Eastern Anatolian Highlands & Borderlands
Journey from Erzurum to Kars, pass beneath Mount Ararat, and end at Lake Van to see ruined capitals, palaces, and island churches.
The classic route through the eastern highlands, traveling from north to south. Intercity buses connect the major towns, while local sights are best reached by hiring taxis. The ruins of Ani, Ishak Pasha Palace, and Akdamar Island are the three main highlights, complemented by local delicacies like Van breakfasts and Kars cheese. Due to long distances and simple facilities, this route is best suited for experienced travelers interested in frontier history.
Winters are extremely harsh with frequent road closures from November to April; this itinerary is not recommended during winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Seljuk Heritage in Erzurum
Erzurum（Çifte Minareli Medrese、Yakutiye Medrese、Üç Kümbetler）
Fly into Erzurum. Drive from the airport to the city center (approx. 20 minutes) and spend the afternoon exploring the Old Town on foot.
At an altitude of nearly 1,900 meters, evenings can be quite chilly.
Stay: Yakutiye City Centre
Day 2 · Bus to the Border City of Kars
Kars（Russian-era Old Town (Baltic Architecture)、Kars Castle、Church of the Holy Apostles (Kümbet Mosque)）
Take an intercity bus to Kars (approx. 3 hours, 205 km). Spend the afternoon walking through the Russian-style historic streets.
Stay: Atatürk Boulevard City Centre
Day 3 · Ruined Capital of Ani
Kars（Ani Archaeological Site、Kars Museum）
Hire a taxi to the ruins of Ani (approx. 45 minutes). Spend 4–5 hours exploring the site before returning with the same taxi.
There is no shade at the ruins. The on-site museum is closed on Mondays.
Stay: Atatürk Boulevard City Centre
Day 4 · Lake Çıldır Day Trip
Kars（Lake Çıldır、Kars Cheese Museum）
Drive to Lake Çıldır (approx. 1.5 hours). Spend half a day exploring the lakeside and return to Kars in the evening.
Stay: Atatürk Boulevard City Centre
Day 5 · Ishak Pasha Palace under Mount Ararat
Doğubayazıt & Mount Ararat（İshak Pasha Palace、Old Beyazıt Castle）
Drive via Iğdır to Doğubayazıt (approx. 3–4 hours), which may require changing buses. Take a taxi to the palace (approx. 10 minutes).
Mount Ararat is usually clearest in the morning. Climbing the mountain requires a permit and a certified guide.
Stay: City Centre
Day 6 · Waterfalls & Southward to Van
Van（Muradiye Waterfall、Van Fortress）
Take a bus via Muradiye Waterfalls to Van (approx. 2.5 hours). Climb up to Van Fortress in the afternoon.
Stay: City Centre
Day 7 · Breakfast Street & Island Church
Van（Van Breakfast Street、Akdamar Island & Cathedral of the Holy Cross）
Take a taxi or dolmuş to Gevaş Pier (approx. 1 hour), then take a boat to Akdamar Island (approx. 20 minutes). Return to the city in the evening.
Ferries only depart once they have enough passengers; arriving at the pier in the morning is a safer bet.
Stay: City Centre
Day 8 · Van Museum & Departure
Visit the museum in the morning, then head to the airport (approx. 20 minutes) for a flight to Istanbul (approx. 2 hours).
The museum is closed on Mondays. Book summer flights well in advance.