Doğubayazıt Travel Guide

Explore the cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, local customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations of Doğubayazıt in Eastern Turkey.


Introduction to Doğubayazıt

Doğubayazıt is a city in Eastern Anatolia in Turkey, located in the Middle East region of Asia. It is situated near the Iranian border and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and plains. Doğubayazıt has a rich history and is known for its cultural and natural attractions, outdoor adventures, and delicious Turkish cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Doğubayazıt

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Ishak Pasha Palace: This magnificent palace was built in the 17th century and is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Ottoman architecture. The palace has more than 360 rooms, beautifully decorated with Islamic art and motifs.

  2. Noah’s Ark Museum: Doğubayazıt is believed to be the final resting place of Noah’s Ark, and this museum exhibits various artifacts and documents related to the story of Noah’s Ark.

  3. Urartian Caves: These caves were carved out of rocks by the ancient Urartian civilization, which ruled the region during the 9th century BCE. The caves served as living spaces and also as defense fortifications.

Natural Attractions of Doğubayazıt: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Mount Ararat: This snow-capped mountain is the highest peak in Turkey and is located near Doğubayazıt. The mountain is considered sacred by many religions, and is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

  2. Tendürek Mountain National Park: This national park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including wolves, foxes, and wild boars. The park has hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the mountains and plains.

  3. Meteor Crater: This natural wonder is located near Doğubayazıt and was created by a meteor impact more than 5,000 years ago. The crater is over a hundred meters deep and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Doğubayazıt

  1. Mount Ararat Summit: This 5,137-meter peak is a challenging ascent, but the views from the top are breathtaking.

  2. Tendürek Mountain Trail: This hiking trail is 21 kilometers long and takes around six hours to complete. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and plains.

  3. Taşlıçay River Cycling Route: This 28-kilometer cycling route follows the Taşlıçay River and offers opportunities for bird-watching and enjoying the beautiful landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Doğubayazıt: Activities and Tours

  1. Hot-air Balloon Ride: Experience the breathtaking views of Doğubayazıt and its surroundings from a hot-air balloon.

  2. Turkish Bath: Relax and rejuvenate in a traditional Turkish bath, also known as a hammam.

  3. Noah’s Ark Excursion: Explore the story of Noah’s Ark and visit the nearby sites associated with the story.

Week-Long Itinerary for Doğubayazıt

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival and check-in at hotel
Day 2 Visit Ishak Pasha Palace, Noah’s Ark Museum, and Urartian Caves
Day 3 Hike Mount Ararat Summit
Day 4 Cycle Taşlıçay River route and visit Meteor Crater
Day 5 Relax in Turkish Bath and enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine
Day 6 Hot-air Balloon Ride and visit Tendürek Mountain National Park
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Doğubayazıt

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Kadayıf Dolma: Sweet and savory dish made with stuffed minced meat and thin pastry.

  2. Mıhlama: Traditional dish made with corn flour, cheese, butter, and herbs.

  3. İşkembe Çorbası: Tripe soup flavored with garlic and lemon.

Local Beverages

  1. Ayran: Refreshing yogurt drink mixed with water and salt.

  2. Şalgam Suyu: Fermented red turnip juice.

  3. Rakı: Anise-flavored alcoholic drink, typically served with meze.

Where to Stay in Doğubayazıt: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Grand Serai Hotel: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Doğubayazıt, offering comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.

  2. Pasha Hotel: A cozy boutique hotel located near Ishak Pasha Palace, offering panoramic views of Mount Ararat.

  3. Osmanli Manor Hotel: A charming guesthouse located in a historical Ottoman house, with lovely gardens and traditional Turkish decor.

What to Buy in Doğubayazıt: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Kilim and Carpets: Doğubayazıt is known for its traditional handwoven kilim and carpets, featuring intricate geometric patterns and bold colors.

  2. Local Spices and Herbs: Bring home some of the spices and herbs used in traditional Turkish cuisine, such as sumac, dried mint, and Aleppo pepper.

  3. Handmade Jewelry: Doğubayazıt is famous for its handmade silver jewelry, featuring unique designs and motifs inspired by nature and ancient symbols.

Local Culture and Customs of Doğubayazıt

Doğubayazıt has a rich history and culture influenced by various civilizations, including the Urartians, Persians, and Ottomans. The local people are friendly and welcoming, but it’s important to respect their customs and traditions. The predominant religion in Doğubayazıt is Islam, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering mosques and other religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Doğubayazıt

The best time to visit Doğubayazıt is between May and September when the weather is mild and sunny. However, if you want to hike Mount Ararat, the best time is in July and August when the snow has melted, and the trails are accessible. Winter in Doğubayazıt can be cold and rainy, but it’s a good time to experience the local lifestyle and festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Doğubayazıt

Do:

  1. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  2. Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  3. Respect the local culture and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Take unauthorized pictures of people or their homes.
  2. Enter religious sites without removing your shoes or cover your head (if required).
  3. Show public displays of affection.

Safety and Health

Safety in Doğubayazıt

Doğubayazıt is a safe city, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. It’s also important to follow instructions from local authorities and stay informed about any security alerts.

Health in Doğubayazıt

Visitors should drink bottled water and be aware of food hygiene. It’s advisable to carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary prescription medication.

Getting to Doğubayazıt: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Doğubayazıt

The nearest airport to Doğubayazıt is Agri Airport, located around 130 kilometers away. There are daily flights from Istanbul to Agri Airport.

Bus Stations Near Doğubayazıt

Doğubayazıt has a main bus station that connects it with various cities in Turkey and Iran. There are frequent buses from Ankara, Istanbul, and other major cities to Doğubayazıt.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a private car or taxi to reach Doğubayazıt. It’s advisable to book a car in advance and confirm the fare with the driver.

How to Get Around in Doğubayazıt

The best way to get around in Doğubayazıt is to hire a taxi or use the local buses or dolmus. Bicycles and motorbikes are also available for rent, and some hotels provide shuttle services.

Where to Go Next from Doğubayazıt: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Van: A city located on the shore of Lake Van, offering scenic views and historical sites.

  2. Kars: A city in Eastern Turkey, known for its ancient ruins and Turkish architecture.

  3. Mount Nemrut: A mountain located in southeastern Turkey, known for its ancient statues and temple.

Conclusion

Doğubayazıt is a city full of exciting cultural and natural attractions, outdoor adventures, and delicious cuisine. Visitors can experience the rich history and culture of this city, hike stunning mountains, cycle scenic routes, and enjoy traditional Turkish hospitality. With proper planning and precautions, visiting Doğubayazıt is an unforgettable experience.

Landscape Landscape From the courtyard of the palace From the courtyard of the palace Durupınar site Durupınar site Mount Ararat and its satellite cone Little Ararat from east of Doğubayazıt Mount Ararat and its satellite cone Little Ararat from east of Doğubayazıt İsmail Beşikçi Avenue İsmail Beşikçi Avenue