RoadAtlas
Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye — Scenic
Middle East

Eastern Anatolia Route

Türkiye

In short: Eastern Anatolia Route is a 1,250 km scenic road trip in Türkiye, typically driven over 7-10 days, best in late spring to early autumn. Highlights: Diyarbakır, Mount Nemrut, Van Castle.

Distance
1,250 km
Duration
7-10 days
Best Season
late spring to early autumn
IconicModerateScenic

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.

~2 refuels
~4 charges
Practical notes
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.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Diyarbakır — Departure — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Departure
Diyarbakır
Begin in the basalt-walled old city, where bazaars and mosques cluster inside ancient fortifications.
Hotels
Doğubayazıt — City — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
City
Doğubayazıt
A frontier town beneath Mount Ararat, with busy streets and a strong sense of borderland history.
Hotels
Kars — City — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
City
Kars
Arrive in a cool highland city known for stone buildings, cheese, and a frontier-era feel.
Hotels
Erzurum — Arrival — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Arrival
Erzurum
Finish in the mountain city of Erzurum, with Seljuk monuments, cold air, and hearty food.
Hotels

Things to Do

Mount Nemrut — Landmark — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Landmark
Mount Nemrut
Climb to the summit for giant stone heads and a sunrise view over the Taurus and Euphrates valleys.
Van Castle — Landmark — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Landmark
Van Castle
Explore the hilltop ruins above Lake Van, with sweeping views across water and volcanic peaks.
Akdamar Island — Nature — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Nature
Akdamar Island
Take the boat to this island church surrounded by blue water and jagged mountain scenery.
Ishak Pasha Palace — Landmark — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Landmark
Ishak Pasha Palace
Tour the ornate hilltop palace where Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian styles mix in dramatic stonework.
Ani Ruins — Landmark — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Landmark
Ani Ruins
Walk the windswept medieval city on the border, where churches and walls rise from a vast plain.
Mardin Gate and Diyarbakır Walls — historic fortifications — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
historic fortifications
Mardin Gate and Diyarbakır Walls
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 Akdamar — boat ride — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
boat ride
Lake Van ferry to Akdamar
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 viewpoints — scenic viewpoint — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
scenic viewpoint
Mount Ararat viewpoints
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 Site — archaeological site — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
archaeological site
Ani Archaeological 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 Madrasa — historic monument — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
historic monument
Erzurum Twin Minaret Madrasa
Visit this Seljuk monument for its carved facade and elegant twin minarets. It is a key stop for understanding Erzurum's long Islamic heritage.

Where to Eat

Ciğerci Bahattin — Turkish, grilled liver — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Turkish, grilled liver
Ciğerci Bahattin
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 Yemekleri — Eastern Anatolian home cooking — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Eastern Anatolian home cooking
Tatvan Yöresel Ev Yemekleri
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 Evi — Kars regional, goose dishes — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Kars regional, goose dishes
Kars Kaz Evi
A well-known local style stop for goose, grains, and winter-proof highland flavors. It fits the culinary identity of Kars very well.
Peynircim Kars — Cheese shop, local dairy — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Cheese shop, local dairy
Peynircim Kars
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 restaurant — Erzurum, cağ kebab — Eastern Anatolia Route — Türkiye
Erzurum, cağ kebab
Erzurum Cağ Kebabı restaurant
Finish the trip with Erzurum's signature rotating lamb kebab. Pair it with ayran and fresh bread for a classic regional meal.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Eastern Anatolia Route drive?

The Eastern Anatolia Route covers 1,250 km from start to finish.

How long does the Eastern Anatolia Route take to drive?

Most travellers spend 7-10 days on the Eastern Anatolia Route, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Eastern Anatolia Route?

The recommended season for the Eastern Anatolia Route is late spring to early autumn.

Where does the Eastern Anatolia Route start and end?

The Eastern Anatolia Route runs from Diyarbakır to Erzurum.

What are the main stops on the Eastern Anatolia Route?

The Eastern Anatolia Route passes through Diyarbakır, Mount Nemrut, Van Castle.

Can I drive the Eastern Anatolia Route in a regular car?

Yes — the Eastern Anatolia Route is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Eastern Anatolia Route?

Plan around 2 refuels (or about 4 EV charges) along the Eastern Anatolia Route, based on its 1,250 km length.

Is the Eastern Anatolia Route safe to drive?

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.

What scenic tier is the Eastern Anatolia Route?

The Eastern Anatolia Route is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.