Rescuers Struggle to Find Three Russian Hikers Lost in Turkey’s Treacherous Mountains

Three Russian tourists have been missing for more than a day in the mountains of Turkey, as thick fog hampers a desperate search effort. The hikers, who set up camp in the highlands of Rize province, went for a walk a week into their trip and lost their way between the Amlakit and Cihve plateaus. The route is notorious among trekkers for its dense fog, sudden weather shifts, and rugged terrain, making it one of Turkey’s most challenging trails.

Search teams were dispatched after the group called emergency services, but the operation was suspended when visibility dropped to near zero. Rescuers have now resumed the hunt as the fog begins to lift, though more than 24 hours have passed since the hikers were last heard from. The area has a history of such incidents, with local teams frequently called out to retrieve lost adventurers.

The disappearance echoes a recent case where a Russian man survived a similar ordeal in the same region after underestimating the trail’s difficulty. He climbed too high, lost consciousness, and was saved only by a call to his mobile operator, which helped pinpoint his location. Authorities urge hikers to prepare thoroughly for Turkey’s alpine routes, where weather can turn deadly in minutes.