Things To Do
in Şenkaya
Şenkaya is a highland district in Erzurum Province in eastern Turkey characterized by broad plateaus, rolling hills and a network of small villages. The area is rural and agricultural, with traditional stone and timber houses, sheep herding and seasonal grazing shaping local life. Its landscape offers wide vistas, snow-covered winters and cool summers, appealing to travelers who like off-the-beaten-path nature and quiet village culture.
Infrastructure is basic compared with Turkey's big cities, so visitors should expect limited tourist services but authentic local hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival in Şenkaya, you will be greeted by the fresh mountain air and beautiful landscapes. Take some time to settle into your accommodation and soak in the serene surroundings. A leisurely stroll around the village will offer a glimpse of the local culture and hospitality.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialties that Turkey is famous for. After lunch, take a guided walking tour of Şenkaya, exploring the charming streets and historical sites. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning natural beauty and architectural highlights.
As night falls, enjoy a hearty dinner at a restaurant offering breathtaking views of the mountains. Engage with locals over dinner, sharing stories and learning about Şenkaya's rich history. Cap off the day with a peaceful evening walk under the starlit sky.
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast, preparing for a day filled with adventure. Embark on a hiking trip to the nearby mountains, where the stunning landscapes will leave you in awe. Breathe in the crisp air as you navigate through lush trails surrounded by diverse flora and fauna.
After a morning of hiking, rest and rejuvenate with a picnic lunch in a picturesque spot. Explore more trails or venture to nearby natural springs to enjoy a peaceful afternoon. This is the perfect time to connect with nature and appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings.
Return to Şenkaya for a relaxing dinner to share stories of your daytime adventures. Consider trying a traditional cooking class to immerse yourself further in the local culinary scene. Spend the evening socializing with fellow travelers or enjoying a quiet night at your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in a café | $0.5-2 |
| 🚌Local bus / dolmuş ride | $0.5-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, unspoiled rural highland landscapes and traditional village life.
- Friendly local hospitality and simple, hearty regional cuisine.
- Great for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching and photography away from crowds.
- Limited tourist infrastructure, accommodation and dining options compared with cities.
- Long, harsh winters and seasonal road closures can restrict travel.
- Language barriers—fewer English speakers—so basic Turkish or a guide is helpful.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Ben vejetaryenim" - I am vegetarian
- "Yardım eder misiniz?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Şenkaya
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide open vistas at dawn and dusk with rolling meadows, grazing flocks and dramatic cloudscapes—ideal for landscape photography.
Stone and timber houses, courtyards, drying herbs and local daily life provide intimate documentary-style photo opportunities.
Small streams and rustic wooden or stone bridges framed by steep banks make for atmospheric shots, especially in autumn and spring.
Deep winter brings pristine snow that transforms roads and fields into high-contrast scenes; ideal for minimalist and monochrome photography.
Historic grave markers, old masonry and modest village mosques reflect local history and architecture—respectful photography can capture cultural detail.
Food in Şenkaya
Şenkaya Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rotating horizontal skewer of lamb, sliced thin and served with flatbread and salad; a regional specialty best found in nearby Erzurum restaurants or local kebab houses.
Must-Try!
Small dumplings filled with minced meat, served with yogurt and hot butter/pepper; hearty and popular in home-style eateries.
Thick yogurt drink (ayran) and locally produced cheeses (fresh and aged) are staples served at most meals and in markets.
Thin flatbread stuffed with cheese, spinach or potato and cooked on a griddle — widely available from roadside vendors and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market day—fresh vegetables, bread, dairy products, homemade preserves and occasionally grilled street snacks; best place to taste fresh cheeses and breads.
Small stalls near village crossroads selling gözleme, roasted corn or simit; an excellent way to try quick local bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Many communities are conservative; dress modestly, especially near mosques and in villages, and ask before photographing people.
Visitors are often invited for tea or snacks—accepting small offers is a polite way to engage. Remove shoes when entering homes if hosts indicate.
Be aware of prayer times, especially during Ramadan—business hours and meal availability can change.
Safety
Tipping in Şenkaya
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: round up fares, leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, and give small change to helpful guides or drivers.
Turkish Lira (TRY) is the currency. Cash is commonly used—especially in villages—while debit/credit cards are increasingly accepted in larger establishments. ATMs and banks are limited outside bigger towns, so carry sufficient cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Short and variable: melting snow, blooming meadows and muddy trails. Good time for wildflowers and birdwatching, but pack layers and waterproof footwear.
Mild and pleasant with cool nights; ideal for hiking, highland pastures and village festivals. Sun protection and a light jacket for evenings are recommended.
Crisp days and colorful grasses; agricultural activity peaks and markets are rich with produce. Weather can change quickly—bring warm layers.
Long, cold and snowy; roads may be difficult or closed and some services limited. Winter sports are possible in the broader Erzurum region, but be prepared for severe cold and limited daylight.
Şenkaya at Night
Hiking in Şenkaya
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A generic network of routes across upland pastures and ridgelines ideal for day hikes and landscape photography; check local guides for specific paths and permissions.
A ridge walk offering panoramic views and alpine meadows—best attempted in dry months with proper gear and local knowledge.
A circuit route through high plateaus and shepherd routes combining village stops and meadow scenery; suitable for longer day hikes or multi-day treks with camping.
Airports
How to reach Şenkaya by plane.
The main regional airport serving Erzurum Province with domestic flights to Istanbul and other Turkish cities; reach Şenkaya by regional bus, shuttle or car.
An alternative regional airport to the southeast with limited domestic connections; may be useful depending on itinerary and road access.
Another regional option to the northeast; useful for combined visits to Kars and eastern Erzurum areas but requires longer road travel to Şenkaya.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The district is home to a mix of ethnic Turks and Kurds living in small villages and engaged in agriculture and herding, with conservative social norms and strong local ties.
Younger residents often migrate to larger cities for education and work, so many villages have older age profiles outside busy seasons.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally—matches and informal games are common across villages and towns.
Wrestling has deep cultural roots in eastern Turkey and may be showcased at local festivals or events.
The broader Erzurum region is known for skiing and winter sports, with organized facilities located near Erzurum rather than in Şenkaya itself.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Şenkaya.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; ask for lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), gözleme with cheese/spinach, vegetable stews and salads. In rural areas, carry snacks and communicate clearly (‘Ben vejetaryenim’) as many dishes center on meat.
Almost all meat served is halal in practice. If you need alcohol-free settings or specific preparation methods, polite requests are usually honored.
Challenging due to bread- and flour-heavy cuisine; bring staples and ask about preparation. Dairy, stews and plain grilled meats are safer choices.