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1 city
Province · Anatólia Oriental
Kars
Kars has the medieval city of Ani, a World Heritage site on the border with Armenia, a fortress above the river, stone buildings from the Russian period, cheeses and snowy winters.
In the photo: Kars and the Kümbet Camii, seen from the fortress
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Kars
Kars sits on a plateau at about 1,750 meters, in northeastern Turkey. The capital has a fortress above the Kars River, an Ottoman stone bridge and straight streets with dark stone buildings from the period when the city belonged to the Russian Empire, between 1878 and 1918.
About 45 km away is Ani, a medieval city on the edge of the Arpaçay river valley, which marks the border with Armenia; it was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2016. Ruins of churches, walls and the Ebu'l Menuçehr Mosque occupy an open area that requires half a day of walking.
In town, the Kümbet Camii, the former 10th-century Church of the Apostles, lies at the foot of the fortress, and the Kars Museum houses archaeological and ethnographic pieces. The cuisine centers on cheese and goose: Kars kaşar and gravyer cheeses are known nationwide, and roast goose is a winter dish.
Kars is the terminus of the Doğu Ekspresi train, which departs Ankara and crosses Anatolia in about a day, much sought after in winter. Sarıkamış, about 55 km away, has a ski resort among pine forests, and Lake Çıldır, on the border with Ardahan, often freezes between December and March.
Destinations
1 destination in Kars
Cities
1 cities in Kars in the guide
When to go
From May to September days are usually mild and long, good for walking in Ani. Winter, from December to March, is cold and snowy—the season for the Doğu Ekspresi, skiing in Sarıkamış and a frozen Lake Çıldır. April and October can be chilly and rainy.
Getting there
Kars Harakani Airport (KSY) is a few kilometers from the center, with domestic flights. The train station receives the Doğu Ekspresi, coming from Ankara via Erzurum. For Ani, arrange a taxi, driver or an excursion with return included.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Kars
How long does it take from Kars to Ani?
Ani is about 45 km from the town, less than an hour by car. Allow half a day for the site, which is extensive and open; bring water, a hat and a jacket, as winds on the plateau are often strong.
How does the Doğu Ekspresi train work?
It is the line between Ankara and Kars, passing through Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum, in a journey of about a day. In winter demand is usually high: buy in advance and confirm schedules.
When does Lake Çıldır freeze?
It usually freezes between December and March, when there are horse-drawn sled rides and ice-fishing through holes. Freezing depends on each year's cold; check conditions before you go.
How many days should I book for Kars?
Two days allow you to see the town and Ani. With three, you can include Lake Çıldır or, in winter, Sarıkamış.
What to eat in Kars?
The kaşar and gravyer cheeses, the region's honey and goose, served mainly in winter. In the cheese shops in town it's common to taste before you buy.