Things To Do
in Kelkit

Scenic river views with reflections, especially in early morning and late afternoon; good for long exposures and river landscapes.

Wide alpine meadows dotted with grazing livestock and traditional stone houses — excellent for panoramic landscapes and seasonal flora.

Stone bridges, narrow village streets and traditional architecture provide intimate cultural and architectural shots.

Ruins and archaeological remains in the district offer atmospheric photography opportunities—best in soft morning or golden-hour light.

Thin hand-rolled flatbread filled with spinach, cheese or minced meat; commonly found at small bakeries, markets and roadside stands.

Must-Try!

Small dumplings (mantı) or regional meatballs and stews served in lokantas; hearty and warming, ideal after a day outdoors.

River trout from the Kelkit and local streams — look for it in local restaurants and at market stalls in season.

Artisanal cheeses and highland honey sold at bazaars and from village producers — great to buy as souvenirs.

The town market offers fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, bread, pastries and street snacks like gözleme — best visited in the morning when stalls are busiest.

Seasonal stalls selling baked goods, tea and simple grilled items near main roads and picnic spots.

Kelkit is relatively conservative — dress modestly when visiting mosques and rural villages, and women may prefer to wear scarves in more traditional settings.

Greet people politely with 'Merhaba' (hello); offering and accepting tea is common and polite. Respect elders, accept invitations politely and reciprocate hospitality when appropriate.

Remove shoes when entering private homes and some traditional indoor spaces; always remove shoes and dress modestly in mosques and follow prayer-time restrictions if present.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and older residents, and be discreet in religious settings.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, round up taxi fares, and give small change to hotel porters or guides. In local cafés and teahouses tipping is not expected but a small amount or rounding up is welcome.

Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger shops and restaurants, but many small businesses, markets and village vendors prefer cash. ATMs are available in Kelkit town center — carry cash for remote trips.

Spring brings melting snow, swelling streams and blooming wildflowers on the yaylas; temperatures rise but can be changeable, so pack layers and waterproof gear.

Summers are warm but generally milder than inland Anatolia due to elevation; it's an ideal time for hiking, yayla visits and outdoor activities, with long daylight hours.

Autumn is crisp and colorful — excellent for photography and walks; nights cool quickly, so bring warmer layers and expect fewer services in highland areas late in the season.

Winters are cold with regular snow in Kelkit and surrounding mountains; mountain roads can be slippery or closed, so check conditions and be prepared for limited access to some rural spots.

Gentle riverside walks and valley trails suitable for half-day hikes; good for birdwatching, photography and easy fishing access.

Routes up to nearby plateaus that offer alpine meadows, grazing lands and panoramic views; ideal in summer when pastures are in use.

More challenging hikes along forested ridges and mountain tracks that require good footwear and navigation skills — excellent views in clear weather.

Short cultural trails around archaeological remains and old settlements that combine light hiking with history and landscape photography.