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If you have done the things to do in Turkey, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Kars.
Nestled in Turkey’s easternmost province, Kars is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
With its rich history, stunning architecture and breathtaking landscapes, Kars is a treasure trove of experiences that promises to leave visitors mesmerized.
Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Kars has something unique to offer everyone.
Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and unlock the secrets of this enchanting city.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Kars:
1. Ani Ruins
Ani Ruins is an abandoned medieval city located near the eastern border of Turkey, in the province of Kars. It was the capital of the Armenian Bagratid Kingdom and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see or do: Explore the impressive ruins of the city, including remains of mosques, churches, and fortified walls. Marvel at the stunning architecture and intricate carvings that reveal the city’s rich history.
Don’t miss: The Church of Tigran Honents, one of the largest churches in medieval Ani, and the Cathedral of Ani, which was once the largest cathedral in the world.
Insider travel tips: -The best time to visit Ani is during the spring and fall when the weather is cooler.
2. Kars Castle
Kars Castle is an ancient fortress in the Kars province of Turkey, dating back to the 12th century.
What to see or do: Take a walking tour to explore the castle’s intricate architecture, including the Seljuk-era structures, defensive walls, and towers. Look out for the impressive gate and ramparts, the secret tunnels, and the magnificent views of the city.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking panoramic sight of Kars city from the castle’s top.
Insider travel tips: Visit the castle in the morning or late afternoon to escape the intense midday heat. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain is uneven in some places.
And, bring your camera to capture the exquisite details of the castle and the surrounding scenic landscapes.
3. Ani Cathedral
Ani Cathedral is a ruined Armenian church located in the ancient city of Ani in eastern Turkey. Built in AD 1001, it is considered a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the cathedral’s intricate carvings, reliefs, and columns, as well as its main sanctuary and adjoining chapels. The cathedral’s spectacular location atop a rocky hill also affords stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: Be sure not to miss the cathedral’s iconic west facade, which features intricate bas-relief carvings of biblical figures and scenes. Also, look out for the four stone lions guarding the entrance to the building.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the cathedral’s beauty, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is best. Additionally, make sure to wear comfortable shoes for climbing up and down the rocky terrain.
Finally, it is recommended to hire a guide for a deeper understanding of the cathedral’s history and significance.
4. Harakani Tomb
The Harakani Tomb is a historical site located in Kars, Turkey.
What to see or do: The tomb is a well-preserved example of Islamic architecture and features intricate tile work and calligraphy. Visitors can explore the tomb and admire the beautiful design elements.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the surrounding area from the hilltop location of the Harakani Tomb.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the significance and beauty of the tomb, it’s recommended to visit with a knowledgeable local guide who can provide historical and cultural context.
Additionally, make sure to dress modestly out of respect for the religious significance of the site.
5. Kars Museum
Kars Museum is a historical and cultural museum located in the city of Kars in Turkey.
What to see or do: The museum has a vast collection of artifacts dating back to the ancient times, including prehistoric tools, coins from the Roman and Byzantine eras, as well as various ethnographic objects from the Ottoman period.
Visitors can explore the extensive archaeological and ethnographic exhibits and learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive exhibits at the museum is the collection of Armenian khachkars, carved stone crosses that date back to the medieval period.
The intricate craftsmanship and symbolism of these crosses are truly fascinating.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays.
6. Yedikilise
A stunning 7th century Armenian Church located in Kars, Turkey.
What to see or do: Admire the intricate stone carvings, beautiful frescoes, and impressive architecture of the church, which was built during the height of the Armenian Kingdom of Bagratuni.
Don’t miss: The chance to see one of the oldest and most historic churches in the region, which has survived centuries of political upheaval and natural disasters.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to hire a knowledgeable local guide to learn more about the fascinating history of Yedikilise, and be prepared for the possibility of limited tourist amenities in the area.
Also, avoid visiting during extreme weather conditions, as the church is located in a remote and rugged part of Turkey.
7. Kuyucuk Lake
Kuyucuk Lake is a breathtaking and ecologically rich lake located just outside the city of Kars in northeastern Turkey.
What to see or do: Birdwatching enthusiasts will be amazed by the diversity of bird species that can be spotted at Kuyucuk Lake. The area is a vital stop on bird migration routes and is home to over 260 bird species.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking and exploring the picturesque scenery around the lake.
Don’t miss: Be sure to keep an eye out for the rare and endangered Dalmatian Pelican, a majestic bird that has made Kuyucuk Lake one of its last remaining habitats.
Insider travel tips: For the best birdwatching experience, visit Kuyucuk Lake in the early morning or late afternoon. Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the stunning birdlife.
Additionally, make sure to respect the local wildlife and nature by avoiding littering and remaining on designated trails.
8. Sarikamis Ski Resort
Sarikamis Ski Resort is a winter wonderland located in Kars, a city in northeastern Turkey. It offers a range of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and wildlife watching.
What to see or do: Visitors can hit the slopes at the resort, which has over 14 kilometers of ski tracks suitable for all levels. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are also available for beginners.
In addition, visitors can explore the stunning pine forests surrounding the resort on snowshoes or trekking.
Don’t miss: The local wildlife is a highlight of the resort, with abundant wild deer and birds. An exciting activity is wildlife watching on a horse-drawn sleigh, known as a ‘sızı’ in the local language.
Insider travel tips: – Sarikamis Ski Resort is less crowded than other ski destinations in Turkey, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
9. Tuzluca Tabyalari
Tuzluca Tabyalari is a historic complex of fortifications located in the town of Tuzluca, in the province of Kars, Turkey.
What to see or do: Explore the ancient walls, gates, and towers of the fortification complex, which includes the ruins of a medieval castle, a watchtower, and a number of small fortresses.
Take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the peaks of the nearby Mount Ararat.
Don’t miss: The impressive outer walls, which feature a series of tall towers and gates that once served as the main entrance to the castle.
Also be sure to see the remains of the underground tunnels and cisterns that were used for water storage and as secret passages.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes, as much of the site is rocky and uneven.
10. Holy Apostles Church
Holy Apostles Church is an Armenian Apostolic Church located in the city of Kars, Turkey.
The church was built in the 10th century and was used as a mosque for a period of time until it was restored and reopened as a church in 2007.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the unique architecture of the church which blends Armenian and Byzantine styles. The interior of the church is decorated with intricate frescoes and houses an impressive collection of Armenian religious artifacts.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the church is the Khachkar (Armenian cross-stones) garden, which features over 50 cross-stones that date back to the 9th century.
These stones are unique to Armenian culture and are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Insider travel tips: Plan to visit the church in the morning when the sunlight illuminates the frescoes and adds an extra dimension to the viewing experience.
Visitors should also be aware that since the church is a holy site, they should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.
11. Mencilis Cave
A stunning natural limestone cave located in the Sarikamis district of Kars province in Turkey.
What to see or do: Explore the fascinating stalagmites and stalactites formations that cover the cave’s vast interior. Take a guided tour of the cave to learn about its geological history and unique features.
Don’t miss: The Cave’s “castle” formation, which includes a pillar and the king’s throne, is a must-visit spot for tourists.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes with good traction. The cave’s temperature is consistently at around 11°C(52°F).
The visitation hours are limited, so check ahead before planning a trip.
12. Toprakkale Castle
Toprakkale Castle is an ancient fortress that was built during the Kingdom of Urartu in the 8th century BC. Located in Kars, Turkey, it is one of the most significant historical sites in the region.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s ruins and learn about its rich history, including the ancient tombs and inscriptions found within its walls.
There are also stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including Mount Ararat.
Don’t miss: Be sure to climb to the highest point of the castle for panoramic vistas. Additionally, the castle is beautifully lit up at night, making for a stunning photo opportunity.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as there are many uneven surfaces and steep steps to climb.
13. Katerina Church
A historic Armenian Apostolic church located in Kars, Turkey.
What to see or do: Admire the architecture and intricate carvings, explore the church’s rich history, and take in the stunning views of Kars from the churchyard.
Don’t miss: The ornate façade and entrance, as well as the intricate frescoes inside the church.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the church is located on a hill and involves some uphill walking. Also, be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Kars from the churchyard.
14. Hasan Caldiran Tabyalari
Hasan Caldiran Tabyalari is a natural geological wonder located in Kars, Turkey. It is a unique and stunning formation of volcanic rocks.
What to see or do: The main attraction of Hasan Caldiran Tabyalari is to witness the remarkable and unusual rock formations that make up the area.
Visitors can stroll around and marvel at the intricate shapes carved by erosion, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take postcard-perfect photos of the otherworldly landscapes and the unique geological features of Hasan Caldiran Tabyalari.
From every angle, the view is breathtaking and incredible, so make sure to capture the moment.
Insider travel tips: Due to the remote location of the site, it is recommended to hire a local guide or rent a car to get there.
15. Sarikamis Martyrdom Museum
Sarikamis Martyrdom Museum is a military museum located in Kars, Turkey. The museum was built to honor and commemorate the soldiers who died during the Sarikamis Battle in World War I.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various exhibits and artifacts that depict the conditions, weapons and strategies of the soldiers in the Sarikamis Battle.
The museum also features a large diorama of the battlefield that depicts the harsh snowy conditions in which they fought.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the various uniforms, weapons, vehicles, medical equipment, and other personal belongings of the soldiers. Another highlight in the museum is the audio and visual displays that provide an immersive experience of the battle scene.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as the museum involves considerable walking.
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