Nature / Birdwatching site
Lake Erçek
İpekyolu, Van
The second-largest lake in the Lake Van basin; the region's 'bird paradise' with its soda waters, flamingos and hundreds of bird species.
Safety warning
Its story
Lake Erçek, about 30 km east of central Van at an altitude of over 1800 meters, is with 114 km² the largest lake in the Lake Van basin after Lake Van itself. Its waters are salty and soda-rich; the main stream feeding the lake is the Memedik Deresi (Memedik Creek), coming from the east. The lake and its surroundings, with Important Bird Area status, host about half of the bird species seen in Türkiye; it is a stopover and breeding area for migratory birds, above all flamingos, and is registered as a sensitive area to be strictly protected. The lake is reached near the Erçek neighborhood on its east shore; the islet-like Karagündüz Höyük (mound) in the lake is also near this shore. Early morning hours and migration periods are best for birdwatching.
Key facts
- Area
- ~114 km²
- Altitude
- ~1808 m
- Getting there
- Van–Özalp road, Erçek neighborhood
- Visit duration
- 1–2 hours
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Quiet
- Day trip
Location
38.65506, 43.64981
Reviews
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erçek_Gölü | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Erçek | https://van.ktb.gov.tr/TR-437066/korunan-alanlar.html | https://van.ktb.gov.tr/TR-437243/ipekyolu.html | https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/1482093777