A Winter Getaway in Kars and Lake Çıldır: Places You Shouldn't Miss
Located in Türkiye's far east, bordering Armenia, Georgia and Nakhchivan, Kars has become one of the most talked-about travel destinations in recent years, thanks to its historic character and landscapes that take on a different beauty in every season. In winter, frozen Lake Çıldır gives the region a charm all its own. In this article, we've put together where to go on a winter trip to Kars and Lake Çıldır, the best time to visit, and some practical tips.
What Is Kars Like?
Kars is a border city known for its Baltic-style stone buildings, which took shape in the period following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. The wide avenues and symmetrical buildings in the city center might briefly make you feel as if you were in Eastern Europe. At an altitude of 1,750 meters, Kars has harsh, snowy winters and cool, dry summers. Its altitude and climate make it an intriguing destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
What to Experience at Lake Çıldır in Winter
Lake Çıldır, Türkiye's fourth-largest lake, lies in the Çıldır district of Kars at an altitude of 1,960 meters. In winter, temperatures plunge to minus 20–30 degrees Celsius and the lake's surface freezes completely, with the ice reaching up to 1 meter thick in some years. Horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating and walks across the vast white expanse are among visitors' favorite activities on the frozen lake. Locals also set up small tents on the ice and serve hot tea and breakfast, making the experience all the more unforgettable.
Aktepe (Gölbelen) village, on the lake's northern shore, is the hub of sleigh activities on the ice. When the ice reaches a safe thickness, you can head out onto the lake accompanied by local guides. Rather than venturing onto the ice on your own, the safest option is to go with a team that knows the area.
Historic Sites to Visit in Kars
Central Kars has a compact historic quarter that's easy to explore on foot. Kars Castle, the city's emblem, sits on a hill overlooking the Kars River and offers a bird's-eye view of the entire city. At the foot of the castle stands the Stone Bridge, a historic structure that has endured for centuries. One of the city's most distinctive buildings is the Küçük Kilise (the Church of the Twelve Apostles, dating from the Christian era and later used as a mosque), an architectural must-see. The stone buildings restored by the Kars Association for the Prevention of Environmental Pollution and Beautification take on a special atmosphere on winter days.
Another must-see for visitors to Kars is the Ani Archaeological Site, about 45 kilometers from the city center. Known as the "City of 1001 Churches," Ani served as the capital of the Armenian Bagratid Kingdom in the Middle Ages and is an open-air museum on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List. Blanketed in snow in winter, Ani takes on an almost ghost-town atmosphere and offers photographers truly unique shots.
How to Get to Kars: A Ready-Made Package Tour
Planning a Kars and Lake Çıldır itinerary on your own can take days. With Sümela Tur's package tour, transportation, itinerary and guiding are all planned for you from start to finish.
- A tour with transportation, route and schedule fully planned
- Sightseeing with a guide who knows the region
- The assurance of a TÜRSAB-licensed agency
- Choose a group tour or a private vehicle tour for your family
You can check dates, prices and the itinerary on the Kars Çıldır Tour page and book online. If you'd like a plan tailored to you or your group, message us on WhatsApp and we'll plan the route together.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
If you want to see Lake Çıldır frozen and enjoy a sleigh ride, January and February are the ideal months; even daytime temperatures often stay below zero. Autumn (October–November) offers milder weather and steppe landscapes turning shades of gold and crimson, making it a particularly rewarding season for photographers. Summer is ideal for those who want to picnic by the lake, go fishing or hike in the cool air.
Don't Leave Without Tasting the Cuisine of Kars
Kars is one of Türkiye's most renowned provinces for dairy products. The region's gruyère and kaşar cheeses are made to a quality that rivals their European counterparts. Kars honey, enriched by the abundance of highland flowers, is dark and aromatic. The goose feast (goose meat served with bulgur pilaf), traditionally offered at weddings and special occasions during the winter months, is a regional specialty you simply must try. A breakfast table with fresh pet bread, kaymak (clotted cream) and honey is the best way to start the day in Kars.
Practical Tips
- Temperatures can drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius in winter, so be sure to bring warm layered clothing and waterproof boots.
- The thickness of the ice on Lake Çıldır can vary from day to day; instead of going out on the ice alone, follow the guidance of local guides.
- Since the Ani Archaeological Site is explored outdoors, it's wise to dress extra warmly for winter visits.
- For accommodation, hotels in the city center are a practical choice, conveniently close to both the historic sites and the bazaar.
In short, with its rich history and the fairytale atmosphere it takes on in winter, Kars and Lake Çıldır make up one of Türkiye's most special winter routes. If you'd like to explore this unique region on a well-planned, comfortable trip, check out our Kars Çıldır Tour and discover the magic of the frozen lake and the historic Ani Archaeological Site with us.
