreği) and cornbread are among other flavors you should try.

Alternative Routes Around Ayder

You can use Ayder Plateau as a hub and switch to the more pristine plateaus around. Since the Ayder road is now very comfortable, you can set this place as your main camp and give a chance to these routes for day trips:

• Zil Castle
• Pokut Plateau
• Palovit Waterfall
• Gito Plateau