Eastern Express Winter Journey to Kars
Take the tourist version of the Eastern Express from Ankara across snow-covered plains to Kars, then explore Ani and frozen lakes.
Turkey's most sought-after winter rail experience, featuring a sleeper cabin journey of about 32 hours eastbound, with sightseeing stops in Erzincan and Erzurum. Upon arriving in Kars, explore the ancient city of Ani in the snow and the frozen Lake Çıldır, returning by plane to save travel time. Tickets are extremely limited and should be purchased as early as possible after they go on sale, making this ideal for rail enthusiasts and winter photography lovers.
The 2026–27 season runs from December 21 to March 10, departing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Day by day
Day 1 · Boarding the Train Eastbound in Ankara
Ankara（Anıtkabir、Museum of Anatolian Civilizations）
Spend the morning sightseeing in the city center by metro or taxi, then head to Ankara Station in the afternoon to board the train. Departure times are subject to TCDD schedules.
Sleeper cabins on each tourist train are limited, so tickets must be booked well in advance.
Day 2 · Scenic Rail Journey to Erzurum
Erzurum（Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai (Taşhan)、Erzurum Congress and National Struggle Museum、Çifte Minareli Medrese）
Spend the day traveling by train, with sightseeing stops in Erzincan and Erzurum, arriving in Kars around midnight.
Since the arrival time is quite late, arrange a station pickup or hotel transfer in advance.
Stay: Atatürk Boulevard City Centre
Day 3 · Ancient City of Ani in the Snow
Charter a car to Ani (approx. 45 minutes), spend 3–4 hours exploring the ruins, and then return.
Temperatures can drop to minus 15 degrees Celsius, so make sure you are well-prepared for the cold.
Stay: Atatürk Boulevard City Centre
Day 4 · Frozen Lake Çıldır
Charter a car to the lakeside (approx. 1.5 hours), experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride, and return to Kars in the evening.
Activities on the ice are subject to local conditions and availability.
Stay: Atatürk Boulevard City Centre
Day 5 · Russian-Style Old Streets and Departure
Kars（Russian-era Old Town (Baltic Architecture)、Kars Castle、Kars Cheese Museum）
Walk around the city center in the morning, take a 15-minute ride to Kars Airport, and fly to Istanbul or Ankara.
Winter flights are easily affected by snow, so leave some buffer time for your onward travel.