The plateau is famously situated above the fog layer, creating a 'sea of clouds' phenomenon common in the Kaçkar range.
The lodge is located within the Eastern Black Sea region, which receives some of the highest annual precipitation in Turkey.
Gito Yaylası is known for having minimal light pollution, making it a prominent destination for stargazing and astrophotography.
The traditional architecture of the region relies on heavy interlocking wood beams to withstand high-altitude wind loads.
Gito Yaylası Cici Baba Dağevi is a mountain lodge located at an altitude of approximately 2,070 meters in the Kaçkar Mountains of Rize, Turkey. The structure is built primarily from traditional timber, reflecting the local vernacular architecture of the Black Sea highlands. It functions as a base for hikers and photographers accessing the surrounding alpine meadows, known locally as yaylas. The lodge is situated on a ridge that offers panoramic views of the Fırtına Valley and often sits above the cloud line. Access to the property requires navigating narrow, unpaved mountain roads through the Hemşin district. The facility provides basic overnight accommodation and food service catering to tourists visiting the Gito Plateau.
The wooden deck area of the lodge facing the valley during sunrise.
Bring layers of clothing regardless of the season, as high-altitude temperatures fluctuate rapidly.
Ensure your vehicle has high ground clearance, as the access roads are steep and gravel-heavy.
Download offline maps before arrival, as mobile signal is inconsistent in the mountain valleys.
Attempting the ascent with a low-clearance sedan during or immediately after heavy rainfall.
Operations are highly seasonal; usually accessible only between late spring and early autumn due to heavy snow blockage on access roads.
Respect the privacy of residents in the surrounding plateau houses and keep noise levels low during quiet hours.
