8-Daagse Lycian Way Trail Paardrijtour in Turkije Achtervolg Pegasus te Paard

According to ancient Greek mythology, Pegasus emerged when the hero Perseus beheaded Medusa. With help from Athena or Poseidon, the hero Bellerophon managed to tame this wild and powerful creature. Their most famous adventure is defeating the fearsome Chimera, a fire-breathing monster.

Pegasus soared through the skies while Bellerophon delivered the final blow, burying the beast beneath a mountain. Later, Bellerophon attempted to ride Pegasus to the heavens, but fate had other plans. The winged steed rose to the stars, becoming a constellation and a servant of Zeus himself.

So why the mythology lesson? Because Horseback Riding Turkey invites you to ride after Pegasus - not in the sky, but on one of the most legendary trails on Earth: the Eastern Lycian Way. And yes, the debate still rages on - is this the true Mount Olympos, the divine home of Zeus? The name Tahtalı literally means “God’s Throne,” after all.

On horseback, you’ll not only ride through landscapes carved by time and myth, but also connect with local villagers and travelers along the way. Some paths are only accessible to hikers and riders, offering a peaceful communion with nature where few others tread.

Notes

The program can be adjusted to seasonal weather conditions or riders’ specific requirements to stay longer at the best locations.

Please mind the weight restrictions. This will be an expedition trip. Once participants are off the ranch, they can’t change the horse. So, weight control will be applied to all riders upon arrival. Riders exceeding the weight limit will not be allowed to ride, with no refund.

• Accommodation and food: Countryside residence for the first two days and the last day; tents, local houses, and sleeping bags on the trail; all-inclusive (without alcoholic drinks)
• Horses and tack: Arab and cross-breeds with functional English multipurpose and jumping saddles; Horseback Riding Turkey has a wide range of saddles, including English and endurance saddles

If guests have special requests for the saddle, they will be welcome to contact Horseback Riding Turkey.

Riders

Riders must be fit, able to trot, canter, and gallop, and have experience with trail riding.

• Must be experienced riders with canter and the ability to saddle up the horse
• At least 12 years old (younger riders - with parents; only TBC)
• Up to 75 kg / 165 lbs (heavy riders possible with extra charge for horse change; please contact Horseback Riding Turkey for the additional fee for the second horse)
• Minimum of two and maximum of six riders per group

Equipment

• Reliable and modern equipment
• Riders advised to bring their own riding equipment (helmets, boots, etc.)
• Helmets provided upon request

Itinerary

Please note that this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change due to weather and other influencing factors. Depending on the weather conditions, terrain, and the pace of the group, the daily riding time may be shorter or longer.

Day 1: Arrival day

• Transfer from the airport, check-in, resting at the hotel, and walking in the city of Kemer (no riding)

Day 2: Ride through Kuzdere’s hidden trails

Transfer to the stable after eating breakfast and meeting the horses, as well as safety instructions, brushing, and saddling up. You’ll ride in the forest around Kuzdere for two hours to check group skills and pick up appropriate horses for the further trip. You’ll see orange and pomegranate gardens, ruins of an ancient village, springs, and a small palm forest.

After the ride, you can relax near the pool or at the beach and pack for the trail. ‌The group will have a welcome dinner together and tour to the Chimera mountain at dawn.

• Pace: Walk, trot, canter

Day 3: Ride to Gedelma

Let the trail begin. Start right after breakfast. After 1.5 to two hours of riding, you'll arrive at a beautiful canyon with a mountain river. You can drink clean, fresh water, swim, and take pictures.

After these, start climbing the highest mountain of the region - Tahtali (2,365 meters above sea level). The road goes up, and it is perfect for trot and canter. The first stop will be in the village called Gedelma. There, you'll see a castle, caves, and a very old tree (about 2,500 years old). ‌You will spend the night at a 150-year-old local village house, living like a Turkish family.

• Pace: Walk, trot, canter

Day 4: Ride to Lycian Switzerland

After breakfast, you’ll head to the hidden valley of Ovacik with a shepherds’ house. You’ll see how highlanders live, try freshly cooked lamb for lunch, run crazy gallops on a green meadow, and let horses eat grass afterwards.

‌After this stop, you'll come to the camping place at Platan Forest, feed and brush horses, and prepare the tents. Then, you'll have dinner and go to sleep.

Day 5: Ride to Beycik

‌Touch the sky. Start with breakfast and feeding the horses. After these, climb the Tahtali mountain again. On this day, you'll have the highest point, up to 2,000m. The weather will be changing, and you will be reaching a territory without trees and covered with clouds that you can literally touch.

After reaching the highest point, start to move down until you reach Beycik, a village with a beautiful mountain and sea view. Take a break there, eat, take care of the horses, take a shower, and stay in the village for sleeping (in rooms, no tent).

• Pace: Walk and trot mostly, with short gallops

Day 6: Swim with / without horses

You will be starting to get down to sea level. It takes six to seven hours. The road is surrounded by beautiful bays and untouched nature. After crossing the biggest bay, you'll arrive at Turtle Bay for a one-night accommodation. This is a National Park, and only backpackers are allowed. Sometimes, guests see no other people at all on this day. Tents and food are already prepared there.

Riders can swim with / without horses.

• Pace: Walk and trot on the way, canter on the beach (riders can take nice pictures and videos)

Day 7: Ride to Tekirova

Start your way to the ranch. On the way, you'll cross five bays with a marvelous view and the ancient city of Phaselis (2,000 years old). This is the most dangerous climbing part as the path to Phaselis is too narrow and rocky. You’ll have to walk beside your horse for some time.

‌It will be possible to take a lunch break there. After eating, you'll be coming back to the ranch, trotting and galloping through the village of Tekirova.

Day 8: Departure day

This will be the goodbye day. Riders will check out and be transferred to the airport. You can buy souvenirs on the way.