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Munzur Valley National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Munzur Valley National Park, located in Tunceli Province, is one of the largest and most biologically diverse national parks in Turkey. Spanning approximately 42,000 hectares, the park follows the path of the Munzur River between the towering Munzur Mountains. Established in 1971, the park is famous for its rich flora, containing over 1,500 plant species, of which about 227 are endemic to the region. Geologically, the valley is defined by deep gorges, sharp peaks, and numerous karst springs, with the Munzur Springs (Munzur Gözeleri) being held as sacred by local communities. The climate features cold, snowy winters and warm summers, providing a habitat for diverse fauna such as brown bears, wild sheep, and the elusive Anatolian leopard. Culturally, the region holds deep spiritual significance for the local Alevi population, who revere the natural landscape of the valley.

Location: Turkey
Nearby: Erzincan (Ergan) (25 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-8	-7	-2	4	9	14	17	18	13	7	0	-5
Rain mm	57	49	60	64	57	24	10	6	16	43	47	50

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This remote national park in Eastern Anatolia is primarily accessed via the provincial capital of Tunceli, from where a wonderfully scenic main road closely follows the dramatically winding path of the Munzur River.

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Best season

To safely explore the rugged mountains and deep gorges, the late spring and summer months are highly recommended, as the region experiences brutally harsh winters with heavy snowfall that often blocks the mountain passes.

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Terrain & paths

The environment consists of an exceptionally wild and untouched landscape featuring remarkably steep mountain slopes, deep rocky ravines, and fast-flowing rivers, making off-trail hiking a distinctly challenging endeavor.

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What to bring

Due to the extreme isolation of Eastern Anatolia, exceptionally sturdy hiking boots, comprehensive emergency first-aid kits, physical topographic maps, and warm windproof layers are essential even during the warmer months.

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Parking

Safe parking areas are typically found near the designated riverside recreation spots, on the outskirts of tiny local village settlements, or at the prominent scenic viewpoints dotted along the valley's main access road.

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Safety

Observing the park's rare wildlife species must always be done from a respectful and safe distance; furthermore, hikers venturing into the high country must be prepared for sudden fierce storms and lack of mobile signal.

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Time needed

A scenic drive through the length of the valley with multiple stops for photography will take roughly four to five hours, while dedicated wilderness trekking and wildlife observation will demand at least two full days.

Geography

Coordinates

39.33330, 39.50000

Facts

The National Park was established on December 21, 1971.
It covers a total area of 42,674 hectares.
Roughly 227 of the 1,518 plant species in the park are endemic.
The Munzur River is well-known for its brown trout.
The Munzur Mountains reach elevations exceeding 3,300 meters.
The park is located just 8 kilometers from the city of Tunceli.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Munzur Valley19 km · WExplore →

Erzincan (Ergan)25 km · EExplore →

Elazığ64 km · SWExplore →

Karakaya Dam104 km · SWExplore →

Pontic Mountains115 km · SEExplore →

Sumela Monastery118 km · EExplore →

Mount Nemrut138 km · SWExplore →

Uzungöl141 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Munzur Valley National Park (1)

Sultanbaba Dağı

Mountain in Munzur Valley National Park, part of the Taurus range.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes Munzur Valley so special?

It is one of the ecologically richest areas with spectacular nature and clean river water.

Is the valley easily accessible?

It is near Tunceli; roads are good, but the area is remote.

Can you hike there?

Yes, there are beautiful routes along the river and into the mountains.

Are there camping options there?

There are some campsites, but wild camping is often nicer, though it should be safe.

When is the best time to visit?

Early summer, when the vegetation is blooming and the river is full.

Munzur Valley National Park: where is it located?

Munzur Valley National Park is located in Turkey.

Munzur Valley National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Munzur Valley National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Munzur Valley National Park, located in Tunceli Province, is one of the largest and most biologically diverse national parks in Turkey.

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