MOUNT NEMRUT
MT. NEMRUT (3050 M.)
Turkey can in fact, boast of two peaks called Nemrut. The one near Adiyaman in the southeast is primarily of historical and archeological interest, home for over 2000 years to the colossal stone heads of King Antlochus I and a number of classical dieties. The other Mt. Nemrut in eastern Anatolia is well-known for its geological formations, and for mountaineering purposes is the more interesting of the two peaks.
This Tatvan Mt. Nemrut, within the province of Bitlis, is an extinct volcano which ascends to 3050 m. It rises from the southwestern shore of Lake Van and enters the county of Ahlat to the north. Mt. Nemrut is the southernmost and youngest of the chain of volcanos in eastern Anatolia. This strato- type volcano began erupting during the fourth geological era and continued to be active until 1441 A.D. As a result of the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Nemrut the single Van-Mus river basin was divided into two separate basins.
Trips and climbs
Treks up Mt. Nemrut begin on the mountain’s southeastern flank at Tatvan. Climbers reach the south or southeastern side of the crater after an easy hike of 4-5 hours. Those who reach this point have the rare chance to see the wondrous crater of this inactive volcano. For those who find the climb up to the crater too strenuous, four-wheel drive vehicles can reach the summit from either Ahlat or Tatvan. Mt. Nemrut is bare of vegetation except in the south which has groves of oak and birch trees. Summer (June-September) is the best season for expeditions up Mt. Nemrut. Hikers who climb to the crater and summit from the southeast or eastern face of the mountain are rewarded with wonderful views of Lake Van.
SUPHAN MOUNTAIN (4058 M.)
Suphan Mountain, a magnificent dormant volcano rises from the northwest shores of Lake Van. Throughout the winter, snowfalls on Suphan reach a depth of three to four meters. The mountain’s steeply inclined slopes and snow blanket combine to make it a good location for “Heli-skiing” – using helicopters to drop you off on the slopes for an adventure of high mountain skiing.
The easily accessible southern and eastern flanks of Suphan both offering spectacular views, are the preferred faces for ascending the mountain. To climb from the eastern flank take the coastal road that circles Lake Van. In the stretch between Adilcevaz and Ercis, turn north to Aydinlar village. From there you continue on to Kicgilli village where you can engage a guide to lead you in your ascent. The climb from the south begins at the village of Harmantepe.
