Things To Do
in Eleşkirt

Eleşkirt is a small district town in Ağrı Province in eastern Turkey, set on a high Anatolian plateau framed by rolling foothills and wide agricultural plains. Historically known by the older name Alashkert, the town retains a quiet, rural character with a mix of small shops, tea houses and seasonal markets. The surrounding landscape offers dramatic skies, pastoral scenes and access to higher mountain terrain for hiking and photography.

Visitors find a low-key, authentic experience of eastern Anatolian life, though services are limited compared with larger cities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Historical Heritage
morning
:

Start your journey at the Eleşkirt Castle, where you can marvel at the ancient architecture and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, sampling traditional Turkish delights and local pastries. Take a guided tour to learn about the castle's rich history and the stories behind its walls.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby Araklı Mosque, an architectural gem that showcases stunning Islamic design. Afterward, explore the local markets, indulging in fresh regional produce and authentic handicrafts. Don't forget to chat with local artisans to gain insight into the traditional crafts of the area.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to savor a delightful dinner featuring regional specialties. Enjoy a warm atmosphere as you converse with locals and fellow travelers over a shared meal. Wrap up the evening by strolling through the quiet streets, taking in the sights illuminated by soft streetlights.

day 2
Natural Wonders of the Region
morning
:

Begin your day with a hike in the stunning Mount Ararat region, where breathtaking panoramic views await. Enjoy a packed breakfast in nature, surrounded by the serene beauty of the landscape. The fresh mountain air will rejuvenate your spirit as you venture deeper into the trails.

afternoon
:

After your hike, stop at a local tea house to relax and savor the flavors of Turkish tea accompanied by local snacks. Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby natural springs, known for their mineral-rich waters believed to have healing properties. Take a dip and enjoy the calming sounds of nature.

evening
:

As night falls, attend a folklore show featuring traditional dances and music that reflect the rich culture of the region. Dine at a secondary local establishment, sampling dishes that were prepared using recipes passed down through generations. Let the sounds of laughter and music fill the ambiance as you enjoy your meal.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-10
Cup of tea or coffee$0.50-2
🛌Budget guesthouse per night$20-40
🚌Local bus/minibus fare$0.50-2
🎟️Guided day trip / activity$20-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural eastern Anatolian atmosphere and hospitality
  • Excellent opportunities for landscape and cultural photography
  • Low costs and simple, hearty regional food
  • Access to highland scenery and outdoor activities
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers
  • Remote location means longer travel times to larger cities and airports
  • Harsh winters can limit access and activities
  • Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with urban centers
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Ne kadar?" - How much?
  • "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Afiyet olsun" - Enjoy your meal

Places to Visit in Eleşkirt

Visit one of these nice places.

Town Center and Bazaar

Colorful market stalls, tea houses and everyday street scenes provide authentic snapshots of local life and architecture.

Highland Lookouts

Short drives from town reach vantage points over the plains and foothills—excellent for sunrise or sunset landscape photos.

Riverside and Agricultural Fields

Seasonal riverbanks and patchwork fields offer pastoral compositions, especially during planting and harvest seasons.

Village Streets and Farmsteads

Nearby villages preserve traditional stone and wood houses, livestock herds and rural activities—great for cultural and documentary photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Eleşkirt

Eleşkirt's cuisine reflects eastern Anatolian traditions: hearty, simple dishes based on lamb and beef, bulgur and rice, fresh dairy, börek and breads, with strong tea culture and seasonal produce. Meals are typically filling and made to share; food is predominantly halal. Local ingredients—yogurt, butter, legumes and grilled meats—are central to the region's tastes.

Eleşkirt Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Mantı

Tiny meat-filled dumplings served with yogurt and a spiced butter or tomato sauce; available at lokantas and from home cooks in town.

Must-Try!

Kebap and Kavurma

Grilled or pan-fried pieces of lamb or beef, often simply seasoned and served with rice or bulgur; a staple at local restaurants.

Çorba (Soups)

Hearty soups such as lentil soup or ayran aşı (yogurt and grain soup) are common, especially in cooler months and at lunch.

Gözleme and Börek

Thin flatbreads stuffed with cheese, spinach, or meat, made fresh at street stalls or tea houses—great for a quick snack.

Kaymak and Honey

Thick clotted cream served with local honey for breakfast or dessert; a regional treat often enjoyed with fresh bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Town Bazaar

A lively market day where farmers sell seasonal vegetables, fruits, cheeses and household goods—try fresh apples, local cheeses and handmade pastries.

Tea Houses and Gözleme Stalls

Small stands and tea gardens serve gözleme, simit and pastries throughout the day—perfect for sampling street-style snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Eleşkirt has a high-elevation continental climate: warm summers with cool nights and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation is moderate but concentrated in spring and autumn, with snow and icy conditions common from late autumn through early spring. Temperature swings between day and night are notable year-round because of the plateau setting.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet people with a handshake or a nod; say 'Merhaba' (hello) and use polite forms. Respect elders by allowing them to be served first and addressing them courteously.

Dress and Modesty

Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or rural households—cover shoulders and knees; women may wish to carry a scarf for mosque visits.

Visiting Homes

Remove shoes when entering private homes if requested and accept tea or offered food as a sign of hospitality; always receive gifts or food with both hands when possible.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women and elders; some people prefer not to be photographed for cultural or privacy reasons.

Safety Guide

Safety

Eleşkirt is generally safe for travelers in terms of low petty-crime levels, but visitors should exercise normal precautions with belongings in public places. Mountain and rural activities carry natural hazards—prepare for rapidly changing weather, carry suitable clothing and let someone know your plans. Check official travel advisories before visiting, avoid political demonstrations, and carry identification.

Tipping in Eleşkirt

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leave small change or round up the bill at cafes and teahouses, and tip 5–10% at restaurants if service is good. Taxi drivers are usually content with rounding up fares.

Payment Methods

Cash in Turkish lira (TRY) is widely used, especially in markets and village eateries. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger businesses and some restaurants, but always carry cash in smaller towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Cool to mild days with blossoming fields; ideal for hiking and photography as wildflowers appear. Weather can be changeable—bring layers and waterproofs.

Summer

Warm to pleasantly hot days with cool nights due to elevation; a good season for outdoor activities and visiting villages. Midday sun can be strong—use sun protection.

Autumn

Crisp air and clear visibility make this a beautiful time for landscapes and harvest markets; temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

Winter

Cold with regular snowfall and icy roads at times; rural roads and higher passes can be challenging—travel only with appropriate vehicles and check local conditions.

Nightlife Guide

Eleşkirt at Night

Nightlife in Eleşkirt is low-key: evenings are spent in tea houses, small cafes and family-run restaurants. There are no large clubs; social life centers on conversation, card games and occasional local music at community gatherings. For bars, live music and a busier nightlife scene, travelers typically go to larger nearby cities.

Hiking in Eleşkirt

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Highland Meadow Routes

Gentle hikes across plateau meadows ideal for spring and summer walks, offering views of agricultural landscapes and grazing livestock.

Riverside Valley Trails

Trails following local streams and river valleys that provide sheltered walks and birdwatching opportunities, especially in spring.

Foothill Ascents

Short, steeper routes into nearby foothills for panoramic viewpoints and sunset photography; routes can be rocky—good footwear recommended.

Airports

How to reach Eleşkirt by plane.

Ağrı Ahmed-i Hani Airport (AJI)

The regional airport serving Ağrı Province with domestic flights; the most convenient air gateway for the area and reachable by road from Eleşkirt.

Erzurum Airport (ERZ)

A larger airport with more frequent domestic connections; a feasible alternative for travelers willing to drive or take bus connections to Eleşkirt.

Muş or Van Airports

Further regional airports that can serve as alternatives depending on flight schedules and onward ground transport connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The compact town center is very walkable with short distances between shops, tea houses and municipal facilities; surrounding villages and viewpoints require transport or longer walks over uneven terrain.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural Anatolian Families

Local residents engaged in farming, animal husbandry and small trades; family and village ties remain strong.

Ethnic Composition

The population includes ethnic Turks and Kurdish communities, with predominantly Muslim religious practices informing daily life and customs.

Outmigration-Affected Youth

Younger people often seek education and employment in larger cities, so many small towns have older average ages and seasonal population shifts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport in the region with local amateur teams and community matches common on weekends.

Traditional Wrestling and Rural Sports

Traditional forms of wrestling and local competitive activities appear at festivals and community gatherings.

Mountaineering and Trekking

Given the mountainous surroundings, hiking and climbing are popular pursuits among locals and visitors who enjoy the highlands.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within Eleşkirt is generally light and consists mostly of local cars, minibuses and agricultural vehicles. Road quality varies: main roads are serviceable but rural tracks can be narrow and rough; winter snow and ice can make some routes impassable. Intercity transport is provided by regional buses and dolmuş (shared minibuses) connecting to larger towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Eleşkirt.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can find soups, börek, gözleme with cheese or spinach, salads and pilav, but options are more limited than in big cities—ask for dishes without meat or request extra vegetable sides.

Vegan

Vegan choices are sparse; rely on salads, bread, legumes and seasonal vegetables. Communicate clearly and be prepared to explain dietary needs in Turkish (e.g., “Et yok” for no meat).

Halal and Food Safety

Most meat is prepared according to local halal practices. Use bottled water for drinking if you have a sensitive stomach and choose busy, well-regarded eateries for best hygiene.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Eleşkirt has basic healthcare facilities and a local clinic for minor injuries and common illnesses. For more serious medical care, larger hospitals in Ağrı city or Erzurum offer greater services and specialist care—transport may be necessary, so ensure you have travel insurance and know the route to regional hospitals.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide