About Eastern Anatolia
Eastern Anatolia is Türkiye's largest and highest region, a land of volcanic plateaus and harsh winters crowned by the snowy summit of Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı). Its rugged landscape carries traces of Silk Road trade and many civilizations. Near Kars, the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ani preserve a medieval city's cathedral, churches and walls. Lake Van, the country's largest lake, holds the 10th-century church on Akdamar Island, and Ishak Pasha Palace near Doğubayazıt gazes out toward Ararat. Erzurum's medieval madrasas and tombs and the Russian-era stone buildings of Kars give the cities their own character.
The best-known trip here is the Doğu Express, a long rail journey from Ankara to Kars, usually combined with a visit to Ani and, when it is frozen, Lake Çıldır. Van-based tours cover Akdamar Island, Van Fortress, Muradiye Waterfall and Doğubayazıt, while skiers head to Palandöken in Erzurum and Sarıkamış in Kars. Distances are long, so building your trip around two bases such as Kars and Van saves time. You can compare programs from local firms on TurTalebi and complete your booking securely by card.
Eastern Anatolia Tours
Tours run by local firms in the area. Pick a date, see the price and book securely by card.
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All ToursTop Routes in the Region
Kars and the Ruins of Ani
About 45 km east of Kars on the Arpaçay river, the medieval city of Ani is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a cathedral, churches and walls. Allow half a day to explore the spread-out ruins.
Doğu Express
This long train ride between Ankara and Kars crosses steppe, gorges and snowy mountains, with sleeper cars and ever-changing views from the window. Check current service and ticket information when planning.
Lake Van and Akdamar Island
Boats cross from the Gevaş shore to Akdamar Island in Türkiye's largest lake. The carved exterior of the 10th-century Armenian church against the turquoise water is an unforgettable sight.
Ishak Pasha Palace
Perched on a rocky slope above Doğubayazıt, this Ottoman-era palace complex looks out over the plain toward Mount Ararat and is especially atmospheric at sunset.
Erzurum and Palandöken
Erzurum's emblem, the Çifte Minareli Medrese, and the Üç Kümbetler tombs fill a city walk, while nearby Palandöken draws skiers in winter. Do not leave without trying cağ kebabı, lamb roasted on a horizontal spit.
Lake Çıldır
This high-altitude lake in Ardahan usually freezes in the coldest months, when horse-drawn sleigh rides and fishing through holes in the ice make it a favorite add-on to Doğu Express trips.
Plan Your Trip
When to Go
Summers in Eastern Anatolia are short and cool, and winters long and very cold. June to September is the best time for Ani, Lake Van, Akdamar and Ishak Pasha Palace, and you can even swim in Lake Van. Winter is the season for snowy steppe views, train journeys, frozen Lake Çıldır and skiing, but temperatures can plunge and roads sometimes close. Spring and autumn are short transition seasons with changeable weather.
Getting Around the Region
Airports in Kars, Erzurum, Van and Ağrı make the region easy to reach, and Kars can also be reached from Ankara on the Doğu Express. Distances between cities are long, so a tour, transfer or rental car is the practical choice. A classic route starts in Kars with Ani and Çıldır, heads south to Doğubayazıt for Ishak Pasha Palace and finishes in Van with Akdamar and Van Fortress. Erzurum fits in easily at the northern end.
Practical Tips
- For a winter trip, pack thermal layers, insulated boots, gloves and a hat, as temperatures can drop far below freezing.
- Doğu Express tickets can sell out quickly in busy periods, so check current services and availability well before you travel.
- Carry your passport or identity card at all times, as checkpoints may be set up on roads near the border.