30 · City guide
Hakkari
Province of the Cilo and Sat mountains, the Zap Valley and glacial lakes
Hakkari lies among the deep valleys carved by the Zap River and the Cilo–Sat mountains, which exceed 4000 meters. The highest point of the Cilo Mountains, Uludoruk (Reşko), is Turkey's second-highest summit after Mount Ağrı (Ararat); with their glaciers and glacial lakes, these mountains were declared a national park in 2020. The historic Meydan Madrasa in the city center is one of the landmark buildings remaining from Hakkari's old urban fabric. In the summer months, yaylas (highland pastures) such as Berçelan come alive with festivals and hikes; the wetlands of the Yüksekova plain attract birdwatchers. Hakkari's geographically registered kilims, Şemdinli honey and Yüksekova çirek cheese are among the leading local products. In this border province, access to some areas may be restricted for security reasons; before your trip, you need to find out the current situation from the governor's office and local sources.
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Places
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Routes
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Badges
Where shall we explore?
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.Waterfall
Ava Ore Waterfall
Merkez, Hakkari
A waterfall reached by a drive of about 20 minutes from central Hakkari followed by a half-hour walk, known for its cool water in summer and its icicles in winter.
- Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.
Castle
Bay Castle
Merkez, Hakkari
Castle remains on a steep rocky hill at about 2,025 meters south of Hakkari, used from the Iron Age to the end of the Middle Ages.
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.National park
Cilo and Sat Mountains National Park – Cennet Cehennem Valley (Heaven and Hell Valley)
Merkez, Hakkari
A valley on the Hakkari side of the national park declared in 2020, at the foot of Reşko (Uludoruk), Türkiye's second-highest peak, with glaciers and glacial waterfalls.
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.Waterfall
Kaval Waterfall
Merkez, Hakkari
A waterfall reached before arriving at Kaval village while heading west along the Zap Valley, locally called a 'hidden paradise' for its canyon pool.
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Church
Koçanis (Mar Shalita) Church
Merkez, Hakkari
A plain stone church in the village of Konak (Koçanis), about 18–22 km from Hakkari, long the seat of the patriarchs of the Church of the East.
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Ski resort
Mergabütan Ski Center
Merkez, Hakkari
One of the region's busiest ski centers, about 12 km from central Hakkari, at 2,600–2,800 meters, with a long snow season and a chairlift.
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.Madrasa and külliye (complex)
Meydan Madrasa
Merkez, Hakkari
A courtyard, two-story Ottoman madrasa in central Hakkari, built according to its inscription in 1700–1701; it receives visitors after restoration.
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Madrasa and külliye (complex)
Zeynel Bey Madrasa
Merkez, Hakkari
The city's oldest madrasa, built in the 16th century by Zeynel Bey, bey of Hakkari; restored through excavation and restoration, it is planned to open as a museum.
Practical information
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.- Note
- Some areas in the border and mountainous zones may be special security zones; get up-to-date information from the governor's office, the gendarmerie and local people before your trip, and do not enter unauthorized areas
- Climate
- Harsh mountain climate; winters are very snowy and long, and there is a risk of avalanches
- Best time
- June–September; high mountain and plateau roads are open only in summer
- Getting there
- Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport and Van Ferit Melen Airport are the nearest airports; the Van–Başkale–Hakkari road is the main connection
- Getting around
- The center is small and walkable; a local guide and a suitable vehicle are needed for the highland pastures and the national park