An alternative, not a numbered stage
This is a waymarked alternative on the Lycian Way, not part of the main numbered sequence. It is a variant of Stage 21a, Beycik to Yaylakuzdere (Mountain Alternative) — walk one or the other, not both. Both cross Tahtalı from Beycik, where stage 19a ends, and meet at the Çukuryayla pastures, from where they share the way down to Yaylakuzdere; stage 21c continues to Gedelme. Signage on the ground is the authority: follow the waymarks and carry the route on your phone.
About this route
The Lycian Way's own route over the first leg of the Tahtalı mountain crossing, and the highest ground on the whole trail. From Beycik it climbs steeply north through cedar and pine forest on Tahtalı's western flank to a pass at about 1,815 m, then drops to the Çukuryayla pastures, where the Lyra Yolu alternative (21a) joins it for the descent to Yaylakuzdere. When cloud or snow sits on the pass, the Lyra Yolu, which stays below about 1,600 m, is the lower but much longer option.
Route highlights
- Cedar and pine forest on Tahtalı's western flank
- Çukuryayla mountain pastures
- The trail's highest pass, about 1,815 m
What to expect on the trail
This is a mountain stage with significant ascents and rocky paths. Sturdy boots and trekking poles are strongly recommended, and the descents can be hard on knees.
You'll move between roughly 775 m and 1819 m above sea level on this route — 1088 m total ascent and 268 m descent over 9.3 km.
A moderate stage requiring reasonable hill-walking fitness. Most active hikers complete it in the suggested time with a 30-minute lunch break.
Water and shade
Water is available in places along this route, but sources are seasonal — treat anything you take from a spring and start with a full bottle. It is shaded for most of its length.
Getting there
Both ends are reached on foot on the Tahtalı crossing. Beycik, at the start, is a mountain village about 28 km by road from Kemer; ask your pension to arrange a taxi. Çukuryayla, at the end, is a pasture on the way down to Yaylakuzdere.
Best time to walk this stage
The Lycian Way is best walked in spring (mid-March to mid-May) or autumn (mid-September to mid-November). October and April offer the most reliable weather: mild temperatures, clear skies, wildflowers in spring or olive harvest in autumn, and far fewer hikers than the shoulders of those windows. Summer (June-August) is generally too hot for comfortable walking — coastal stages routinely exceed 35°C and water sources dry up. Winter (December-February) brings rain to the coast and snow to mountain passes; the trail is walkable but conditions are unpredictable, especially on the higher inland stages.