West Pontus Mountains

Inland from Giresun, the Pontic mountains rise steeply from the Black Sea coast toward high pastures and the Anatolian interior. Forests cover the lower slopes, while summer grazing grounds such as Kümbet lie higher in the range. Deep valleys provide routes inland from the narrow shore, but the ridges between them are formidable barriers. Snow and the change of seasons shape life in this elevated country.