Exploring the Gorgeous Landscapes of Turkey
Turkey has a lot to offer, from romantic honeymoons to crazy adventures. But this mighty nation also offers awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Discover a hidden paradise in the mountains of Turkey. Visit Pamukkale, where mineral-rich waters cascade over white travertine pools. See Cleopatra’s historic Antique Pool at nearby Hierapolis. Or explore Cappadocia, a mystical landscape famed for whimsical rock formations known as Fairy Chimneys.
Mt. Ararat
The omnipresent and yet elusive Mount Ararat is a natural landmark that captivates the imagination. Its snow-capped peaks are imbued with symbolism and ancient myth, while its rugged terrain has challenged generations of explorers. Climbing the mountain is a thrilling experience that requires physical fitness and technical skills. However, the rewards are great for those who have the courage to face the challenge.
It was once a popular belief that the Ark of Noah was found on the top of Ararat. But modern geological research does not support this theory. Moreover, it is unlikely that the ship could have survived a lava flow. A crater in the vicinity of Durupinar is often heralded as the location of the Ark, but this formation is simply an “Ark-shaped” geologic feature. A smaller cone, called Little Ararat, rises from the same base as the larger peak. Little Ararat has little vegetation on its slopes, owing to a thick layer of ash, lava and tephra.
Nonetheless, Ararat continues to hold great significance in Turkish culture and is revered as the country’s national symbol. It features on the country’s coat of arms, currency, and various national emblems. Its majestic beauty and enduring mystery make it one of the most important symbols of Turkey that tours to Turkey can help you with.
A trip to Turkey would not be complete without a visit to Mount Ararat, where you can enjoy some of the best stargazing in the world. The clear and unpolluted skies are ideal for observing the stars in their full glory. A trip to Mount Ararat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the sky’s most spectacular displays.
In addition to the breathtaking landscape, Mt. Ararat also offers an array of cultural and historical experiences. Visitors can explore caves, hike to the summit, and even go zip-lining through a gorge. The best time to climb the mountain is between June and September, when the weather is most favorable.
Located in the eastern part of the country, the mighty Ararat is a dormant volcano with two distinct summits. The higher, or Great Ararat, has a flat summit and is capped with eternal snow while the lower, or Sis, has a conical shape.
Kure National Park
A natural paradise of karstic canyons, rivers and cliffs, Kure National Park is a major tourist attraction with its enchanting flora and fauna. Located in Bartin and Kastamonu Provinces, the national park is among Turkey’s 9 forest hotspots with rich biodiversity. The national park is renowned for its endemic plants and wildlife, wild forests, caves, gorges, karstic formations, canyons, waterfalls, geological characteristics, traditional culture and agriculture.
Known for its beautiful blue cedar trees, the park is also famous for its health benefits to people suffering from respiratory problems. Its flora includes larch, fir and oak and 15% of it is endemic. The park is home to many animals including deer, roe deer, bears and wild boars and has numerous bird species. Its terrain is suitable for hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts who want to explore the beautiful nature.
The park’s trekking routes are marked with 36 trails covering a total of 482 kilometres. There are different hiking options available for visitors, ranging from short walks and day trips to more arduous ones. Ambitious walkers can complete the Istiklal Route (Independence Trail), which is a 500 kilometres long hiking route that requires a month to finish.
When autumn comes, the Kure Mountains National Park transforms into a fairytale world of colors. The national park, which has been given the “Pan Parks” status, is a must-see for anyone visiting Turkey in the fall season.
While exploring the natural wonders of Kure Mountains National Park, you should never forget to take basic safety precautions and follow the rules of the park. To save time and energy, download the Navicup audio tour guide app, which will help you to get around in the park without the need for a guide. The app will also help you to explore other attractions in the region, like Horma Canyon and many more. With this handy app, you can enjoy your trip to the fullest! Download it now to get started. The best part is that it’s free to use! Enjoy the beauty of Turkey with Navicup. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.
Lake Van
One of the most fascinating natural wonders of Turkey is Lake Van. It is located in the eastern part of the country and spreads over an area of 3,755 square kilometers. With its immense beauty and mysterious allure, it captivates people of all interests and backgrounds.
It was once one of the most important centers of civilization in Anatolia. The kings of the Urartu Kingdom (900 to 700 BC) chose this place as their capital and made it one of the most prosperous cities in the ancient world. The city’s historic castles and churches are a testament to its rich history.
The shores of Lake Van are famous for their fertile farmlands, where local communities grow wheat and barley. They also produce a variety of fruits and vegetables. The fresh produce is sold in local markets, and the farmers also export some of it.
One unique aspect of Lake Van is its high salinity levels. This is due to the fact that it is an endorheic lake. It receives water from numerous streams and rivers, but it does not drain into the sea or any other body of water. This high salt content makes the lake a unique geological and ecological treasure.
Lake Van is also a destination for water lovers and offers various recreational activities. Boating and windsurfing are the most popular water sports here. The area is also a great place for hiking and camping.
The waters of the lake are also home to a number of interesting species. One of them is the rare Pearl Mullet (Turk. Inci-Kefali or Darex). This fish spends most of its life in the Lake Van and rises to spawn in the rivers, overcoming turbulent rapids with ease.
The region’s many natural and historical attractions make it a year-round destination for tourists. However, the best time to visit is spring or summer when the weather is warm and dry. This is also when the beaches are open and most of the lakeside hotels are in operation.
Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is one of the most beautiful and pristine landscapes that Turkey has to offer. Located on the famed Lycian Way, this stunning natural park is a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers alike. The area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several species of butterflies.
To see the butterflies, it is best to visit in the morning before all of the commotion from passing cars and boats scares them away. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to spot them hovering above the flora and fauna.
There are also some great hiking trails in the area that are perfect for hikers looking for a challenge. You can even find a few picnic spots along the river that runs through the valley.
If you are not a hiker, you can also enjoy a relaxing day on the beach or at the pool. The water is crystal blue and the sand is soft and white. You can even rent a kayak or snorkeling equipment to enjoy the scenery from the water.
This is a great place for families as well and there are plenty of activities for kids to do. There are also lots of dining and shopping options nearby. During your stay, be sure to check out the famous rock formations that are found here. These rocks look like columns, towers and obelisks.
In the past, fit and adventurous hikers could climb down the steep canyon walls of this amazing natural landscape. However, the trail is now closed due to several accidents.
The easiest way to reach Butterfly Valley is by boat. You can either take a gulet as part of a Blue Cruise or a water taxi from Oludeniz. If you do take a cruise, be sure to tell the captain that you want to go to Butterfly Valley and not just the Blue Cave. This will help him to charge you the correct price. You can also catch a minibus from Fethiye to Faralya and Kabak. The trip takes about one hour.
