Lake Van and Surroundings: The Hidden Treasures of Eastern Anatolia

Lake Van and Surroundings: The Hidden Treasures of Eastern Anatolia

If you think you know Turkey, you haven't been to Van. This corner of Eastern Anatolia offers the world's largest soda lake, a palace rising amid snow-capped mountains, 1,600-year-old monasteries and Ani — one of Europe's oldest cities. And it's all far from the crowds.

Lake Van — The World's Largest Soda Lake

Lake Van covers 3,755 km² — Turkey's largest lake and the world's largest alkaline (soda) lake. Sitting at 1,648 metres above sea level, surrounded by mountains.

What makes it special?
Its high sodium carbonate content gives the water a slightly bitter, soapy taste and a slippery feeling on skin — a completely different experience from the sea. Its mineral content creates extraordinary colour shifts throughout the day, from turquoise to deep navy.

Akdamar Island and the Holy Cross Church — A Miracle in the Lake

3 km from shore, a small island rises from Lake Van: Akdamar Island.

On it stands the Holy Cross Church (Surp Haç), built in 921 AD — a masterpiece of Armenian architecture. The church is famous for its exterior stone relief carvings: Abraham's sacrifice, David killing Goliath, Adam and Eve...

Practical Info:

• 📍 ~45 min drive from Van city centre
• ⛵ ~20 min boat from Gelivaş Pier
• 🎫 Museum Card valid

👉 See Van and surroundings on a guided tour: East Anatolia Tour

Ishak Pasha Palace — A Palace in the Snow

~100 km southeast of Van, in Doğubayazıt district, at 2,080 metres altitude: Ishak Pasha Palace.

Built in the 17th–18th centuries, this palace blends Ottoman, Seljuk, Armenian and Iranian architectural elements in one extraordinary structure. Mount Ararat rises behind it; a cliff falls in front.

Why It's Special:

• 🏔️ Photographable with Mount Ararat in the same frame
• ❄️ In winter snow, one of the world's most dramatic landscapes
• 🌅 Extraordinary at sunrise in golden light
• 🏛️ 366 rooms, mosque, tomb, harem quarters, kitchen, dungeon — all in one building

Ani Ruins — Kars' Medieval Marvel

Another essential stop on the East Anatolia tour: Ani Ruins near Kars.

Ani was inhabited from the 5th century BC and by the 10th–11th centuries had grown into one of the world's largest cities with 200,000 inhabitants. Today it stands like a ghost city on the wind, right on the Armenian border.

What You'll See:

• 🕌 Fethiye Mosque (originally a Christian cathedral)
• ⛪ Church of St Gregory
• 🏰 City walls and gates
• 🌾 Breathtaking views over the Aras River canyon

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016.

More to See Around Van

Van Castle: Historic fortress built on rock right next to the city centre. Urartian period inscriptions.

Muradiye Waterfall: ~75 km from Van, one of Turkey's most spectacular waterfalls.

Van Cat: The white cat with one blue and one yellow eye, unique to Van. Visit the Cat Research Centre at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University.

Van Herb Cheese: Local cheese made with wild herbs — a unique breakfast experience.

Practical Info

Best Time to Visit:

• ⭐ May–June: Green, mild, uncrowded
• ⭐ September–October: Autumn colours, clear skies
• ❌ July–August: Hot and crowded
• ❌ December–March: Very cold, some roads may close

Planning a Van and East Anatolia tour? Click the WhatsApp button in the bottom right corner of our website — we reply within 24 hours.

👉 East Anatolia Tour — Full Programme & Booking