My visit to Saklikent Gorge preys on my mind as a big travel mistake. I had read about it before in guidebooks, that called the 300 meter-high and 18 kilometer-long canyon, one of the deepest in the world; hence its name translates into hidden city.
The formation of the canyon walls, means that even in the height of summer, water gushing through it from the Akdag Mountain, is still freezing because the sun cannot reach it.
During winter, it is too dangerous to even contemplate going near the canyon because of floods.
I desperately wanted to see it, so while I was in Olu Deniz, just signed up for a guided tour that also took us to the ruins of Tlos, the village of Uzumlu and the scenic Yakapark.
Arriving at Saklikent Gorge
The tour was expertly arranged, using reliable transport and a guide who was full of useful information.
When we arrived at Saklikent Gorge, he got us through the entrance and led us under a small bridge to the canyon entrance.
A metal walkway built on the side of it, took visitors to a rocky area, where if they wish, they could wade through the freezing water to walk four kilometers further into the canyon.
Now this is where the problem lay. The walk over rocky grounds and through waist-high gushing water has huge potential to knock you off your feet. Any technically equipped travel blogger travelling solo has to make a decision.
1: Put your equipment in a waterproof bag, and have no photos to go with your article.
2: Complete the walk, and suck it up as “one of those things” should your equipment be destroyed.
3: Curse yourself for buying a camera that is not waterproof and dressing in unsuitable clothing. Then turn back.
All I could think about was my newly bought DSLR camera. If the camera got ruined, I would cry like a baby and have to abort my month-long trip of the Mediterranean coast. Traveling solo is great fun but at times, it does have some disadvantages.
Instead, I explored the restaurant area, and browsed through the shops. The souvenir shop-owner handed me a leaflet for a small, rustic hotel with tents, camping and treehouse facilities. During the day, a knowledgeable guide could take me trekking into the canyon, or on an adrenaline rushing rafting expedition. Alternatively, I could follow the hiking trails or go fishing. Located inland, there are no beaches nearby but this place was Mother Nature intimidating and teasing me at the same time. I was sold!
So technically, I could mark Saklikent Gorge off my bucket list but I haven’t. I only touched the surface of this area. This is one downfall of buying group tours with set agendas. One day, I will return, with a Go-Pro waterproof camera and book overnight accommodation. Saklikent Gorge is popular as a daytime trip but I get the feeling, staying overnight would be a much more exciting experience.
Disclaimer: I am a freelance writer for Hipmunk and we are working together on the #hipmunkcitylove project. Check back soon for more informative posts to help you travel around the magnificent peninsula of Fethiye
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Fishermen’s rubber pants is a great idea!
I would have been disappointed as well as I would have taken the safe option (to stay behind). I’m slightly handicapped so the risk of a fall is even larger for me. But it sounds like a place worth to explore – if you have fishermen’s rubber pants and a waterproof (or second old) camera.
. . it’s been many a year since we were last there, in fact the walkway looks to have been upgraded from the ramshackle contrivance built by the villagers. I also remember getting swept off my feet and ending up at the restaurants outside!
Yes, I’ve read some hair-raising stories of unsuspecting tourists needing rescuing! One reason why I will definitely go with a guide
I wouldn’t beat yourself up too much about the wrong clothes/equipment etc. At least you didn’t have to be rescued by AKUT which happens to visitors all the time.