About this Route
The Silk Road Stage is a 4-stage hiking route in Tarsus, Mersin, tracing the historical Silk Road corridor from the Nature Park to Gülek Castle. Highlights include the serene Berdan Dam Lake, Roman-era stone-paved roads, 16th-century caravanserais, and the medieval Gülek Castle overlooking the Cilician Gates. Best experienced in spring when nature is at its most vibrant.
Route Map
Features
🏃Running Track
🏨Accommodation
🏛️Historical Site
⛺Tent Camping
🔭Viewpoint
🥾Walking Trail
Stages
1
Stage 1: Tarsus – Sağlıklı
Starting from Tarsus Nature Park (Zoo), this stage follows Berdan Dam Lake views through Dadalı and Kayadibi villages, ending at Sağlıklı.
19.87 km
Easy2
Stage 2: Sağlıklı – Kızlar Kalesi (Çavuşlu)
Features a Roman-era stone road (first 3.5 km), the Kırıt archaeological site, and the Girls' Castle, connecting the villages of Kırıt, Kadelli, Dörtler, and Koçmarlı.
18.2 km
Easy3
Stage 3: Kızlar Kalesi – Sarışıh
Passes through the 16th-century Kuzoluk and Sarışıh Caravanserais with historic stone-paved sections and a gradual elevation gain from south to north.
17.4 km
Easy-Medium4
Stage 4: Sarışıh – Gülek Castle
The final stage reaches Gülek Castle, the Cilician Gates, and the dramatic Infinity Rock viewpoint, with panoramic views of the Turkish and German War Cemeteries.
13.5 km
Medium