Sal Plateau Guide: Pokut's Neighbour, Famous for Its Wooden Houses
In short: Sal Plateau is a highland pasture (yayla) in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, right next to Pokut Plateau. It is used by the villagers of Şenyuva (Çinçiva) and is known for its traditional wooden houses. Its character, carefully preserved by the villagers for years, its misty ridges and its Kaçkar views stay with everyone who sees it. The easiest way to see Sal is Sümela Tur's Pokut Plateau Tour, which also stops at Sal via a short nature walk from Pokut.
What makes Sal Plateau special?
Sal is a highland settlement built on a ridge at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains. Depending on the source, its altitude is between roughly 2,000 and 2,070 metres: the promotional website of the Çamlıhemşin District Governorship and Municipality gives 2,002 metres, while Wikipedia and mountaineering sources give 2,070 metres.
The plateau's true signature is its houses. The houses of Sal Plateau are built in the traditional Hemşin style, almost entirely of wood, and lined up around a flat open area. According to news reports from 2017, the villagers do not allow concrete structures or two-storey buildings on the plateau; every house is single-storey and wooden. Scattered across the green meadow, these wooden houses make Sal a favourite stop for photography enthusiasts.
On clear days, a wide panorama opens up from the front of the houses all the way to Kaçkar's high summits. The region's mist is a beauty of its own; on foggy days, walking among the wooden houses feels like stepping into a fairy tale. A sea of clouds occasionally forms over neighbouring Pokut and has made the news; however, this view depends entirely on the weather.
Highland life on Sal Plateau
Sal is used by a single village: Şenyuva, known locally as Çinçiva. Mountaineering sources describe the fact that the plateau belongs to just one village as the feature that sets Sal apart from other highland pastures.
The villagers have been working together for years to protect their plateau. According to a 2017 DHA news report, power lines were moved underground, and it was decided not to allow motor vehicles, televisions or satellite dishes on the plateau; loads are carried along the footpath on people's backs or by wheelbarrow. According to the same report, a sign on the plateau reads "Animals have the first right to life here."
Visitors have a simple duty: to respect the meadow and the animals, and to help preserve the plateau's natural character.
The walk from Pokut to Sal
On Sümela Tur's Pokut Plateau Tour, after a photo stop and lunch at Pokut, you continue on foot to Sal. Planned in the itinerary as about 30 minutes, this nature walk follows the ridge connecting the two plateaus. It is not a long trek; it is a short trail you walk at your own pace, taking in the views and snapping photos.
Free time is given on arrival. You can wander among the wooden houses and photograph the views that open up when the mist lifts. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and a light windbreaker, even in summer; the weather on the plateau can change quickly.
The best season for Sal Plateau
Summer is ideal for seeing Sal at its liveliest. According to sources, the plateau starts filling with highlanders in early July and some stay until October; in neighbouring Pokut, reports note that highland activity continues from May to October. To find out tour dates, just message us on WhatsApp.
Explore Sal Plateau with Sümela Tur
The easiest way to see Sal is to leave the planning to us. The Pokut Plateau Tour is a day tour departing from Trabzon, starting at 08:00. The itinerary runs as follows:
- Drive along the Fırtına Valley
- Çinçiva (Şenyuva) Bridge and village: a break at the village café, the historic stone bridge and old village houses
- Zilkale
- Pokut Plateau: photo stop and lunch
- Sal Plateau: an approximately 30-minute nature walk and free time on arrival
The tour includes transport in a luxury vehicle, a Turkish-speaking guide and mandatory travel insurance. Sümela Tur is a TÜRSAB Group A (licence no. 7059) travel agency serving Trabzon since 2005, with a 4.5 rating on Google.
For dates and availability, message us via our WhatsApp line (0532 170 91 54); we'll be happy to answer your questions.
If you're looking for a multi-day itinerary, the Black Sea Tour also visits the Fırtına Valley area (Çinçiva, Zilkale); but if you want to see Sal, the Pokut Plateau Tour is the right choice. For other options, take a look at our Black Sea plateau tours page.
Along with Sal Plateau, you'll also see these places on this tour
- Fırtına Valley: The green start of the tour. Details: Fırtına Valley and Zilkale travel guide.
- Çinçiva (Şenyuva) Bridge and village: The very village that uses Sal; you'll see the village first, then its plateau. Details: Çinçiva Village, Şenyuva Bridge and the Sevdaluk House.
- Zilkale: The historic castle on the slopes of the Fırtına Valley; covered in the same guide.
- Pokut Plateau: Sal's neighbour and our lunch stop. Details: Pokut Plateau travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sal Plateau?
It is in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains and right next to Pokut Plateau. It is the highland pasture of Şenyuva (Çinçiva) village. On our Pokut Plateau Tour, you reach Sal from Pokut via a short walk.
Are Sal Plateau and Pokut Plateau the same place?
No, they are two separate plateaus; but because they are so close, they are often mentioned together as "Pokut-Sal". On our tour, you'll see both on the same day.
Why are the houses on Sal Plateau wooden?
The houses are built of wood in the traditional Hemşin architectural style. According to 2017 news reports, the villagers do not allow concrete or two-storey buildings so that the plateau's character is not spoiled.
Can you see a sea of clouds on Sal Plateau?
The region is known for its mist and clouds; reports have also noted a sea of clouds forming over neighbouring Pokut. However, this depends entirely on the weather and cannot be guaranteed. Even on a misty day, walking among the wooden houses is an experience of its own.
Cover photo: Pokut Plateau (Sal Plateau is right next to it), Kadir Kara, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
