· TR

Sarıkamış

Sarikamis, Kars, Turkey

Escape to a Winter Wonderland: Discover Sarıkamış, Turkey Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of northeastern Turkey, Sarıkamış, Kars, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and thrilling wi…

#ski resort#winter sports#mountainous#historical#tourist destination

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Sarıkamış.

Top Hotels in Sarıkamış

Top Flights to Sarıkamış

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Sarıkamış.

Tours

Visit Sarıkamış Historical National Park

Explore the historical importance of this national park, commemorating the Sarıkamış Operation during World War I.

Katerina's Hunting Lodge Exploration

Explore the historic hunting lodge built for the Russian Tsarina Katerina, a relic of the area's past.

Shopping

Shopping at Sarıkamış Traditional Market

Discover authentic Turkish goods and enjoy a cultural shopping experience at the local market.

Outdoor

Sarıkamış Ski Resort Excursion

A thrilling experience at Sarıkamış Ski Resort, known for its beautiful snow-covered slopes and excellent skiing conditions.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Sarıkamış.

Currency

₺ | TRY | Turkish Lira

Population

Not Available

Languages

Turkish, Turkish

Average weather

Sarıkamış

Jan

-5°-15°

Feb

-3°-13°

Mar

1°-9°

Apr

7°-3°

May

13°1°

Jun

18°5°

Jul

22°9°

Aug

22°9°

Sep

18°5°

Oct

12°0°

Nov

5°-5°

Dec

-1°-11°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Sarıkamış.

What people love

Sarıkamış, located in the Kars province of Turkey, is a popular destination for winter tourism with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes and opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Sarıkamış:

Skiing and Snowboarding: Sarıkamış is known for its excellent ski resorts, offering a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The area receives heavy snowfall during the winter season, creating ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.
Natural Beauty: Sarıkamış is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and explore the pristine wilderness through various outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and hiking.
Cultural Heritage: Sarıkamış has a rich history and cultural heritage, with several historical sites and landmarks to explore. Visitors can learn about the region's fascinating past by visiting museums, ancient ruins, and traditional villages.
Authentic Turkish Cuisine: Travelers to Sarıkamış can indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine, including local specialties such as kebabs, börek, and baklava. The region's culinary offerings are sure to delight food enthusiasts.
Relaxation and Wellness: Sarıkamış offers visitors the opportunity to relax and unwind in a tranquil setting, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy spa treatments, thermal baths, and wellness activities to rejuvenate both body and mind.

Overall, traveling to Sarıkamış provides a unique and memorable winter experience, combining outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation in a beautiful natural setting.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Sarıkamış in Kars, Turkey include:

Harsh Winter Conditions: Sarıkamış is known for its extremely cold and snowy winters, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. Traveling during winter months can be difficult and potentially dangerous due to icy roads and limited transportation options.
Remote Location: Sarıkamış is a relatively remote location in eastern Turkey, which means there may be limited access to amenities, services, and medical facilities. Travelers should be prepared for a more rustic and isolated travel experience.
Language Barrier: English may not be widely spoken in Sarıkamış, so communication could be challenging for travelers who do not speak Turkish. It is advisable to learn some basic Turkish phrases or have a translation app handy.
Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Sarıkamış is not a major tourist destination compared to other cities in Turkey, so the tourist infrastructure may be less developed. This could mean fewer accommodation options, restaurants, and attractions to choose from.
Altitude Sickness: Sarıkamış is situated at a high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness in some individuals, especially those who are not acclimated to high altitudes. Travelers should take precautions such as staying hydrated and acclimatizing slowly.

It's important to note that individual experiences may vary, and some travelers may find the unique winter landscape and outdoor activities in Sarıkamış to be worth the potential challenges.

Sarıkamış is a town and district in the Kars Province of northeastern Turkey. Its history is marked by a blend of cultural influences due to its strategic location at the crossroads of empires and its role in significant military events. Below is a detailed history of Sarıkamış:

Early History

Ancient and Medieval Periods: The region around Sarıkamış has been inhabited since ancient times and has been part of various empires including the Urartians, Persians, and the Kingdom of Armenia. During the medieval period, it was influenced by the Byzantine Empire and later the Seljuk Turks.

Ottoman Era

Incorporation into the Ottoman Empire: Sarıkamış became part of the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century. During the Ottoman period, it was a relatively quiet town but held strategic importance due to its location.

Russo-Turkish Wars

19th Century Conflicts: The region became a focal point during the Russo-Turkish Wars. It changed hands between the Ottomans and the Russian Empire several times in the 19th century. This period saw significant migrations and demographic changes.

World War I and the Battle of Sarıkamış

Battle of Sarıkamış (1914-1915): One of the most significant events in Sarıkamış's history is the Battle of Sarıkamış during World War I. The Ottoman Third Army, under the command of Enver Pasha, attempted an ambitious winter offensive against Russian forces stationed in the Caucasus.
- Outcome: The battle was a catastrophic defeat for the Ottomans, with tens of thousands of Ottoman soldiers perishing due to the harsh winter conditions and logistical failures.
- Legacy: The battle is remembered as a tragic event in Turkish history, symbolizing the sacrifices of soldiers and the harsh realities of war.

Republic of Turkey

Post-World War I: Following the end of World War I and the subsequent Turkish War of Independence, Sarıkamış became part of the newly established Republic of Turkey in 1923.
Development and Modern Era: In the modern era, Sarıkamış has developed as a small town known for its natural beauty and ski resort, attracting tourists interested in winter sports.

Landmarks and Cultural Heritage

Sarıkamış Ski Resort: The town is renowned for its ski resort, which is one of the major attractions in the area, drawing both domestic and international tourists.
Cultural Sites: The region has several historical and cultural sites, though many of the ancient structures have been lost or transformed over the centuries.

Significant Figures

Enver Pasha: A prominent Ottoman military officer and a leader of the Young Turks, Enver Pasha is closely associated with the Battle of Sarıkamış, which was part of his larger military strategy during World War I.

Sarıkamış remains a place of historical significance in Turkey, remembered both for its natural beauty and its pivotal role in the history of the early 20th century.