Things To Do
in Horasan
Horasan is a small district and town in Erzurum Province in eastern Turkey, set on a high Anatolian plateau surrounded by rolling hills and agricultural land. It serves as a quiet rural service center for nearby villages, with a traditional market, mosques, and a modest town center. The area is known for its seasonal highland pastures, cold winters with snow and warm, dry summers.
Visitors come for rural life, hiking on nearby plateaus and to experience Eastern Anatolian culture away from major tourist routes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Horasan Castle, where you can marvel at the ancient architecture and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After exploring the castle, stroll through the charming streets of the town, taking in the local shops and cafes. Don’t forget to stop by a local bakery to taste the famous Horasan pastries, made fresh every morning.
In the afternoon, visit the stunning Ulu Mosque, an architectural gem that reflects the rich history of the region. Spend some time in the nearby bazaar, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts and colorful textiles. As you wander, take the opportunity to interact with local artisans and learn about their crafts.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant, sampling dishes such as kebabs and mezes. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank to experience the serene beauty of the evening. Conclude your day with a cup of tea at a local café, where you can engage with locals and listen to stories about Horasan.
Start your day with an invigorating hike in the nearby mountains, where you can explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The fresh mountain air and tranquility will invigorate your spirit for the day ahead.
After your hike, head to the Horasan National Park, where you can explore various trails and perhaps spot some wildlife. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a picnic area within the park, taking in the sounds of nature around you. Spend some time relaxing by a stream or trying out birdwatching before heading back to town.
Return to Horasan and unwind at a local thermal bath, known for its healing properties. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating soak as you reflect on the adventures of the day. For dinner, try a local fish dish at a riverside restaurant, enjoying the cool evening breeze and beautiful views.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🚌Local bus / dolmuş fare | $0.3-1 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride | $3-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Turkish experience away from mass tourism
- Beautiful highland landscapes and peaceful plateaus
- Affordable prices and friendly local hospitality
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English signage
- Harsh winter weather can restrict travel
- Few dining and nightlife options compared with larger cities
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Horasan
Visit one of these nice places.
Candid shots of daily life, colorful market stalls, bread ovens and local vendors provide authentic street photography opportunities.
Wide-open landscapes with grazing flocks, seasonal wildflowers and dramatic skies ideal for panoramic and golden-hour photography.
Photograph the Oltu/nearby streams, traditional stone bridges and reflections — especially atmospheric in early morning mist.
Stone houses, wooden details and small courtyards in surrounding villages make for intimate architectural and cultural photos.
Food in Horasan
Horasan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-roasted lamb or stewed lamb prepared in regional styles; available at family-run restaurants and special occasions in nearby villages.
Must-Try!
Thin hand-rolled flatbread filled with cheese, potatoes, or greens; a common, inexpensive street or market snack.
Bulgur pilaf served alongside vegetable and meat stews — homespun, warming and widely available in lokantas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market where farmers sell fresh vegetables, cheese, eggs and baked goods — great for sampling fresh regional produce and buying snacks like simit and local cheeses.
Small stalls near main roads and plateaus offering tea, gözleme and seasonal fruit — convenient during hikes or drives.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Conservative dress is recommended, especially in villages and around religious sites — cover shoulders and avoid very short clothing. Modesty is valued, and public displays of affection are uncommon.
Greet with a handshake (or nod in more conservative settings) and use respectful terms. If invited into a home, it’s customary to remove shoes and accept at least a cup of tea.
Be mindful of prayer times and mosque etiquette: speak softly near mosques, remove hats if entering, and avoid loud behavior during calls to prayer.
Safety
Tipping in Horasan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leave 5–10% for good service; round up taxi fares and tip hotel porters a small amount. Tea houses and small vendors do not expect tips but locals sometimes leave small change.
Cash (Turkish lira) is king in Horasan; small shops and markets often do not accept cards. ATMs may be limited — withdraw cash in larger towns or Erzurum. Credit cards are accepted at a few restaurants and hotels but expect to use cash for most daily expenses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Melting snow and rising temperatures bring blooming meadows and accessible highland trails; some dirt roads may remain muddy. Good time for wildflowers and pastoral scenes.
Warm, dry days on the plateau make summer ideal for hiking and rural exploration; nights are cooler. This is peak time for yayla activity when shepherds move flocks to high pastures.
Crisp days and colorful fields; harvest activities offer cultural interest. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset and preparations for winter begin.
Cold, snowy and often severe — roads can be icy or blocked, and services are reduced. Winter offers stark snowy landscapes for photographers but requires appropriate gear and cautious travel.
Horasan at Night
Hiking in Horasan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Numerous informal trails across surrounding plateaus that offer easy to moderate hikes with sweeping views, wildflowers in spring and pastoral scenes during summer.
Shorter routes along local streams and river valleys suitable for gentle hikes, birdwatching and photography.
For experienced hikers, longer routes connect to higher ridges and range spurs in the region; these require local guidance, good maps and seasonal awareness due to weather.
Airports
How to reach Horasan by plane.
The main regional airport serving Erzurum Province with domestic flights to Istanbul and other cities; travel to Horasan by road takes a few hours depending on conditions and is the most common gateway for long-distance visitors.
Another regional airport serving Kars and nearby areas; useful if combining travel to Kars and eastern Erzurum, though ground travel to Horasan will be several hours.
Smaller regional airport near Ağrı; offers limited domestic flights and can be an alternative depending on connections, with a road journey required to reach Horasan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Horasan and surrounding villages, often engaged in agriculture and local trades.
Eastern Anatolia includes Kurdish and other ethnic communities; local demographics may vary and communities often coexist with shared cultural ties.
A significant portion of the population is involved in livestock rearing and small-scale farming, shaping the local economy and seasonal rhythms.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular spectator and participation sport across Turkey, with local informal matches and strong community interest.
Traditional wrestling remains culturally significant in Anatolia and is practiced in regional festivals and competitions.
Erzurum province is a center for winter sports like alpine skiing and cross-country skiing; nearby mountain facilities attract seasonal visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Horasan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; ask for gözleme with cheese or spinach, lentil soup (mercimek çorbası) and vegetable pilafs. Informality and local kitchens mean asking about ingredients helps; carrying snacks is recommended in rural areas.
Vegan and gluten-free dining is challenging outside larger cities. Fresh salads, grilled vegetables and ayran (yogurt-based) may not fit vegan needs; gluten-free breads are uncommon. Plan and bring staples or shop at markets for fresh produce.