After enjoying another delightful Turkish meal we were told that perhaps water shoes would be required on the following day.

Not only to protect our feet, but to keep them warm. A bathing suit and maybe snorkelling gear would not be out of the question.

There was a high probability we would need to wade, and more than likely swim, in glacier fed waters. Normally parts of the area we were to visit is closed due to flooding prior to late May or early June.

And all while surrounded by hundred foot cliffs on both sides.

Needless to say we were concerned!

Researching on YouTube, one intrepid vlogger calmly said , while wading through hip high rushing water:

“This trek would not be allowed in North America due to safety concerns”

Since you are reading this post and as you may see, we not only survived but had a really great time.

The Saklikent Gorge is the second largest canyon in Europe. Its length is 18 kilometers and the height at different sites is up to 1000 meters. Throughout its path it has fascinating steep cliffs of natural beauty, waterfalls and 16 caves. The height differences between the inlet and the outlet of the Saklikent gorge for 720 meters!

If you have ever trekked in Zion (USA) this might be familiar territory. We have trekked some of the higher altitudes in Utah, but could not access the Narrows hike due to High water and risk of flash floods.

So it was great that we were given this opportunity to see at least a part of a similar trek.

We only had an hour to explore but it was enough to get a sense of the challenge while enjoying the tremendous views.

I was joined near the end of my hike by an English couple who adopted me and followed my stumbling expertise. They quickly gained confidence and decided to continue onwards after time constraints forced me to turn back.

It was a great experience and we were glad we were not discouraged by the description or the hyperboles of vloggers.