DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife-area
—°
Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park (Turkey)

Weather…

The Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park is located on the border of Kars and Erzurum provinces in northeastern Turkey and was established in 2004. Spanning 22,519 hectares, the park is unique for its extensive forests of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) that thrive at high altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters. The region is geologically part of the Eastern Anatolian plateau and is world-renowned for its unique 'crystal snow,' a dry, powdery snow type rare outside the Alps. Beyond its natural beauty, the park holds profound historical significance as the site of the Battle of Sarıkamış during World War I (December 1914 to January 1915). Memorials throughout the park commemorate the tens of thousands of Ottoman soldiers who perished here due to extreme cold and conflict. The park's diverse ecosystem supports various large mammals, including brown bears, wolves, and lynxes, who roam the dense coniferous forests. Today, it serves as both a solemn historical site and a premier destination for winter sports and ecological tourism.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-9-7-2491417181470-7
Rain mm484252647668544854745753

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The best time to visit depends heavily on your goals; winter has spectacular, deep snowscapes, while the warmer months of spring and summer provide easier access for observing the animated flora and fauna in the dense pine forests.
🌅
Best time of day
Wildlife activity in these high-altitude areas is usually at its peak during the early morning hours just after dawn, and again in the late afternoon as the sun begins to set, making these the optimal times for quiet observation.
📜
Etiquette
Visitors are generally required to stay on designated trails to protect the fragile alpine environment, avoid making loud noises that could startle the animals, and strictly refrain from feeding any wildlife encountered in the park.
🎒
What to bring
Due to the high altitude and potentially deep snow cover in winter, sturdy, insulated waterproof footwear is essential, along with layered clothing for changing weather, and high-quality binoculars for spotting animals from a distance.
🧭
Getting there
Reaching the national park typically involves driving from nearby towns or cities in Eastern Anatolia; checking local road conditions is highly recommended, especially during the winter months when heavy snowfall can temporarily block routes.
🦌
What to expect
Finding wildlife in dense pine forests requires a significant amount of patience and a keen eye; move slowly, listen carefully for rustling branches or subtle animal calls, and be prepared to spend hours scanning the landscape without success.

Geography

Coordinates
40.33330, 42.66670

Facts

  • The national park was officially established on October 19, 2004.
  • The total protected area covers 22,519 hectares of mountainous terrain.
  • Site of the historic Battle of Sarıkamış during the winter of 1914-1915.
  • Features the only Scots pine forests in Turkey at altitudes above 2,000 meters.
  • Renowned for its unique 'crystal snow,' ideal for high-altitude skiing.
  • Home to significant populations of brown bears and Caucasian lynxes.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SarıkamışSarıkamış9 km · SExplore →
Erzurum-Kars PlateauErzurum-Kars Plateau39 km · NExplore →
Karagöl-Sahara National ParkKaragöl-Sahara National Park78 km · EExplore →
Lake ÇıldırLake Çıldır87 km · NEExplore →
AniAni102 km · NExplore →
Goderdzi PassGoderdzi Pass108 km · EExplore →
VardziaVardzia109 km · NEExplore →
📍Akhaltsikhe112 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Sarıkamış?
In winter for skiing, in summer for hiking.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, the region has activities for all ages.
Are there accommodations?
Yes, there are hotels and mountain lodges nearby.
Is there an entrance fee?
Not for the national park itself, but ski passes cost extra.
How is the climate in winter?
Very cold with lots of snow, well-suited for winter sports.
Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park: where is it located?
Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park is located in Turkey.
Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park is located on the border of Kars and Erzurum provinces in northeastern Turkey and was established in 2004.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Turkey →

Nearby cities

Sarıkamış — Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park (Turkey)
Sarıkamış
A unique ski resort in Kars, famous for its crystal snow and scotch pine forests.

More places

Erzurum-Kars Plateau — Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park (Turkey)
Erzurum-Kars Plateau
A high and harsh plateau in northeastern Turkey famous for its icy and long winters.
Ani — Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park (Turkey)
Ani
Ani was once a magnificent Armenian capital, now lying as an abandoned ruined city on the Turkish-Armenian border.
Karagöl-Sahara National Park — Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park (Turkey)
Karagöl-Sahara National Park
A bifurcated national park in the northeastern Artvin region, consisting of an idyllic glacial lake and a vast plateau.