Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride on Frozen Çıldır Lake

Çıldır Lake, situated at 1,959 metres above sea level in Turkey's northeastern Ardahan province, freezes over each winter to form one of the country's most dramatic natural spectacles. From late December through February, the frozen surface becomes a stage for horse-drawn sleigh rides — a centuries-old tradition practised by local villagers along the lake's eastern shore. The experience draws visitors from across Turkey and beyond, particularly during the January–February window when ice thickness is most reliable. Local Çıldır families harness sturdy highland horses to wooden sleighs decorated with bells and coloured rope, then guide passengers across the white expanse at an easy trot. Rides typically last 30 to 60 minutes and cover several kilometres of frozen lake surface, offering unobstructed views of the snow-dusted Caucasian mountains that ring the shoreline. There are no formal operators or booking systems; riders present at the lakeside in the morning and negotiate directly with the sleigh owners, who line up along the shore. Prices typically run 200–400 TRY per person for a standard circuit, with longer routes negotiable. No prior riding experience is necessary — passengers sit in the sleigh while the driver stands at the rear or walks alongside. The activity is suitable for families with children and older adults. The lake also freezes thickly enough in peak season for ice fishing, and the sleigh ride is commonly combined with a visit to the fishing huts clustered at the northern end. Ardahan town offers guesthouses and basic accommodation; travellers typically stay overnight and reach the lake by minibus or shared taxi departing from Ardahan's small otogar. Weather can change rapidly, and temperatures regularly drop to –20°C, making adequate layering essential. The lakeside atmosphere during January is particularly animated on weekends, when domestic tourists arrive in numbers. The ride itself requires no fitness preparation and is one of the few winter activities in the Ardahan highlands accessible to all ages and ability levels without any specialist equipment beyond warm clothing.