Historical streets dressed in white, a giant frozen lake, and the only example of Baltic architecture in Turkey… The Kars and Çıldır Lake winter tale route is a fascinating 4-day adventure that must be experienced especially between December and March. You will start the day with a nostalgic walk in the city center of Kars on the wide avenues and among the stone buildings remaining from the Tsarist Russian era. At Lake Çıldır, one of Turkey’s most important winter destinations, you will slide with horse-drawn sleighs on the thick layer of ice, and chat with the locals hunting fish in Eskimo style. Seeing the Ani Ruins on the UNESCO World Heritage list under the snow will be one of the most impressive moments of this tour. You can personalize this plan, where you can also find the chance to add Sarıkamış to the route and ski if you wish, with the Gezirota wizard and enjoy nature and history.
In the rugged geography of Eastern Anatolia, completely blanketed in white, you are invited to a fascinating experience combining the historical riches of Kars and Ardahan with unique winter landscapes. Carefully designed for nature enthusiasts, this four-day adventure offers an impeccable itinerary to explore legendary structures and participate in unforgettable winter activities. The journey begins in a nostalgic atmosphere with the Doğu Ekspresi ile Kars Yolculuğu, gliding through fairytale scenery. Afterwards, locations like Kars Müzesi and Kafkas Cephesi Harp Tarihi Müzesi reflect the challenging past of the region. The snow-covered ruins of Beşkilise crown this historical texture with mystical silence.
On the morning of the second day, the Ani Örenyeri welcomes its visitors. Taking on a completely different beauty under the snow, this ancient city creates a feeling of time travel with the desolate silhouettes of structures like Yıkık Minare. Following this profound historical atmosphere, enjoy a peaceful walk around the frozen waters of Aygır Gölü and the Ramsar-designated Kuyucuk Gölü. Bearing the marks of centuries, Horomos Manastırı adds special value to the itinerary with its defiant stance against the winter cold.
The third day reaches its peak with the tour's most exciting part: Kars Çıldır Gölü'nde Atlı Kızak Kış Deneyimi. Gliding gracefully on horse-drawn sleighs over the massive iced lake surface, you will witness the region's traditional winter lifestyle. Following these thrilling moments, defensive structures built on steep cliffs, such as Şeytan Kalesi, Altaş Kalesi, and Kazan Kale, proudly reveal local military genius. The final day passes through the calm environment of Putka Gölü and extends toward the historical defense lines of Ardahan. Military buildings like Ardahan Kalesi, Emiroğlu Tabyası, and Ramazan Tabyası narrate how this demanding geography was protected throughout history. This adventure turns the grandeur of ancient ruins and the harsh beauty of winter into permanent memories.