Sarıkamış-Allahüekber Mountains National Park – Kars and Erzurum Provinces

Discovering the Wild Beauty of Sarıkamış-Allahüekber Mountains National Park

Tucked away in the northeastern reaches of Türkiye, where winter casts a fairytale blanket of snow and history echoes through the pine forests, lies Sarıkamış-Allahüekber Mountains National Park. This extraordinary natural reserve, straddling the Kars and Erzurum provinces, offers a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and poignant historical significance.

Established in 2004, the national park spans over 22,519 hectares of diverse terrain. From rugged peaks and dense forests to alpine meadows and crystal-clear streams, Sarıkamış-Allahüekber Mountains National Park is a hidden gem that caters to nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.

Nature’s Untamed Canvas

The park is centered around the Allahüekber Mountains, a dramatic mountain range that forms a natural divide between the Eastern Anatolian highlands. The name “Allahüekber,” meaning “God is Great,” reflects both the majesty of the landscape and the spiritual reverence it commands.

At elevations reaching up to 3,120 meters, these mountains are snow-capped for much of the year, offering stunning vistas and pristine conditions for winter sports. The thick Scots pine forests, one of the park’s defining features, are among the best-preserved in Türkiye. These woods provide a tranquil atmosphere for hiking and photography, especially when the forest floor is covered in a carpet of snow.

In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom across the meadows, and mountain streams burst with melting snow, creating a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. From birdwatchers to botanists, the park offers endless opportunities for discovery.

Flora and Fauna: A Biodiversity Hotspot

Despite its often-harsh climate, the park supports an impressive range of biodiversity. The forests are home to brown bears, wolves, foxes, lynxes, and wild boars. Birdwatchers might spot golden eagles, woodpeckers, and rare migratory species making their seasonal stopovers.

The flora is just as rich. The park is a sanctuary for native plant species, including medicinal herbs and endemic wildflowers. The ecosystem reflects a delicate balance, and the preservation efforts in recent years have helped protect it from human encroachment and environmental threats.

Winter Wonderland: Sarıkamış Ski Resort

One of the major draws of the park is the Sarıkamış Ski Center, located on the southern slopes of the Allahüekber Mountains. Often referred to as “Türkiye’s Alps,” Sarıkamış is famed for its crystal snow—a type of dry, powdery snow found only in a few places worldwide, including the Alps and Siberia.

The ski resort features modern facilities, chairlifts, and ski runs suited for all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Its altitude and favorable snow conditions ensure a long ski season, usually lasting from December to April.

What makes Sarıkamış unique is not just the skiing, but the serene natural setting. Skiers glide through towering pine forests with sweeping views of the valleys below—a rare combination that draws increasing numbers of local and international tourists each year.

A Land of Memory: The Sarıkamış Tragedy

Beyond its natural beauty, the park is a solemn site of deep historical importance. In the winter of 1914-1915, during the early days of World War I, the Battle of Sarıkamış took place on these very mountains. Thousands of Ottoman soldiers, inadequately clothed and supplied, perished in the brutal cold as they attempted to advance against Russian forces.

Today, the park serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives. Monuments and memorial sites, including the Sarıkamış Martyrs Monument, can be found throughout the area. Every January, thousands of people participate in a commemorative march to honor the memory of the fallen. It's a deeply moving experience, reminding visitors of the human cost of war and the unforgiving nature of the terrain.

Activities for Every Season

While winter brings snow sports and commemorations, the warmer months open up a different world of outdoor activities. Hiking trails wind through lush valleys and up into alpine zones, offering panoramic views that reward the climb. Camping, mountain biking, and wildlife observation are popular among summer visitors.

The park also provides ample opportunities for photographers, thanks to its diverse landscapes and dramatic light conditions. Sunrises and sunsets over the peaks are especially captivating, bathing the land in golden hues.

How to Get There

Sarıkamış-Allahüekber Mountains National Park is easily accessible by road and rail. The nearest city, Kars, is connected by daily flights from Istanbul and Ankara. From Kars, it's about a one-hour drive to the park.

An alternative route is via Erzurum, another historical city with its own airport and train station. The journey from Erzurum to the park takes around 2.5 hours by car. Both routes offer scenic drives through the Anatolian countryside.

Where to Stay and Eat

The town of Sarıkamış offers a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels and ski lodges to guesthouses that cater to eco-tourists. Many hotels are designed in alpine style, with cozy interiors, fireplaces, and stunning mountain views.

Local cuisine is hearty and flavorful, featuring traditional Eastern Anatolian dishes such as kete (stuffed bread), göbek gravyer (local cheese), and Evelik aşı (sorrel soup). After a day on the slopes or trails, a warm Turkish meal is the perfect ending.

Why Visit?

Sarıkamış-Allahüekber Mountains National Park is more than a travel destination—it’s an experience that blends nature, adventure, history, and reflection. Whether you're skiing through the quiet forests, hiking ancient trails, or pausing in remembrance at a war memorial, this park offers a journey into the heart of Anatolia—raw, majestic, and unforgettable.

So pack your boots, your curiosity, and your respect for the past—and step into a world where Türkiye’s natural and historical heritage come alive in every snowflake and stone.