In high water this roller coaster of a river is one of the worlds top three paddling trips: 120 kilometres of rapids with no flat water to let your stomach catch up in between. People don’t imagine north eastern Turkey’s terrain will look like it does, but set into the spectacular reds and oranges of the Kackar Mountain Range, the Coruh’s backdrop is more like Arizona (with the addition of snow capped mountains at the beginning of the season ) than Europe. As well as a snapshot worthy setting this is a region heavy with history and culture. Local life is more traditional in these remote areas amongst the Georgian and Byzantine architecture with few cars and generally friendly faces.

An ideal trip in this region would take you first along the ever bumpier Coruh between Erzurum and Tekkale conquering rapids with names like ‘The Bitch’, ‘Alexis’, ‘Dynasty’ and ‘The Stud’ then switch rivers to the big volume Barhal with highlight the Yusufeli Gorge, 12kms of massive roller coaster rapids and one of the best days rafting on the planet.

High water is between mid May and Mid June - but there are plans to dam the Coruh so it’s a good idea to shunt this trip up to the top of your list.

Water By Nature Information on The Coruh.

Written by  Hamish McMaster.

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