Hey all,

Is anyone into rock climbing? A few of us went hiking last weekend at Bali Kayalar, and it was great. For those of you that haven't been there, its about 45 minutes outside of the city (on the Asian side). You're driving along in urban Istanbul, then suddenly you turn a corner and you're in the middle of Cherry Orchards - it's really pretty incredible. In any case, there's a beautiful canyon, and a great spot to have lunch. A bunch of Turks were there rock climbing. It looks like an incredible spot with tons of routes for climbers of varying abilities. I can't claim to be an expert rock climber, but I love getting up on a wall, and wanted to see if anyone wanted to check it out. Even if you're not into climbing, I definitely recommend checking out the area, as its a great escape from the city.

Best-

Shelby

I'm definitely in if it's not like die Huberbuam in this movie ;-)

I used to do a fair bit of sport climbing and went trad a couple of times. Haven't been for a few years so my strength has all gone but would definitely be up for getting back into it all. Don't have any gear over here yet but I'm sure there must be someway of getting hold of some

Let me know where and when!

I actually don't have any gear here either. Does anyone know a sporting goods shop where we can pick some stuff up? Also, does anyone have ropes?

There's a couple of places in B'tas.

1 located on the lower floor of the strange indoor / outdoor shopping centre; same floor as the PTT, it's located close to the entrance / exit that takes you to the square of off the main Taksim - B'tas road.

Another one is up Barbaros, almost directly opposite the Conrad but on the Starbucks side. I know it is an outdoor centre but didn't pay attention to whether they carried climbing gear.

Hey Shelby --

https://www.kutupayisi.com/outdoor.php?m_kontrol=2

don't know if it's any good, but it looks legit and its near Taksim. "Polar Bear"

there is also an indoor rock climbing place/ sport shop at the besiktas ataturk cultural centre in akatlar; (actually where carrefour is) they may have equipment

Hi Shelby,
There's a climbing wall that's more of a room or corridor really but they have all the equipment you'd need. They're on the coast road opposite the entrance to Ortakoy seaside. Let me know if you want to go down there, I live in Ortakoy and can help with translation etc. if you need it.

Laughing boy- Thanks for the info. I'll send you a PM to figure out details.

[quote user="laughingboy" post="93314"]Hi Shelby,
There's a climbing wall that's more of a room or corridor really but they have all the equipment you'd need. They're on the coast road opposite the entrance to Ortakoy seaside. [/quote]

I thought that place had closed down? We stopped by there last year and the owners told us they were in the process of packing up. Are they still open or is it maybe under new management?

just to resurrect an old thread.....

..... I've spotted an additional 2 climbing gear shops;

the first is close to the british consulate (IST), at the end that borders the main road. If you're on foot, go past the entrance of off Istiklal and continue down to the bypass / circular road, before you get there turn right and it is the first shop you come to.

the second is in Karakoy; if you are heading from Eminonu to Kabatas; cross the Galata bridge and turn right as you hit Karakoy (truth be told, if you are in a car you can only turn right), then it's one of the first shops on the left. If you hit a crossroads with lights then you've gone too far. Parkings a nightmare around the area so would advise bus or walking.