Küpe Çukuru Plateau, located in the central Taurus Mountains in the Seydişehir district of Konya province, is home to breathtaking nature that draws photographers from all around the world who never tire of photographing its wild horses meandering through the melting snow.
The plateau, which can be accessed after a four-hour climb from the Taraşçı and Gökçehüyük neighborhoods in the district, is on the foothills of Küpe Mountain, which has an altitude of 2,575 meters. Surrounded by high mountains, Küpe Çukuru Plateau sits at an altitude of 1,906 meters and is surrounded by water flowing from the valleys that disappears underground through sinkholes. As the winter snow melts, the region comes to life once again as greenery and native plants spring back to life. The plateau is also home to wild horses year-round. Nature and photography lovers who brave the difficult climb can take photos of the wild horses galloping through the pristine nature of Küpe Çukuru.
Photography enthusiast Mevlüt Ünal told Anadolu Agency (AA) that they climb up to Küpe Çukuru in spring and summer months.
Mentioning that they generally visit in groups, Ünal said: "After a four-hour climb, you will see the perfect view of Küpe Mountain. It immediately revives you after the long trek. The wild horses add extra beauty to the place. We came here to see the horses and take photos of this unique view, and it was worth it. This place is a natural wonder. I highly recommend Küpe Çukuru and its wild horses to anyone who loves nature."
Taraşçı Mukhtar Bahattin Karal noted that the plateau, which was once an element of legends, has hosted groups of nomads for centuries.
Implying that the plateau retains its natural beauty because it is far away from settlements, Karal continued: "In the past, the region was used by nomads from Antalya, Yörüks from Bozahmeli and İdrisli, and village people from Seydişehir, Taraşçı and Gökçehüyük. Some families still use it for grazing their animals today."
Mentioning that reaching the plateau requires a challenging climb, Karal reported: "Because it's a difficult region to reach, not everyone is able to make the journey. Generally, people from Konya and nearby cities are able to visit. Everyone loves the wild horses. If the region is promoted, I believe these horses will attract more attention and the tourism sector would thrive. Unfortunately, we still cannot present our wild horses to those who can't make the climb. If the necessary projects are conducted, the region can be introduced to tourism."
