Eastern Anatolia Route
Türkiye
This cross-country loop links eastern Turkey’s greatest landscapes, from the volcanic skyline of Mount Nemrut and Lake Van to the Armenian churches of Kars and the alpine valleys around Erzurum. Expect long mountain drives, big skies, strong local food, and historic towns shaped by Silk Road and frontier heritage.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Diyarbakır
Begin in the basalt-walled old city, where bazaars and mosques cluster inside ancient fortifications.
- Mount Nemrut
Climb to the summit for giant stone heads and a sunrise view over the Taurus and Euphrates valleys.
- Van Castle
Explore the hilltop ruins above Lake Van, with sweeping views across water and volcanic peaks.
- Akdamar Island
Take the boat to this island church surrounded by blue water and jagged mountain scenery.
- Doğubayazıt
A frontier town beneath Mount Ararat, with busy streets and a strong sense of borderland history.
- Ishak Pasha Palace
Tour the ornate hilltop palace where Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian styles mix in dramatic stonework.
- Kars
Arrive in a cool highland city known for stone buildings, cheese, and a frontier-era feel.
- Ani Ruins
Walk the windswept medieval city on the border, where churches and walls rise from a vast plain.
- Erzurum
Finish in the mountain city of Erzurum, with Seljuk monuments, cold air, and hearty food.
Where to Eat
- Ciğerci BahattinTurkish, grilled liver
A classic stop in Diyarbakır for kebabs and liver cooked over charcoal. It is a strong pick for a simple, local lunch before heading out.
- Tatvan Yöresel Ev YemekleriEastern Anatolian home cooking
A likely good roadside-style stop around Lake Van for house-made stews and regional plates. Look for perch, soups, and baked breads.
- Kars Kaz EviKars regional, goose dishes
A well-known local style stop for goose, grains, and winter-proof highland flavors. It fits the culinary identity of Kars very well.
- Peynircim KarsCheese shop, local dairy
A good place to buy Kars gravyer, cheddar-style cheese, and honey for the road. Ideal for a snack stop or picnic supplies.
- Erzurum Cağ Kebabı restaurantErzurum, cağ kebab
Finish the trip with Erzurum's signature rotating lamb kebab. Pair it with ayran and fresh bread for a classic regional meal.
Things to Do
- Mardin Gate and Diyarbakır Wallshistoric fortifications
Walk along one of the world's longest city walls and see black basalt gates and towers. The old city below is dense with mosques and markets.
- Lake Van ferry to Akdamarboat ride
Take a short ferry or boat trip across Lake Van to reach Akdamar Island. The ride gives wide views of the lake and snow-streaked mountains.
- Mount Ararat viewpointsscenic viewpoint
Stop near Doğubayazıt for big views of Mount Ararat on clear days. The open plain and volcanic slopes make this one of the route's best panoramas.
- Ani Archaeological Sitearchaeological site
Explore the ruined medieval capital at the edge of the plain. The surviving churches and city walls make it one of Turkey's most atmospheric sites.
- Erzurum Twin Minaret Madrasahistoric monument
Visit this Seljuk monument for its carved facade and elegant twin minarets. It is a key stop for understanding Erzurum's long Islamic heritage.
Travel advisory
Winter brings heavy snow and occasional road closures on high passes, so carry chains and check conditions before crossing the mountains. Fuel is generally easy to find, but EV charging is still patchy outside major cities, so this is best done by petrol or diesel car.