Tunceli Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, and things to do in Tunceli, Turkey. Learn about Tunceli's culture, customs, safety, and transportation options in this comprehensive guide.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Tunceli

Tunceli is a lush, mountainous city located in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. With its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, Tunceli has become a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure and relaxation. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the top places to visit, things to do, local culture and customs, safety, health, and transportation options to help you plan your trip to Tunceli.

List of Places to Visit in Tunceli

Tunceli is a city with a rich history and breathtaking natural landscapes to explore. Here’s a list of top places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Tunceli.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Munzur Baba Tomb
  • Pertek Castle
  • Mazgirt Castle
  • Tunceli Museum
  • Ovacık Museum
  • Dersim 62 Plateau and Demirözü Village Monument

Natural Attractions of Tunceli: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Munzur Valley National Park
  • Munzur Plateau
  • Kovarası Canyon
  • Düzgün Baba Summit
  • Yolçatı Ski Resort
  • Hazar Gölü

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tunceli

Tunceli is a city that offers various terrains, including mountains, valleys, and forests, which means it’s an excellent destination to explore on the trails.

  • Munzur Vadisi National Park Trekking Route
  • Cumalikizik Trekking Route
  • Verçenik Mountains Trekking Route
  • Peri Lake Trekking Route
  • Kamisli Village - Kilatekne Plateau Mountain Biking Route

Best Things to Do in Tunceli: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do and enjoy in Tunceli, from outdoor activities to cultural excursions. Here are our top suggestions:

  • Paragliding in Munzur Valley National Park
  • Zipline in Kovarası Canyon
  • Skiing at Yolçatı Ski Resort
  • Visiting Mazgirt Castle and Pertek Castle
  • Exploring Dersim 62 Plateau and Demirözü Village Monument
  • Trekking and hiking in Munzur Vadisi National Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Tunceli

Here’s a sample itinerary that covers the top attractions in Tunceli for a week:

Day 1: Arrival and Munzur Plateau

Arrive at Tunceli city center and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring Munzur Plateau, where you can enjoy the scenic views and hike on its trails.

Day 2: Ovacık and Duzgun Baba Summit

Visit Ovacık Museum in the morning, then take a hike at Duzgun Baba Summit, which is around 2,200 meters high.

Day 3: Kovarası Canyon and Pertek Castle

Take a tour of Kovarası Canyon, then visit Pertek Castle to explore its history.

Day 4: Munzur Valley National Park

Spend the day exploring Munzur Valley National Park and enjoy outdoor activities like paragliding and trekking.

Day 5: Yolçatı Ski Resort and Verçenik Mountains Trekking Route

Visit Yolçatı Ski Resort in the morning, then take the Verçenik Mountains Trekking Route and explore its scenic landscape.

Day 6: Dersim 62 Plateau and Demirözü Village Monument

Spend your day exploring Dersim 62 Plateau and Demirözü Village Monument, two of Tunceli’s culturally significant landmarks.

Day 7: Departure Day

Departure day. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and bid farewell to Tunceli with cherished memories in your heart.

Food and Drink Scene of Tunceli

Tunceli offers a delicious range of traditional dishes and drinks that reflect its rich culture and history. Here are some must-try foods and beverages in Tunceli:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Çortiki
  • Dersim kebabı
  • Doli
  • Hangel
  • Gıvırtı (also spelled as givitri)

Local Beverages

  • Dibek Coffee
  • Ayran
  • Helkelk

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

Tunceli offers a range of affordable accommodations for travelers, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Munzur Dagı Resort Hotel
  • Tavangardi Hotel
  • Ovacık Kervansaray Hotel
  • Ikonium Hotel

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

Tunceli is known for its unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the top things to buy in Tunceli:

  • Hand-woven carpets and rugs
  • Traditional Turkish tea sets
  • Local honey and spices
  • Handmade jewelry and accessories
  • Handmade clay pots

Local Culture and Customs of Tunceli

Tunceli is a city rich in culture and traditions. Here are some insights into Tunceli’s local customs and culture:

Language

The most commonly spoken language in Tunceli is Turkish.

Religion

The majority of people in Tunceli are Muslim.

Clothing

You can wear casual clothing in Tunceli, but it is wise to avoid revealing or very tight apparel out of respect for the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Tunceli

The best time to visit Tunceli is from April to October, when the weather is temperate and perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tunceli

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Visit cultural landmarks and museums.
  • Take part in outdoor activities and adventures.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing or very tight clothes.
  • Drink alcohol in public places.
  • Show affection in public places.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tunceli

Tunceli is a safe city to visit, but it’s essential to take necessary precautions like any other destinations.

Health in Tunceli

Tunceli has a well-established healthcare system; there are many qualified hospitals and clinics available for medical assistance in case of health emergencies.

Getting to Tunceli: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tunceli

  • Erzincan Airport (ERC)
  • Elazığ Airport (EZS)
  • Diyarbakır Airport (DIY)

Bus Stations Near Tunceli

  • Tunceli Bus Station
  • Erzincan Bus Station
  • Elazığ Bus Station

Other Options

  • Rent a car, either in major cities or in Tunceli.

How to Get Around Tunceli

The best way to get around Tunceli is by renting a car or using public transportation, such as buses and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Tunceli: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tunceli is an excellent starting point to explore nearby areas. Here are some of our top suggestions:

  • Erzincan
  • Elazığ
  • Munzur Valley National Park
  • Peri Lake
  • Harput

Conclusion

Tunceli is a beautiful destination with a rich culture and history, and a wide range of natural and cultural attractions to explore. With this comprehensive guide, you’re all set to embark on a journey to Tunceli and make memories that last a lifetime.