Reşko (Uludoruk) Peak

Reşko Peak, officially Uludoruk, at 4,168 meters is Turkey's second-highest point after Mount Ararat and the dominant summit of the Cilo range.

Geography and Summit Features

Rising at the southeastern end of the Taurus chain, this majestic granite massif is one of the country's most serious technical mountaineering objectives. Unlike Ararat, Reşko involves snow and ice fields, sheer rock walls, crevassed glacial surfaces and technical passages, demanding climbing experience, rope safety, crampon and ice-axe skills and high-altitude fitness. The summit stands at the heart of the unique Alpine scene formed by the surrounding Cilo glacier and glacial lakes, and the panorama from the top, reaching to the border mountains of Iran and Iraq, is a visual feast rarely matched in Turkey.

Climbing and Access

Climbing routes generally ascend via the Cilo glacier and require a high camp, so the activity is usually structured as a multi-day glacier-mountaineering program. Reşko is a prestige goal for experienced mountaineers and specialist clubs rather than ordinary visitors; it is not a stop on standard city tours but an anchor of advanced adventure tourism. Access is by 4x4 from Hakkari center to the glacier foot, then hiking and technical climbing to the summit. As a border zone, all ascents must be coordinated with governorate permits, current security confirmation and competent local guides. The best climbing window is late July to mid-August, when snow conditions are stable; earlier and later periods carry higher avalanche and ice risk.

Safety and Organisation Recommendations

As the emblem of Cilo-Sat National Park and one of the most coveted objectives of Turkish glacier mountaineering, Reşko draws an increasing number of climbing groups to Hakkari. Before the climb, groups are advised to camp for a few days on lower plateaus to acclimatize and test their fitness. The summit team is usually kept small, and each climber is expected to carry personal technical gear such as crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet. Because the weather window is narrow, programs are kept flexible and summit attempts may be postponed or cancelled in poor conditions. With its crew, logistics and risk, Reşko is a serious mountaineering project that, for safety, must be organized only with expert clubs and experienced guides; amateur solo attempts are strongly discouraged.