Open Travel Guide
Day trips from Erzurum

Best Day Trips from Erzurum 2026

Where a single day out of Erzurum can take you, and exactly how to make each trip work.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Tortum Lake and Waterfall, Narman Fairy Chimneys and İspir Fortress Town. This guide profiles 7+ day trips in Erzurum, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Erzurum is a historic city at 1,890 metres elevation in northeastern Turkey, commanding the high plateau where ancient Silk Road caravans once crossed. The city holds one of Turkey's finest concentrations of Seljuk and Mongol architecture — the Çifte Minareli Medrese, Yakutiye Medresesi and Üç Kümbetler tombs stand beside an Ottoman castle with sweeping panoramas. Fifteen kilometres from the centre, Palandöken mountain hosts one of the Middle East's premier ski resorts. Erzurum is the birthplace of cağ kebabı, the horizontally-spit-roasted lamb unique to the region, and the origin of oltu taşı jet-stone jewellery.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

98 km north of Erzurum

Tortum Lake and Waterfall

Own vehicle or rented car recommended. Dolmuş from Erzurum otogar towards Uzundere (ask driver for Tortum Gölü stop); then taxi 3 km to waterfall.
90 km northwest of Erzurum

Narman Fairy Chimneys

Own vehicle via E80/D100 northwest then Narman road. No reliable public transport.
112 km north of Erzurum

İspir Fortress Town

Own vehicle via D950 north (scenic Çoruh River road). Dolmuş from Erzurum otogar to İspir — several departures daily.
105 km north of Erzurum

Uzundere Canyon Drive

Own vehicle. Dolmuş from Erzurum otogar to Uzundere.
210 km northeast of Erzurum

Kars — Historic City and Ani Ruins

Bus from Erzurum otogar to Kars (multiple daily, 2.5 hrs, 200–350 TRY / $6–10.50). From Kars, taxi or minibus to Ani ruins (45 km east of Kars, 30 min, ~200–300 TRY / $6–9 return taxi).
215 km south-southwest of Erzurum

Ağrı and Mount Ararat View

Bus from Erzurum otogar to Ağrı (several daily, ~3 hrs, 200–350 TRY / $6–10.50). View Ararat from the town.
130 km northeast of Erzurum

Çoruh River Rafting Corridor (Yusufeli)

Own vehicle via D950. Local rafting operators in Yusufeli (book in advance: Çoruh Rafting, tel +90 466 811 2230)

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.

Tip

Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.

Tip

Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.

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