Between June 11–14, 2026, under the hosting of Seydişehir Municipality and with the assurance of Via Anatolia, we are heading to the most mysterious geography of the Taurus Mountains—to touch the spirit of the “impassable” mountains.

Gidengelmez Mountains: A Fortress of Resistance

The Gidengelmez Mountains, named after those who entered their steep cliffs and never returned, were the homeland of the proud Homonads. In this natural labyrinth, where even Roman legions hesitated to enter, we will walk along the ancient Via Sebaste routes, where caravans from the Hittites to the Ottomans once left their traces.

The Unyielding People of the Taurus: The Homonads

The Homonads were a warrior tribe known for their deep love of freedom, inhabiting the steep peaks, deep valleys, and inaccessible caves of the Taurus Mountains in antiquity.

• Symbol of Resistance: They became one of the greatest challenges for the Roman Empire in Anatolia. Even the most powerful armies of the time could not defeat them directly in these rugged mountains; they were only subdued by being besieged in their fortresses and starved into submission (Homonad War).
• Eagle’s Nest Fortresses: They built fortresses such as Arvana, Assuva, and Omana at strategic points overlooking the widest valleys.
• Life in Harmony with Nature: Although they practiced agriculture and animal husbandry, their true strength came from using this “impassable” geography as a natural defensive fortress. 

As you walk this route today, you are not just taking a nature hike—you are following the traces of a 4,000-year-old resistance, an unshakable sense of belonging, and a culture that holds the deepest secrets of the Taurus Mountains.

A Four-Day Epic Program

Day 1: June 11, 2026, Thursday | Welcome to Discovery

• Route: Seydişehir Kuğulu Park – Madenli Plateau (Eşik Pit) | 10 km
• Our journey begins in the cool shade of Kuğulu Park, continues via Beldibi along the Via Sebaste, overlooking Seydişehir from the Gidengelmez Mountains, and reaches our first campsite at Eşik Pit in the Homonad highlands. We will be very close to the stars… Portable WC available. A fresh water spring is present at the campsite.
• Difficulty: Moderate – Hard *** 

Day 2: June 12, 2026, Friday | Impassable Passes

• Route: Eşik Pit (Madenli Plateau) – Susuz (Aldana) Plateau | 12 km
• We will see the natural wonder Bulamaç Basin, pass through Sakaltutan (known as an ambush point for bandits) and Madenli (Elmasut) neighborhood, then transfer to Susuz Plateau where we will camp by a small lake. Mosque and WC are available.
• Difficulty: Hard **** 

Day 3: June 13, 2026, Saturday | Guardians of the Peaks

• Route: Susuz (Aldana) Plateau – Arvana Plateau | 15 km
• The most magnificent day of the route… In the shadow of Mount Tınaztepe, we will continue to experience the wild beauty of the Seydişehir mountains. Passing through different valleys and gorges, we will eventually reach the Arvana (Çatmakaya) Plateau, walking among the Homonad fortresses that once challenged Rome.
• Difficulty: Very Hard ***** 

Day 4: June 14, 2026, Sunday | Silent Guardians of Arvana

• Route: Çatmakaya (Arvana) Plateau – Arvana (Çatmakaya) | 6 km
• We will watch the Australia–Turkey national match at 07:00 in the plateau. After the national excitement, our short hike starting at 09:00 ends in Çatmakaya. Participants will arrive at Seydişehir Bus Terminal by 14:00 at the latest.
• Difficulty: Easy ** 

Logistics and Transportation Guide

Event Details:

• Fee: 400 TL (includes 3 breakfasts, 4 packed lunches, 3 dinners, guiding, insurance, transportation, and luggage transfer).
• Meeting Point: June 11, 2026, Thursday, 08:30 – Seydişehir Bus Terminal
• Start Point: Kuğulu Park – Seydişehir/Konya at 10:00
• Pre-Accommodation: Guests arriving on June 10 may stay at Seydişehir Teacher’s House (paid) or camp free at Kuğulu Park.
• Caravan participants can benefit from free caravan services during the event.
• Limited to 200 participants. 

“The GREAT HOMONADA TREK” is organized by Seydişehir Municipality. Tour participation is provided by KONYA ŞEHİR TURU TRAVEL AGENCY – TÜRSAB License No: 13751.

Transportation to Seydişehir:

• From Konya Bus Terminal: Direct buses via Kontur and Özkaymak.
• From Konya Old Garage: Minibuses every 30 minutes (Soylu, Gürpınar, Seydişehir Birlik).
• From Ankara/Istanbul: Arrive in Konya by high-speed train (YHT) and reach Seydişehir in ~1.5 hours via minibuses. 

Return Plan (June 14, Sunday):

• All participants will be transferred to Seydişehir Bus Terminal by 14:00.
• Suitable YHT departure: 18:58 from Selçuklu Station to Istanbul.
• Bus alternatives to Istanbul around 19:00; 18:30 Kamil Koç option available.
• Flights:
  • 21:05 (Turkish Airlines) Konya → Istanbul Airport
  • 01:05 (June 15) Pegasus Konya → Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen 

Reference Work: Prof. Dr. Osman Doğanay

For a deeper scientific understanding of this geography and the Homonads:

• Ege Publications 

You can also access the PDF version here:
https://viaanatolia.com/kurumsal/dokumanlar/