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İshak Paşa Palace at the foot of Mount Ararat
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Editor's route Legendary experiences Season: May–October is best (open all year)

İshak Paşa Palace at the foot of Mount Ararat

An 18th-century palace standing like something from a fairy tale in front of the rocks on the hillside, with views of Türkiye's highest mountain. It can be reached as a day trip from Kars or Van; a fine continuation of an Eastern Express journey.

DurationHalf day
Distance≈ 25 km
Stop3
Tickets0
AP

AnatoliaPass editorsTürkiye's legendary experiences · last checked 22 October 2026

Know before you go: transport and safety
  • This is a border area: carry your ID and follow military zone warnings.
  • Climbing Mount Ararat requires a separate permit and a licensed guide; this route does not climb the mountain.

Things to experience at least once in Türkiye: the Eastern Express and the train to Lake Van, sunrise on Mount Nemrut, the Lycian Way, a Blue Cruise, the sunken city of Kekova, the Hittite capital, Selimiye and Kırkpınar, and skiing on Erciyes and Palandöken. We don't sell train, boat or ski tickets; each route links to the official sales channel. Places where seasons and hours may change carry a "check before you go" notice.

Getting there / tickets: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism · museums and archaeological sites

AnatoliaPass does not sell these tickets; we send you to the official sales channel. Check prices and departure days there before you go.

Make your own version
  1. 1

    İshak Paşa Palace

    Start: ≈ 10 min by car from central Doğubayazıt · stay 90 min

    Begun in 1685 and completed in 1784, the palace brings together a harem, a selamlık (men's quarters), a mosque and a tomb. Its stonework and its view from the hillside over the Doğubayazıt plain are very impressive.

    İshak Paşa Palace
    Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Hours and prices change with the season; check with the official source before you go.

  2. 2

    Old Beyazıt Mosque and castle ruins

    ≈ 10 min on foot (above the palace) · stay 30 min

    Old castle walls and the Selim Mosque on the hill above the palace; the best viewpoint over Mount Ararat and the plain.

    Old Beyazıt Mosque and castle ruins
    Photo: Dosseman / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The path is stony; location approximate.

  3. 3

    Mount Ararat viewpoint

    ≈ 15 min by car · stay 20 min

    A roadside spot where, on cloudless days, the 5,137-metre summit and Little Ararat are seen straight ahead.

    Mount Ararat viewpoint
    Photo: Francesco Bini / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Location approximate; depends on the weather.

One more day? Bursa.

Outside Istanbul

≈ 2 h 15 min · fast ferry + bus · Day trip

Why here: The first Ottoman capital. The Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and Koza Han make an easy day trip; we suggest it if you are staying in Istanbul for more than four days. Not part of this route.

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