Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6-Days Summary and Itinerary

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Hike in Tanzania
July 14 to July 21, 2014

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-6; Millenia Camp to Mweka Gate

The trek to Uhuru Peak is considered to be a relatively straightforward endeavour; however, ample time must still be provided for proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Some trekkers employ altitude-sickness medication, including acetazolamide, but taking at least seven days is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. Machame Route is highly recommended for its scenic value asidefor being very popular trail and fully catered camping. It has also great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities and a challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones. Machame route is a good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6-Days Summary (actual timings and my record)

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-6; Millenia Camp to Mweka Gate

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Hike in Tanzania
July 14 to July 21, 2014

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-5; Barafu to Uruhu Peak to Millenia Camp

This is the last bit of the trip, it's a 15kms walk. After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate. At Mweka gate climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate another 3hours muddy walk takes you to Mweka village. Enjoy a delicious hot lunch. Drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations. Overnight at Sakina camp.

DAY 6: MILLENIA CAMP (3,797m) TO MWEKA CAMP (3,100m) TO MWEKA GATE (1,900m) Rainforest Trail (4-5hrs)

0700H    Camp breakfast
0830H    ETD Millenia Camp (3,797m)
1015H    ETA Mweka Camp (3,100m)
1320H    ETA Mweka Gate (1,900m) (registration)
1335H    ETD Mweka Gate
1555H    ETA Arusha Central Inn (Bed & Breakfast)
SUMMARY: 5 hours hiking on 10km distance at -1,897m altitude loss
 

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-6; Millenia Camp to Mweka Gate (rainforest trail)

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-5; Barafu to Uruhu Peak to Millenia Camp

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Hike in Tanzania
July 14 to July 21, 2014

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-4; Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

You will rise around 2330hrs, and after some tea and biscuits you set off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy terrain towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour walk to Stella point is the most mentally and physically challenging part on the route. At Stella Point (5,685m) you will stop for a short rest and if weather permits, amazing views of sunrise ever seen. From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent up to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions, its advisable to take the shortest time possible due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours, take a short rest and head down to Millenia hut (3,797m). Enjoy a good dinner as you marvel the wonders of Africa.

DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP (4,600m) TO UHURU PEAK (5,895m) TO MILLENIA CAMP (3,797m) Arctic Trail (6-7hrs / 2-3hrs)

2330H    Camp early breakfast
0030H    ETD Barafu Camp (4,600m)
0240H    started to feel vomiting, sleepy, tired, hands frozen; windburn getting worse  (5,100m)
0430H   DECIDED TO BACK-OUT DUE ENORMOUS UNWELL FEELING (5,480m)
0600H    ETA Barafu Camp (4,600m)
1400H   Camp lunch
1810H    ETA Millenia Camp (3,797m) (registration)
1900H    Camp dinner and sleep
SUMMARY: 8 hours 40 minutes hiking on 5km/6km distance at 880m/-1,683m altitude gain/loss

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-5; Barafu to Uruhu Peak to Millenia Camp (arctic trail)

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-4; Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Hike in Tanzania
July 14 to July 21, 2014

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-3; Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Another 13kms journey to Barafu hut, estimated walking time of 7hours.After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall, you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out easier than what you anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so, you reach Barafu Hut. The last water stop on the route is the Karanga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for "ice" and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1,345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 1900hrs and try to get some precious rest and sleep.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP (3,940m) TO BARRANCO WALL (4,200m) TO KARANGA CAMP (4,000m) TO BARAFU CAMP (4,600m) Alpine desert trail (7-8hrs)

0800H    Camp breakfast
0845H    ETD Barranco Camp (3,940m)1030H
1030H    ETA Barranco Wall (4,200m)
1230H    Pack Lunch eat along Karanga Camp (4,000m)
1400H    ETD Karanga Camp
1730H    ETA Barafu Camp (4,600m) (registration)
1900H    Camp dinner and sleep
SUMMARY: 8 hours 45 minutes hiking on 13km distance at 660m altitude gain

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-4; Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (Barranco Wall)

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-3; Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Hike in Tanzania
July 14 to July 21, 2014

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-2; Machame Camp to Shira Camp

This day looks the toughest day of all; the distance to be covered is 13kms in duration of about 7hours. After breakfast, the route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4,600m after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky path to Lava Tower (4,600m). It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches. After lunch you descent again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4,600m at Lava Tower, the true secret of acclimatization becomes clear. This 2 hours descent to Barranco camp offers great opportunities to take some beautiful snap shots of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable as you wait for dinner.

DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP (3,980m) TO LAVA TOWER (4,600m) TO BARRANCO CAMP (3,940m) Semi-desert trail (7-8hrs)

0730H    Camp breakfast
0915H    ETD Shira Camp (3,980m)
1315H    Pack Lunch eat along the trail (4,400m)
1520H    ETA Lava Tower (4,600m)
1800H    ETA Barranco Camp (3,940m) (registration)
1900H    Camp dinner and sleep
SUMMARY: 8 hours 45 minutes hiking on 13km distance at 620m altitude gain
 

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-3; Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (the Lava Tower)

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-2; Machame Camp to Shira Camp

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Hike in Tanzania
July 14 to July 21, 2014

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-1; Machame Gate to Machame Camp

You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a little rest as you enjoy your lunch, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau.
You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3,980m. By the time you get here, you will have covered a distance of 7kms in about 5hours.The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP (3,000m) TO SHIRA CAMP (3,980m) Moorland trail (4-5hrs)

0730H    Camp breakfast
0830H    ETD Machame Camp (3,000m)
1200H    Pack Lunch eat along the trail (3,500m)
1415H    ETA Shira Camp (3,980m) (registration)
1900H    Camp dinner and sleep
SUMMARY: 5 hours hiking on 7km distance at 980m altitude gain

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-2; Machame Camp to Shira Camp (moorland trail)

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-1; Machame Gate to Machame Camp

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Hike in Tanzania
July 14 to July 21, 2014

Crossborder Shuttle Bus Travel between Kenya and Tanzania (Namanga)

The day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast a 1hr 45-minute drive from Arusha to Machame village (1,800m). Total distance to be covered is 8kms in duration of 4 hours.The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment in the village. You get a lunch pack and you can also buy mineral water in the village. Depending on the condition of the road, it is possible to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km walk will take about 1 hour to complete. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest almost immediately. In most occasions, it rains turning the trails to muddy and slippery experience. You will have a welcome lunch stop about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon. Your porters who in most cases are faster will have pitched your tent on your arrival. In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner, before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can sometimes drop to freezing point at this campsite.

DAY 1: MACHAME GATE (1,800m) TO MACHAME CAMP (3,000m) Rainforest trail (4-5hrs)

0815H    ETD Arusha Center Inn (bed & breakfast)
1030H    ETA Machame Gate (registration & porters weighing)
1300H    Trek Start (1,800m)
1400H    Pack Lunch eat along the trail
1800H    ETA Machame Camp (3,000m) (registration)
2000H    Camp dinner and sleep
SUMMARY: 4 hours & 45 minutes hiking at 8km distance on 1,200m altitude gain

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Day-1; Machame Gate to Machame Camp (rainforest trail)

Crossborder Shuttle Bus Travel between Kenya and Tanzania (Namanga)

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Climb in Tanzania
July 14 to July 21, 2014

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Planning & Hike Preparation

Namanga is a border town between Kenya and Tanzania, 180 km from Nairobi and 120km from Arusha. The town lies mostly in Kenya. Crossing the Namanga border can be hectic (it’s often busy) but the process is fairly easy. This crossing is busiest when the intertown and shuttle buses are passing, typically 9:30-11:00 and 15:30 to 16:30. The process that usually happens on this border; police checkpoint (90% likely in Kenya, 10% in Tanzania – you may just be waved through), outgoing immigration for all passengers, out-going customs for passengers / vehicle – baggage + departure form for vehicle if you’re driving and incoming visa applications (entry/exit). Immigration officials may ‘forget’ to give you a receipt for your visa – make sure you get one. This is particularly common on the Kenyan side, but becoming less of an issue. BE CAREFUL OF THE FIXERS.

SHUTTLE BUS TRAVEL FROM NAIROBI CITY, KENYA TO ARUSHA, TANZANIA
 
Nairobi to Arusha bus travel time took approximately 6 hours including the stop-overs, crossborder checkpoints and arrival/departure visas. Shuttles depart from the Silver Spring hotel (Impala Shuttle) or from the centre of town near the Parkside Hotel, on Muindu Mbingu street opposite Jeevanjee gardens (Riverside and other shuttles). Report to the bus at least 15 minutes before departure especially if you have bulky luggage. Some shuttle companies will pick you up at a central hotel if you are staying there. Road conditions are excellent.

0700H    Breakfast
0800H    ETD Central Nairobi, Kenya
1200H    Namanga Border (Kenya departure stamp / Tanzania arrival stamp)
1400H    ETA Arusha town, Tanzania

Crossborder shuttle bus travel from Kenya to Tanzania via Namanga (visa forms)

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Route Planning & Hike Preparation

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Climb in Tanzania
July 14 to July 21, 2014

Mt. Kilimanjaro Introduction

Kilimanjaro is technically the easiest to climb of the Seven Summits. You don’t need ropes or special mountaineering gear but be prepared physically and mentally.

My Fun-hiking Experience; 

I am a self-confessed budget Amateur Mountaineer / Fun-hiker. I started minor trek locally way back 2007 where I just hitch-hiked to my workmates. Started on Mt. Tapulao(2,037m), Mt. Pinatubo(1,486m), Tarak Ridge(1,288m), Mt. Pico De Loro(664m), Mt. Gulugod-Baboy(525m), Mt. Batulao(813m) and Mt Taal(311m). At 2010, I started to organize my own fun-hike on the 3rd highest peak in Philippines, Mt. Pulag(2,922m) on its rainiest season. Then after a year, I went back to Mt. Pulag(2011) again joined an organized tour. Two years after, I decided to hike alone the highest peak in Malaysia and also in Southeast Asia, Mt. Kinabalu(4,095m). That was my first time climbing alone and also outside my homeland. I did not prepare any physical training as I initially thought that my experience in Mt. Pulag would suffice the capability. Furthermore, most blogs I read implied that it was easy to hike this mountain. After the 2 days, 1 night at the mountain and conquering the summit of Low's Peak of Mt. Kinabalu, I cursed the adventure. This was due to the enormous pain on my calves that I could not do anymore the city tour after. I did not use trekking pole, my backpack weighed more than 10kg and I did not took any medication. Not just that, my trekking time was below the average climber and I even felt breathlessness momentarily around 4,000m elevation. I thought this was the last climbing trip but upon going back to my real life, the eagerness of going back to the mountain wilderness strikes back and honestly don't know why. I don't know what's with mountain hiking that is irresistible and tempting to go back.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route (final choice due to excellent scenerary and summiting success)

6 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895masl) Machame Solo Hike in Tanzania

aiming for the one of the Seven Summits, the roof of Africa
July 14 to July 21, 2014

"Mt. Kilimanjaro inspires transformation. When you climb Kilimanjaro and stand on the roof of Africa, you see the world a different way. What seemed impossible in your life might just be doable. The mountain top is a place for vision, inspiration, and a new beginning."

My 38th country to visit, 34th solo backpacking trip, 4th country to visit in Africa, 2nd major hike abroad,  last part of 11-days East Africa adventure and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa, bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. This is probably one of the oldest known continuously inhabited areas on Earth; fossil remains of humans and pre-human hominids have been found dating back over two million years. Tanzania is believed to have been populated by hunter-gatherer communities, probably Cushitic and Khoisan speaking people. About 2000 years ago, it is believed that Bantu-speaking people began to arrive from western Africa in a series of migrations.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Tanzania

6-days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame route Solo Hiking in Tanzania (the summit beyond)

Kenya last part; Masai Mara Safari Adventure Day-3

3-days Masai Mara Safari Solo Adventure in Kenya
July 11 to July 13, 2014

Kenya 2nd part; Masai Mara Safari Adventure Day-2

Today was the last day of 3-days saga to the one of best things to do in a Bucket list on every traveler's idea. In earlier years, Safari trip was a big-game hunt, but today, safari often refers to trips to observe and photograph wildlife—or hiking and sight-seeing. I'm the only one in our group that availed the 3D/2N trip, all of them booked for 3D/2N tour. Today was just a morning tour for me ended up 1000H. 

Day-3: Masai Mara to Central Nairobi

On this morning, enjoy a pre-breakfast game drive between 6.30 a.m and 9 a.m. After this, return to the camp for a hot breakfast after which we begin our journey back to Nairobi where the Kenya Camping Safari ends. Morning game drives then proceed to Nairobi to arrive by 1600 hrs where the safari ends.

3day/2nights package includes; Transport in a 9 seater custom made Tour van with a pop up roof - each person is guaranteed a window seat; Services of a professional English, Spanish, German speaking guides; Game drives as per the itinerary; Game parks or national parks entry fees; Accommodations in self contained Tents fitted with camp beds/Linen is provided; Three meals per day whilst on safari, prepared by Cook

Price excludes: Drinks; Tipping; Kenya Visas; Hotel accommodation in Nairobi before and after the safari

KENYA MASAI MARA SAFARI ADVENTURE ACTUAL ITINERARY DAY THREE

0600H    Breakfast
0630H    ETD Masai Mara Choi
0700H    ETA Masai Mara National Reserve Park Oldolaimutia Gate
1000H    ETD Masai Mara National Reserve Park and Van transfer
1330H    Narok stop-over for lunch (included)
1730H    ETA Hotel Embassy, Central Nairobi
 

Kenya's Masai Mara Safari Adventure last day of 3D/2N trip (lion)

Kenya 2nd part; Masai Mara Safari Adventure Day-2

3-days Masai Mara Safari Solo Adventure in Kenya
July 11 to July 13, 2014

Kenya 1st part; Masai Mara Safari Adventure Day-1

Today was the Second day continuation of one of the best things to do in a Bucket list on every traveler's idea. In earlier years, Safari trip was a big-game hunt, but today, safari often refers to trips to observe and photograph wildlife—or hiking and sight-seeing. We were 5 tourist in a 4x4 van; me, 1 couple from Australia that we picked-up along the road and 1 couple from United Kingdom that came together with me from Central Nairobi.

Day-2: Masai Mara Full-game Reserve 
Full day spent game viewing exploring the park in search of the Big 5. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are offered. You will enjoy a picnic lunch with the hippos and crocodiles at the Hippo Pool. All your meals and overnight will be at Rhino Tourist Mara tented camp. The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures 

KENYA MASAI MARA SAFARI ADVENTURE ACTUAL ITINERARY DAY TWO

0600H    Breakfast
0630H    ETD Masai Mara Choi
0700H    ETA Masai Mara National Reserve Park Oldolaimutia Gate
1300H    Pack Lunch Safari picnic
1800H    ETD Masai Mara National Reserve Park Oldolaimutia Gate
1900H    ETA Masai Mara Choi, Dinner and sleep
 

Kenya's Masai Mara Safari Adventure Day-2 (cheetah)

Kenya 1st part; Masai Mara Safari Adventure Day-1

3-days Masai Mara Safari Solo Adventure in Kenya
July 11 to July 13, 2014

Nairobi Airport arrival in early morning

On my confirmed booking to Wild Race Africa travel tours, the only communication we had before my Kenya arrival was the email. Upon finishing the Immigration process, I immediately went to Exit and saw my name was written in a piece of paper raised by a local. I walked with him going to a car and advised we will be going first to the office located in Central Nairobi for briefing and wait for other tourist to arrive. Travel time was around 30 minutes only and I'm the only passenger. I took a nap first because it was 0600H then, agreed Nairobi departure was 0900H. 

Day-1: Nairobi City to Masai Mara Reserve
Pick up from your place of stay in Nairobi at 8am and after a brief stop-over at our offices, for briefing purposes, depart for a journey south along the floor of the Great Rift Valley with a pit stop at the View Point for breath taking view of the rift valley. You can take photos and buy souvenirs as you listen to African tales about the formation of the rift valley. Arrive at Masai Mara in the late afternoon and enjoy a game drive till twilight. Dinner and overnight at Rhino Tourist Mara tented camp, our Masai Mara accommodation. Depart from Nairobi in the morning and drive along the floor of the Rift Valley to Masai Mara arriving at the camp in the afternoon for lunch. Afternoon game drives followed by dinner and overnight stay at Mara Sidai Camp or Enchoro Camp 

KENYA MASAI MARA SAFARI ADVENTURE ACTUAL ITINERARY DAY ONE
0430H    ETA Nairobi Airport arrival from Cairo, Egypt
0515H    ETD Nairobi Airport exit, picked-up by Travel Agency staff
0600H    ETA Travel Agency Office
0900H    ETD Central Nairobi
1100H    ETA Short Stop for Great Rift Valley Viewing Deck
1230H    ETA Narok for lunch (included in booked tour)
1600H    ETA Masai Mara Choi (Safari Camp)
1630H    ETA Masai Mara National Reserve Park Oldolaimutia Gate
1900H    ETA Masai Mara Choi, Dinner and sleep

Kenya's Masai Mara Safari Adventure Day-1 (lioness)

3 Days Masai Mara Safari Solo Adventure in Kenya

the Season of Great Wildebeest Migration and Big Cats Photoshoot
July 11 to July 13, 2014

“In a country where only men are encouraged, one must be one's own inspiration.” ― Tegla Loroupe

My 37th country to visit, 33rd solo backpacking trip, 3rd country to visit in Africa, 1st part of 11-days East Africa adventure and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Although one of Africa's more powerful economies, Kenya is still a developing country, and so certain aspects of the country's society and infrastructure may come as a shock to some visitors from developed countries who are unfamiliar with the poverty and poor quality of life experienced by locals. Kenyans understandably pursue the business opportunities offered by tourism with a zeal that may be off putting to some visitors, but are usually open, talkative and friendly once business matters have been settled.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Kenya

A safari is an overland journey, usually a trip by tourists to Africa. Traditionally, the trip was a big-game hunt, but today, safari often refers to trips to observe and photograph wildlife—or hiking and sight-seeing. The Swahili word safari means long journey, originally from the Arabic "safarīyah" meaning a journey. The verb for "to travel" in Swahili is "kusafiri", the noun for the journey is "safari".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safari

3-days Masai Mara Safari Solo Adventure in Kenya (countless zebras and wildebeests)

Istanbul Sultanahmet Square last part; Basilica Cistern and Medusa Heads

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Istanbul 3rd part; A Walk to Topkapi Palace

How to go to Basilica Cistern;
Basilican Cistern is inside the Sultanahmet Square of Istanbul which is 50km distance from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and 27km from Ataturk Airport. This place is just at the right side of the Hagia Sophia. Admission fee is 20TRY and NOT included in Istanbul Museum Pass. Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod is allowed but the tripod is strictly prohibited.

Many of Istanbul’s historical gems, mostly consisting of Byzantine and Ottoman-built monuments are in Old City. Most are located a short walk away from, if not immediately on the edges of, Sultanahmet Square.

Basilica Cistern is constructed in 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinianus, the most prosperous period of the Eastern Roman Empire. The cistern is 70m in width and 140m in length. The dome, covering an area of 9,800sqm is supported by 336 marble columns arranged in 12 rows each consisting of 28 columns placed t a distance of 4.9m. from one another. The cistern is surrounded by a 4m thick wall of brick and the mortar used in constructions is very special and waterproof. The water reserved in the cistern was transported from the Belgrad forest which is 19km from the city. The 2 Medusa head columns found in the Northwest corner of the cistern are the great examples of the Roman age art sculptures.

inside the Basilica Cistern

Istanbul Sultanahmet Square 3rd part; A Walk to Topkapi Palace

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Istanbul 2nd part; the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque

How to go to Topkapi Palace;
Topkapi Palace is inside the Sultanahmet Square of Istanbul which is 50km distance from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and 27km from Ataturk Airport. This palace is just at the back of the Hagia Sophia. Admission is included in Istanbul Museum Pass, if not availed, entrance fee costs 30TRY. Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod is allowed but the tripod is strictly prohibited.

Many of Istanbul’s historical gems, mostly consisting of Byzantine and Ottoman-built monuments are in Old City. Most are located a short walk away from, if not immediately on the edges of, Sultanahmet Square.

Topkapı Palace is an imperial enclave of the Ottoman emperors for four centuries. Lavishly decorated, with 4 courts of increasing grandeur. In the 2nd court of the entrance to the Harem and the State Treasury, housing a weaponry display. The 3rd court has the Imperial Treasury. Both Islamic and Christian relics, rugs, porcelain. The views from the 4th Court over the Bosphorus are spectacular. You can also see Prophet Mohammed's belongings. As of August 2013, some of the areas of the palace are closed for restoration.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City

Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet Square

Istanbul Sultanahmet Square 2nd part; the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Istanbul 1st part; Inside the Hagia Sophia

How to go to Blue Mosque; 
Sultanahmet (Sultan Ahmed) Mosque is inside the Sultanahmet Square of Istanbul which is 50km distance from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and 27km from Ataturk Airport. This mosque is just infront of the Hagia Sophia. Admission is FREE. Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod and tripod is strictly prohibited. Dress code applies, long pants and no sleeveless shirts.

Many of Istanbul’s historical gems, mostly consisting of Byzantine and Ottoman-built monuments are in Old City. Most are located a short walk away from, if not immediately on the edges of, Sultanahmet Square. 

With its six minarets and sweeping architecture the Sultanahmet or 'Blue' Mosque impresses from the outside. Unlike Haghia Sophia, this is still a working mosque, entry is through the courtyard on the SW side which is back side of mosque. No shorts or bare shoulders (shawls are provided) and you will need to remove your footwear (bags are provided that you can place your shoes in). Entrance is free, but donations are welcome upon exit. The mosque is closed during ritual prayer but mosque volunteers provide you with a free presentation about the Mosque and also about Islam during that period. Women need to wear head scarves, which can be borrowed at the mosque for free. Everyone needs to cover their legs (no shorts or short skirts).

http://wikitravel.org/en/Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City

Sultanahmet "Blue" Mosque

Istanbul Sultanahmet Square 1st part; Inside the Hagia Sophia

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Cappadocia last part; trekking to Goreme rock formations

How to go to Hagia Sophia;
Hagia Sophia is inside the Sultanahmet Square of Istanbul which is 50km distance from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and 27km from Ataturk Airport. Admission is included in Istanbul Museum Pass, if not availed, entrance fee costs 30TRY. Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod is allowed but the tripod is strictly prohibited.

Many of Istanbul’s historical gems, mostly consisting of Byzantine and Ottoman-built monuments are in Old City. Most are located a short walk away from, if not immediately on the edges of, Sultanahmet Square. 

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), was originally a basilica constructed for the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. A masterwork of Roman engineering, the huge 30m diameter dome covers what was for over 1000 years the largest enclosed space in the world. The church was looted by the fourth Crusaders in 1204, and became a mosque in the 15th century when The Ottomans conquered the city. It was converted into a museum in 1935. Don't miss the excellent mosaics, including those in the gallery, reached by a stone ramp to the left of the entrance. As of August 2013, construction work is being carried out so expect scaffoldings inside.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City

Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet of Istanbul

Cappadocia last part; Trekking to Goreme Rock Formations

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Cappadocia 3rd part; Goreme Open-Air Museum

How to go to Goreme Hiking Paths;
Start of hiking path is in the main road, in between the Goreme bus terminal and Open-air Museum. Free admission, photography and video taking is permitted.

Following the paths along the valleys is an amazing (and free) option. Check with your hotel owner or the tourist office for a map of the area with suggested walks and trails. There are several nice loops on packed dirt, sand and rock, that maintain a constant elevation and pass through the scenic valleys. However, the best views require some uphill climbs. 

Pigeon/Love/Red & Rose valleys can be walked individually or together and each 'trail' offers different landscapes. Pigeon valley walk starts from the end of the street Flinstone's Hotel is on and leads to Uçhisar (approx 1 hr). Love Valley starts from the Onyx Factory at the bottom of Uçhisar and takes you to Çavuşin (approx 1 hr). Red & Rose Valley is on the way back to Göreme and can be seen on a 2 hour 15TL sunset tour (available everywhere) or you can easily spend 1-4 hours walking around the valleys independently. All stunning landscapes and fun to walk around. Unfortunately the paths are poorly marked. Some are dangerous for days after it rains as they require passing through narrow areas above the valley floor and become slippery when wet.

http://wikitravel.org/en/G%C3%B6reme

Goreme Hiking Path (Love Valley)

Cappadocia 3rd part; Goreme Open-Air Museum

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Cappadocia 2nd part; Exploring Kaymakli Underground city

How to go to Goreme Open-air Museum;
This place is just 1km walk on the main road from Goreme bus terminal. Admission fee is 20TRY. Photography and video (with monopod and tripod) taking is permitted inside.

Göreme Open Air Museum has a collection of caves and fairy chimneys. Be sure to visit the church in a cave across the highway outside the museum entrance, whıch is included in museum admission (save your ticket). The museum is very small and repetitive (church next to church next to church). Some have nice frescos, but other have geometric motifs that can be seen for free in the chimneys across the street (easy hike). The churches are not all that impressive, if you've seen Meteora or other similar churches in Greece.

http://wikitravel.org/en/G%C3%B6reme

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Cappadocia 2nd part; Exploring Kaymakli Underground city

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Cappadocia 1st part; Hot Air Balloon above Turkey

How to go to Kaymakli Underground City;
From Goreme bus terminal, ride a minibus bound to Nevsehir on a 30-min departure interval and travel time for a 2.5TRY fare. Then, another minibus from Nevsehir to Kaymakli for a 3.5TRY on a 30-min travel time. Kaymakli Underground City entrance is just 300m away from the main road. Photography and video (with monopod & tripod) taking is permitted inside.

Kaymaklı Underground City is in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. First opened to tourists in 1964, the village is about 19 km from Nevşehir. The ancient name was Enegup. The houses in the village are constructed around the nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city. The tunnels are still used today as storage areas, stables, and cellars. The underground city at Kaymaklı differs from Derinkuyu in terms of its structure and layout. The tunnels are lower, narrower, and more steeply inclined. Of the four floors open to tourists, each space is organized around ventilation shafts. This makes the design of each room or open space dependent on the availability of ventilation. Kaymaklı is one of the largest underground settlements in the region. The large area reserved for storage in such a limited area appears to indicate the need to support a large population underground. Currently only a fraction of the complex is open to the public.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaymakl%C4%B1_Underground_City

inside Kaymakli Underground city