Things To Do
in Sarıkamış

Sarıkamış is a picturesque town located in the Kars province of northeastern Turkey, known for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance. It is surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Eastern Anatolia region, making it a popular destination for skiing and outdoor activities. The town has a rich history, with remnants from the Ottoman Empire and the Russian occupation in the early 20th century.

Visitors can enjoy a blend of cultural experiences and the serene landscape of the region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Town and Nature
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty Turkish breakfast at a local café, then visit the Sarıkamış Martyrs' Monument to learn about the town's historical significance during World War I.

afternoon
:

Take a hike through the Sarıkamış Forest, where you can admire the beauty of the pine trees and potentially spot wildlife.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant where you can taste local dishes, followed by a leisurely stroll through the town center.

day 2
Day 2: Snow Adventures and Culture
morning
:

Head to the Sarıkamış Ski Resort for a morning of skiing or snowboarding on the pristine slopes.

afternoon
:

After lunch at the resort, visit the Kars Castle, a short drive away, for panoramic views of the area and a glimpse into the region's history.

evening
:

Return to Sarıkamış for dinner at a local eatery, followed by a visit to a café for traditional Turkish tea or coffee.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a restaurant$10
Coffee$2
🚌Local bus fare$1
🏨Budget hotel per night$30
🍺Beer$3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning natural landscapes perfect for outdoor activities.
  • Rich cultural history with significant historical sites.
  • Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to urban areas.
  • Public transportation may not be as extensive.
  • Language barrier for non-Turkish speakers can be challenging.
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Nasılsınız?" - How are you?
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Evet/Hayır" - Yes/No

Places to Visit in Sarıkamış

Visit one of these nice places.

Sarıkamış Forest

A stunning expanse of pine trees, perfect for capturing the beauty of nature.

Kars Castle

An ancient fortress that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Martyrs' Monument

A significant historical site that provides a poignant backdrop for photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Sarıkamış

Sarıkamış offers a delightful array of local cuisine that reflects the region's culture and agricultural abundance. Must-try dishes include local kebabs, hearty stews, and unique desserts made with local ingredients.

Sarıkamış Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kars Gravyer Cheese

A delicious, semi-hard cheese known for its rich flavor, often served with bread.

Must-Try!

Kebab

Grilled meat skewers that are marinated with local spices and grilled to perfection.

Aşure

A traditional dessert made from grains, fruits, and nuts, symbolizing abundance.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Sarıkamış Street Markets

Vibrant markets where you can sample local snacks, fresh produce, and handmade goods.

Climate Guide

Weather

Sarıkamış experiences a continental climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with heavy snowfall, making it an excellent destination for winter sports. Summers are warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Spring and autumn bring mild weather, ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time, and it's polite to greet with 'Merhaba'.

Respect for Traditions

Respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious areas; dress modestly when visiting mosques.

Dining Manners

Always wait for the host to begin the meal and avoid discussing politics or sensitive topics at the dinner table.

Safety Guide

Safety

Sarıkamış is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, basic safety precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping personal belongings secure. It’s wise to have travel insurance and know the local emergency numbers.

Tipping in Sarıkamış

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It is customary to leave a tip of around 10% in restaurants if the service was satisfactory.

Payment Methods

Most establishments accept cash (Turkish Lira) and credit cards, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration.

Summer

Warm weather allows for various outdoor activities, including hiking and festivals.

Autumn

Cool temperatures and colorful foliage create a scenic backdrop for photography and hiking.

Winter

Expect heavy snowfall, making it a hotspot for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.

Nightlife Guide

Sarıkamış at Night

Sarıkamış has a modest nightlife scene primarily centered around local cafés and restaurants. While there are not many clubs, you can find a few bars offering a relaxed atmosphere for socializing. Live music events occasionally take place, providing a taste of local culture and entertainment.

Hiking in Sarıkamış

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kartepe Trail

A scenic hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, suitable for all skill levels.

Çamlık Nature Park

A beautiful park with well-marked trails, perfect for a leisurely hike surrounded by nature.

Airports

How to reach Sarıkamış by plane.

Kars Airport (KSY)

Located approximately 50 km from Sarıkamış, Kars Airport offers domestic flights to major cities in Turkey, providing a convenient access point for travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Sarıkamış is a walkable town, with many attractions within walking distance of each other. The town center is well laid out, making it easy to explore on foot. However, some areas, particularly those leading to hiking trails, may require walking on unpaved paths or roads.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Turkish locals

The majority of the population consists of Turkish citizens who reside in the region.

Tourists

During peak seasons, the town attracts tourists from various parts of Turkey and abroad, particularly for skiing and nature exploration.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Skiing

Skiing is the most popular sport in Sarıkamış, attracting both locals and tourists to its ski resort.

Football

Football is widely played and followed, with local teams participating in regional leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Sarıkamış is generally light, making it easy to navigate the town. Public transportation options include local minibuses and taxis, which are affordable and convenient for getting around. In winter, snow can occasionally affect road conditions, so caution is advised.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Sarıkamış.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

While meat dishes are prevalent, many restaurants offer vegetarian options such as stuffed peppers and lentil soups.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options may be limited, but dishes like kebabs and salads can be suitable.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Sarıkamış includes a public hospital and several private clinics. Emergency services are available, but for serious medical issues, it may be necessary to travel to Kars for more comprehensive care. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide