Kars — Travel Guide

The ideal time to visit Kars varies greatly depending on your expectations. The most preferred season for the city is winter; between December and March, everything is covered in snow, Lake Çıldır freezes, and the Sarıkamış ski slopes are bustling. During this period, Kars takes on a fairytale appearance, and the majority of Doğu Ekspresi passengers visit the city during these months.

The summer months, from June to September, are much more suitable for exploring the Ani Ruins and the surrounding plateaus. The weather is cool and refreshing; long days allow you to comfortably plan your itinerary. Spring and autumn are good options for those who want to see the city in its calmer state; however, the weather can be quite variable during these periods, so be sure to bring layered clothing.

An important note for those planning a winter trip: Kars can experience freezing cold temperatures, sometimes dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius. A thick coat, waterproof boots, and gloves are essential for this trip.

By Plane: Kars Harakani Airport is an active airport with regular flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and several major cities. The airport is quite close to the city center; reaching the center by taxi takes a short time.

By Train: One of the most important transportation options that makes Kars popular is the Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express). This train, departing from Ankara, reaches Kars after a journey of approximately 24-26 hours. Throughout the journey, you will witness the magnificent landscapes of Eastern Anatolia. Tickets sell out very quickly, especially during the winter season; early booking is essential.

By Bus: The distance from Istanbul to Kars is approximately 1,445 km, and from Ankara, it is approximately 1,080 km. Many bus companies operate on this route; although the journey is long, it can be done with comfortable vehicles. Kars bus terminal is about 3 km from the city center; bus company shuttles drop passengers off in the center.

By Car: It is possible to reach Kars by road via Erzurum, Ağrı, Iğdır, and Ardahan. Especially in winter, road conditions can be challenging, so those planning to come by car are advised to closely monitor the weather conditions.

Kars is not a large city, and many important points are within walking distance. Walking is the most enjoyable option for exploring the city center; especially strolling slowly through the streets lined with stone buildings from the Russian period allows you to feel the spirit of the city.

Municipal buses serve basic routes within the city. Fares are quite affordable. Taxis also allow you to easily reach any point in the city; they are a practical option for short distances.

To reach points outside the city such as Ani Ruins, Lake Çıldır, and Sarıkamış, rental cars or tour vehicles are preferred. Many hotels and local tour companies organize daily tours to these destinations. There are several options available in the city for those who wish to rent a car.

Ani Ruins: Ani is undoubtedly the most important stop in Kars. The remains of this city, which was the capital of the Armenian Bagratuni Kingdom in the Middle Ages, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This open-air museum, consisting of walls, churches, mosques, and palaces, defies time on the banks of the Aras River. Visiting early in the morning allows you to avoid crowds and catch the best light.

Lake Çıldır: One of Turkey's largest high-altitude lakes, Çıldır freezes completely in winter. You can experience horse-drawn sleigh rides or ice fishing on the frozen lake. In summer, the area around the lake is covered with greenery, creating an ideal environment for picnics.

Sarıkamış: Sarıkamış, a district important both historically and naturally, is known for its ski resort and pine forests. Allahüekber Mountains National Park and Sarıkamış Martyrs' Monument are located here. For winter sports enthusiasts, Sarıkamış Ski Center offers attractive slopes.

Kars Castle: Rising on a hill above the city, the castle is an important structure dating from the Ottoman period. The panoramic view of the city and the surrounding plain from the castle is enjoyable.

Kars Museum: The museum, which exhibits artifacts shedding light on the region's history, houses findings from archaeological excavations in Kars and its surroundings.

Russian Period Buildings: Stone buildings constructed under Russian administration in the 19th century define Kars's urban fabric. Some of these structures are now used as cafes, hotels, or public buildings. Pay attention to this architectural heritage while walking around the city.

Church of the Holy Apostles (12 Havariler Kilisesi): This Armenian church, which has become one of Kars's symbols, has been used for different purposes in different periods; today, it is open to visitors as a museum.

Kars cuisine is a blend of Caucasian and Eastern Anatolian flavors. There are several local products you must taste when you come to the city.

Kars Kaşarı: One of Turkey's most famous cheeses, Kars kaşarı is prepared with local production techniques. Be sure to buy it for breakfast or as a travel snack; it is sold in many shops in the city.

Kars Honey: Produced in high-altitude meadows, Kars honey stands out with its intense aroma and consistency. This honey, an indispensable part of breakfast tables, is also a great gift to take home.

Goose Dishes: Goose meat holds an important place in Kars. Roasted goose (kaz kavurması) and goose soup (kaz çorbası) are flavors you will frequently encounter in local restaurants.

Cağ Kebabı: Although originating from Erzurum, cağ kebabı, prepared with lamb meat cooked on a horizontal skewer, is widely consumed in the region.

In local restaurants in the city center, you can find affordable and satisfying options from breakfast to dinner. Places offering dinner accompanied by Caucasian shows are also popular in Kars.

Although Kars is not a major tourist city, accommodation options have diversified with the increasing number of visitors in recent years. There are boutique hotels, guesthouses, and chain hotels in the city center.

Boutique Hotels: Boutique hotels operating in stone buildings from the Russian period are the accommodation options that best reflect the atmosphere of Kars. Staying in these places, which are in harmony with the historical texture, completes your experience of the city.

Mid-Range Hotels: Mid-sized hotels offering comfortable rooms in the city center are suitable for those looking for a good price-performance balance. Since occupancy rates increase in the winter season, it is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially between December and March.

Guesthouses: For those seeking a more intimate accommodation experience, there are family-run guesthouses in and around the city. These options usually come with homemade breakfast.

If you prefer to stay in Sarıkamış, hotels near the ski resort also offer a good alternative; however, Kars city center is a more strategic location for reaching points like Ani and Çıldır.

Kars is one of Turkey's relatively affordable tourist destinations. Accommodation, food, and transportation costs are quite reasonable compared to big cities.

Accommodation: Nightly rates in boutique and mid-range hotels vary depending on the season and the hotel. Prices increase as demand rises in the winter season; early booking offers an advantage.

Food: You can find affordable meals in local restaurants in the city center. For those who want to buy local cheese, honey, and goose products, bazaar and market areas offer more economical options.

Transportation: Daily tours organized for Ani Ruins, Lake Çıldır, and Sarıkamış are generally more economical than renting a private car. Taxi and bus fares within the city are at reasonable levels.

Activities: Fees for activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and ice fishing on Lake Çıldır may vary; it is healthier to inquire about current prices on site.

Kars has been at the crossroads of many civilizations throughout history. Traces of Armenian, Russian, Ottoman, and Turkish cultures can be seen in every corner of the city. This multi-layered history gives Kars a unique identity.

The city underwent a significant reconstruction process under Russian administration in the 19th century; the stone buildings constructed during this period still stand today. In the Republican era, Kars maintained its importance as a strategic center on Turkey's eastern border.

Caucasian music and folk dances are an integral part of Kars culture. Caucasian shows, occasionally held in the city, offer visitors the opportunity to get closely acquainted with the local music and dance tradition. Kars's multicultural structure is also reflected in daily life; flavors, architectural elements, and social practices from different traditions continue to coexist.

Orhan Pamuk's Nobel Prize-winning novel Snow has also brought Kars to a significant place in the literary world. For visitors who have read the novel, exploring the city takes on a special meaning.