The Bolkar Mountains, formerly known as the Bulgar Mountains, are a large tectonic mountain range located in southern Türkiye, spanning the provinces of Konya, Niğde, and Mersin (İçel). These mountains, situated in the Central Taurus region of the Taurus Mountains system, hold great geographical, ecological, and cultural significance. Their highest peak, Medetsiz, reaches 3,524 meters. This peak is located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Ulukışla district. As it rises on a large mountain range mass, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from a distance due to many surrounding peaks exceeding 2500 meters.

^{Bolkar Mountains (T.C. Ulukışla District Governorship)}

Climate and Natural Structure

The Bolkar Mountains are located in a transition zone between the Mediterranean climate and the continental climate. Annual and daily temperature differences are distinct. Cold and rainy weather prevails in winter months, with precipitation typically in the form of snow in high altitudes. Summers are cool and dry. Southern slopes receive more precipitation due to the humid air coming from the Mediterranean, hosting forest types such as Turkish pine, black pine, cedar, and Taurus fir. Northern slopes, under the influence of the continental climate, have a steppe appearance, but juniper, hawthorn, and black pine communities are also found in places.

Natural Beauties and Endemic Species

The Bolkar Mountains are remarkable not only for their geomorphology but also for their biological diversity. The venomous viper species Vipera bulgardaghica, which lives only in these mountains, is globally endemic. Furthermore, cirque lakes like Çiniligöl and Kara Göl, located at an altitude of 2600 meters, are situated in natural basins formed by glacial erosion. These lakes, along with the surrounding steep rocky structures, offer an impressive landscape. It is also a region rich in endemic plant species and high mountain flora.

Climbing and Hiking Routes

The Bolkar Mountains are popular for nature walks and summit climbs, especially during the summer months. Access to the Medetsiz summit from the north is generally easier and does not involve technical difficulties. The summit is reached by following Meydan Yaylası and Koyunaşağı Pass via Maden Köyü. The southern route, however, is quite steep and challenging, preferred by more experienced climbers. From Çamlıyayla district, one can reach Olukkayağı Village by car, and from there to Elmalıpınar locality. Afterwards, the summit is reached by crossing the rocks from the west. However, these routes are more complex and time-consuming than the northern route.

Summit Characteristics and Landscape

Medetsiz Summit is exposed to strong winds in all seasons. From the summit, Erciyes Mountain, Aydos Mountain, Hasan Mountain, and Aladağlar can be seen. While limited water sources pose a challenge in summer, the snow amount is quite high in winter. This snow melts in early summer, remaining only in the hollow parts of the limestone rocks.

^{Bolkar Mountains (Niğde Municipality)}

Winter Tourism and Ski Area

The Bolkar Mountains are also important for winter sports. The ski area, located within the provincial borders of Niğde, south of Darboğaz sub-district of Ulukışla district, and west of Çiftehan and Maden Köyü, is situated at altitudes between 2,300 and 3,003 meters. Peaks such as Top Tepe (3,017 m), Tahtalıkaya (3,372 m), Koyunaşağı Tepe (3,426 m), Eğerkaya (3,347 m), and Erkaya (3,308 m) surround this area. The Meydan plain (2,300 m) is considered the most suitable area for gathering and settlement for a ski center. The ski season, which lasts from mid-December to the end of April, sees snow depths ranging from 100 to 200 cm.