Tunceli, Turkey: cities, destinations and things to do

The province

Get to know Tunceli

Tunceli lies between the Munzur mountains to the north and the Keban reservoir lake to the south. The capital sits where the Munzur and Pülümür rivers meet, and almost the entire province consists of narrow valleys, oak forests and mountain villages.

Munzur Valley National Park, established in 1971, covers about 42,000 hectares along the road between Tunceli and Ovacık. It is one of the country’s largest and most species-rich parks, with picnic areas and riverside trails.

Near Ovacık, the Munzur Gözeleri springs emerge from the hillside and form the river; the site is also visited for religious reasons by the local Alevi community. The Munzur offers a rafting route of around 35 km, and the Pülümür valley draws hikers.

To the south, Pertek Castle ended up on an island after the creation of Keban Lake and is visible by boat or from the shore. The province has no airport: arrivals normally come via Elazığ or Erzincan, and the mountain roads take time.

When to go

May to October is usually the Munzur valley season, with rivers high in spring and lower water at the end of summer. Autumn brings yellowed forests. In winter there is snow in the higher areas and some roads may close.

Getting there

The main airport used is Elazığ (EZS); from there the capital is about a two-hour drive, with minibuses that meet flights. Ovacık and the Munzur valley are roughly another hour’s drive from the capital.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Tunceli

When to go rafting on the Munzur?

Tours typically run from spring through autumn, with the river strongest in May and June. Book with local operators in the capital and confirm river conditions.

Do you need a car in Tunceli?

It helps a lot. There are minibuses between Tunceli, Ovacık and Pertek, but the valley points are spread out along the road.

What are the Munzur Gözeleri?

They are the springs of the Munzur River, near Ovacık, where cold water wells from the hillside. The site has boardwalks and is also visited for religious reasons; respect prayer and offering areas.

How many days to allow for Tunceli?

Two days allow you to explore the Munzur valley to Ovacık and visit Pertek. Those who want to hike or go rafting usually stay longer.

Tap a province to see its destinations. Limites: Natural Earth (domínio público). Ilhas do Mármara e dos Príncipes: geoBoundaries / © colaboradores do OpenStreetMap (CC BY-SA). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.