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Where the train arrives: Kars, Ani and Lake Çıldır
Photo: Francesco Bini / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Editor's route Legendary experiences Season: all year · Horse-drawn sleighs on Çıldır usually December–March (depending on the ice)

Where the train arrives: Kars, Ani and Lake Çıldır

The day after you step off the Eastern Express: Kars Castle and the city's stone buildings in the morning, Ani, the abandoned medieval capital on the border, at midday, and in winter, horse-drawn sleighs on frozen Lake Çıldır. For the story of Ani, see also the Ani route in the Dark tourism collection.

Duration1 days (by car)
Distance≈ 190 km by road
Stop3
Tickets0
AP

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

Know before you go: transport and safety
  • On Lake Çıldır, only go onto the ice in the area opened by the sleigh operators; if the ice is less than 15–20 cm thick, no sleigh rides are run.
  • Ani is on the border: do not leave the marked paths, and follow the military zone signs.

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

    Kars Castle

    Start: ≈ 15 min walk uphill from the city centre · stay 45 min

    A 12th-century castle, repaired in later periods; from here you can see the city and the Kars Çayı river. The Stone Bridge below and the Kümbet Mosque (built as the Church of the Holy Apostles) can be seen on the same walk.

    Kars Castle
    Photo: Francesco Bini / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

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

  2. 2

    Ani Archaeological Site

    ≈ 45 min by car (≈ 45 km) · stay 150 min

    The capital of the Bagratid kingdom in the Middle Ages; enter through the Lion Gate and walk to the Cathedral, the Mosque of Manuchihr and the Church of Tigran Honents. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is large and has no shade; allow at least 2–3 hours.

    Ani Archaeological Site
    Photo: Mustapilvi / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

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

  3. 3

    Lake Çıldır · horse-drawn sleigh (in winter)

    ≈ 1 hour 30 min by car from Ani (via Arpaçay) · stay 90 min

    The lake freezes in winter; horse-drawn sleigh rides are run around the village of Taşbaşı on the shore. Sleigh operators usually wait for the ice to be 15–20 cm thick; in most years the season opens in late December and lasts until March, and it starts later in mild winters. Eating pan-fried fish on the lake shore is part of the tradition.

    Lake Çıldır · horse-drawn sleigh (in winter)
    Photo: Ringofener / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The sleigh season depends on the thickness of the ice; ask the sleigh operators before setting off. Location: lake shore (approximate).

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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