Ballikayalar National Park – Private rock climbing tour for beginners and pros in Istanbul

📍 1 Hour from Istanbul
🧗 100+ Sport Routes
🛡️ Beginner Friendly

Ballikayalar National Park is the ultimate destination for rock climbing near Istanbul. As the country’s first developed sport climbing area, it offers high-quality limestone walls perfect for every skill level.

        No previous experience is necessary. Even if you’ve never seen a climbing harness, you’ll be amazed by what you can achieve. Our certified guides handle all the technical work (belaying and knots), so you can focus entirely on the climb using our ultra-safe Top-Rope system.
    

Whether you are looking for an intimate small group experience or a large corporate event, we customize the day to fit your needs. Contact us today to check availability for your next adventure.

Rates

Max 5 people – Contact us to arrange extra guides for larger groups

Group Size	Total Fee	Per Person
1 Person (Solo)	185 EUR	185 EUR
2 Persons	245 EUR	122 EUR
3 Persons	295 EUR	98 EUR
4 Persons	345 EUR	86 EUR
5 Persons (Max)	365 EUR	73 EUR

Included Services

What’s Included

Professional Guiding
All Climbing Equipment
Round-trip transfer from Metro/Marmaray stations
Safety Instructions

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes & socks
Sunscreen & Hat
Snacks & Water
Swimsuit (Optional)

Meeting Points

Pendik Metro Station
Gebze Marmaray Station
Your Location (On request)

First Time? No Problem!

You don’t need any prior experience or strength to start. We use the Top-Rope system, the safest climbing method worldwide. Your guide will handle all the safety gear while you focus on the fun and the view!

Meeting Point

📍 Where Will We Meet?

Our private minivan will pick you up from your preferred location. Your guide/vehicle will be waiting right at the station exit (Street Level). After booking, please coordinate with your guide via WhatsApp for a smooth pickup.

1. Pendik Metro Station

Pickup Point: Main Entrance (Street Level).
Pendik Kavşağı, Bahçelievler Mah., 34893 Pendik

GPS: 40.8883°N, 29.2387°E

2. Gebze Marmaray Station

Pickup Point: Main Exit (Street Level).
İstasyon Mah., Şehit Abdullah Horoz Cad., 41400 Gebze

GPS: 40.7836°N, 29.4115°E

🏠 3. Hotel or Airbnb Pick-up

Door-to-door service is available for your comfort! Whether you are staying at a hotel or an Airbnb, we can arrange a private transfer.

Note: Hotel transfers are available for an additional fee, calculated based on your specific location. Please contact us with your address to get a custom quote.

camping

Can I camp in the park to extend my stay?

Yes, absolutely!For those who want to turn their climbing trip into a full outdoor adventure, we offer overnight camping options right in the heart of the national park.

Extended Experience: Camping allows for a guaranteed 2-day climbing program, giving you more time to master the routes and enjoy the nature.
Camping Service: 30 EUR per person.
Gear Rental: Don’t have your own gear? No problem. We can provide a complete camping set (including tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag) for an additional 30 EUR.

This is a perfect choice for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the nature of Ballikayalar. Please let us know in advance if you would like us to arrange your tent accommodation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can join? Is it suitable for children?

Our tours are open to everyone, including little adventurers! Rock climbing is a fantastic family activity. No prior experience or “elite” fitness is needed. As long as children are motivated to try, we have routes perfectly suited for different ages and sizes. It’s all about having fun and moving at your own pace.

What happens if it rains?

Don’t let a few drops stop the fun! Ballıkayalar has a unique geography. We have a special climbing area shaped like a half-cave (overhang) that stays dry even when it rains. This allows us to continue our training and climbing safely under a natural rocky roof. However, in case of extreme weather conditions that might compromise safety, we will contact you in advance.

Climbing in the rain under a natural cave at Ballikayalar

How long does the trip last?

We offer both full-day excursions and full-weekend options depending on your preference.

When is the best time to visit?

The park is suitable for climbing year-round. However, March-June and September-November are considered the optimal periods for the best weather conditions.

Where is Ballikayalar National Park located?

Address: Baris Cd., 41400 Gebze/Kocaeli. You can find the location on Google Maps here. Entrance to the park is free of charge.

Are there food and shopping options nearby?

There are no restaurants, only two small huts offering tea, coffee, and basic snacks. We recommend bringing your own food and water. Nearest grocery stores (A101, BIM) are in Tavsanli Village, a 5-minute drive away.

Can I bring my own climbing equipment?

Yes, absolutely. While we provide all necessary safety equipment, you are more than welcome to use your own gear.

What should I bring with me?

You will need sun protection cream, comfortable outdoor clothes, sturdy shoes, and thin socks. Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel if you’d like to swim in the natural lake and waterfalls!

Are there toilet facilities?

There is a toilet at the park entrance. We recommend bringing your own toilet tissue and hand sanitizer as they are not always stocked.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Cancellations made 48 hours prior to arrival are fully refundable. Please note that refunds are not issued for weather, traffic, or other unforeseeable conditions. We recommend checking the local forecast in advance.

Do I need to know climbing commands?

We use standard climbing calls for safety and communication. We recommend taking a quick look at these commands in advance to ensure better coordination on the rocks.

Ask Guide Availability:

Please check the guide’s availability and confirm a meeting point via WhatsApp before reservation. Guide’s Whatsapp Number: +905553188029

Contact the Guide Sönmez Erkaya on WhatsApp

Booking:

About the Guide – Sönmez Erkaya

Mountaineering Federation of Turkey Trainer (3rd tier certification), Sport Climbing Trainer, Referee and Route Maker (2nd tier certification), He has Emergency First Aid and Rescue certifications, Rafting Trainer and Diving certifications. He has been guiding since 2008.

For many years, he has been continuing mountaineering and rock climbing together. There have been activities in almost all mountains of our country and abroad as follows…
Agri, Resko, Suphan, Aladaglar, Kackarlar, Erciyes, Hasandagi, Sultan Mountains, Giden Gelmez Mountains, Ilgaz, Uludag, Erek, Palandoken, Bolkarlar, Dedegol, Taurus Mountains etc.
Abroad… Korjenevskaya, Ismail Somoni (Ex-name Communism), Peak Lenin, Khan Tengri, Kilimanjaro, Demavend, Elbrus, Kazbek, Mont Blanc, Materhorn, Jungfrau (first Turkish climb), Wissechijen (first Turkish climb).
in 2018 he joined Turkish Alpine Club’s National High Altitude Climbing Team and completed climbing of Korzhenevskaya (7105 m) & Communism peak (7495 m.) successfully.

He is still an instructor and mentor in many institutions, organizations, schools (universities, colleges), associations, sports complexes. His interviews, articles and news have been published in some magazines and newspapers. Rock climbing, education and teaching programs have been broadcasted on nearly 10 TV channels. In places like Ballikayalar, Harmankaya and Zekeriyakoy, he has opened nearly 70 sports routes in climbing sectors.

He is the founder and chairman of Klosdag mountaineering club. He is a father to a girl. The philosophy of himself is based on the principle of “learning and teaching…” He continues his work and development actively.