[2025 Bitlis Attraction] Travel Guide for Van Gölü (Updated Mar)

In the east of Turkey, there is a charming city - Van. It is like a pearl covered by the dust of time, exuding a unique historical charm and natural charm. Not only does this place have magnificent natural scenery, but it also has a profound historical and cultural heritage and mouth-watering food. Now, let us walk into Van City together and start an unforgettable journey! ✈️ 1. Climate and temperature Fancheng has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. ⛅️Summer (June - August) is relatively warm, with an average temperature between 20 - 30℃ and plenty of sunshine. It is a good time to explore outdoor activities and appreciate natural scenery. Winter (December - February) is relatively cold, with an average temperature of around -5 - 5℃. Sometimes it snows, and the whole city is covered in silver, which is unique. The weather in spring and autumn is pleasant, the temperature is moderate, and the flowers are in full bloom, which is a great time to take photos and check in📸 II. Introduction to attractions 1. Van Fort: The landmark building of Van City, located on the hill in the east of the city. This ancient castle has a long history dating back to the 8th and 7th centuries BC and was an important center of the Kingdom of Urartu. Standing on the castle, you can overlook the entire city of Van and Lake Van, known as the "Pearl of the East" in Turkey. The sapphire blue lake and the towering and dilapidated castle set off each other, forming a beautiful picture. The castle is open from 08:00 to 17:00, and the ticket is 6 lira, about 6.6 yuan. Of course, if you go up from the back mountain path, it is free, but it is dangerous to climb wild mountains when the wind is strong. It is recommended to enter from the door. There is a road inside that can go directly up. It is easy to walk and you can also see the sunset of Lake Van🌅 2. Lake Van: The largest lake in Turkey and the soul of Van. The lake is clear and blue, surrounded by mountains, and the scenery is breathtaking. You can stroll along the lake, feel the breeze on your face, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains; you can also take a boat tour to experience the charm of Lake Van up close. In addition, there are many hot spring baths around Lake Van. If you are tired of playing, you may as well take a hot spring bath to relax your body and mind and relieve fatigue. 3. Akhtamar Island: Located in Lake Van, there is a famous Holy Cross Church on the island. This church was built in 915 AD and is an outstanding representative of Armenian architectural art. The interior of the church preserves exquisite murals and carvings, showing the religious culture and artistic style of the time. Stepping onto the island and entering the church, it feels as if you have traveled through time and space, back to that ancient era, feeling the sedimentation of history and the solemnity of religion. 3. Food Recommendations 1. Van Breakfast: The most abundant breakfast in Türkiye, a must-try! It usually includes various olives, sesame paste, sausages, fried eggs, vegetables, bread, etc., as well as honey and cheese specially supplied by Fancheng. These ingredients are combined together to have a rich taste and balanced nutrition. 🥪 Generally, the breakfast portion is large, suitable for a family or friends to enjoy, with an average consumption of about RMB 80 per person. 2. Kebab: One of the representative foods of Türkiye, the kebab in Van is no less delicious. A variety of fresh meats are uniquely marinated and grilled over charcoal, creating a fragrant aroma. Especially the "Yanan BBQ", which is famous for its spicy flavor, fresh meat, crispy outside and tender inside, paired with pizza and vegetables, the taste is excellent, it is definitely the first choice for meat lovers🥩 3. Turkish pizza: It is oval in shape, made with traditional fermented dough, topped with beef, chicken or vegetables and other fillings, baked at high temperature, crispy on the outside and rich in fillings. When eating, pair it with a cup of cheese, which is refreshing and unpleasant🍕 4. Rice balls: small round cakes made with minced meat, onions and spices, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, usually eaten with tomato sauce or cheese, delicious and nutritious, it is a favorite home-cooked dish of locals. 5. Turkish desserts: There are many varieties, such as baklava, which is made of thin dough, nuts and honey. It has distinct layers and is sweet but not greasy. It is often used as a delicacy for festivals and celebrations. Every bite is full of sweet temptation, making people unable to stop🍰 IV. Notes 1. Language communication: Turkish is the main language. Although there will be English communication in some tourist attractions and hotels, the popularity of English may not be high in daily life. You can download some translation software, or learn some simple Turkish expressions, such as greetings and thanks, so as to communicate better. 2. Transportation: Van’s public transportation includes buses and minibuses, but the routes and schedules may not be very convenient for tourists. If you want more freedom to explore the surrounding area, renting a car is a good option. When renting a car, be sure to check the vehicle's condition and insurance status, understand local traffic rules, and ensure driving safety. 3. Sun protection and warmth: The sunlight is strong in summer and the UV index is high, so you must take sun protection measures and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, etc.; the winter is relatively cold, so you must pay attention to keeping warm and bring enough thick clothes. Van, a city full of mystery and unique charm, is waiting for you to explore and discover. Whether it is the ancient castle, the magnificent lake or the delicious food, you will be deeply impressed. Pack your bags, set foot on this dreamy land, and start your own journey to Fancheng! 💕

The ruins of the castle watch over the vicissitudes of time🏰 The banks of Lake Van flow with romantic poetry🌊 The ancient streets tell the echoes of history🛣️ The art gallery shines the light of civilization🎨 📍Detailed address Van is located in eastern Turkey, on the southeast shore of Lake Van. It is the capital city of Van Province in Türkiye, located on the eastern edge of the Anatolian Plateau. 🚘Transportation Guide ✈️Airplane: Van Airport has flights to and from major cities in Türkiye such as Istanbul and Ankara. It takes about 2 hours to fly directly from Istanbul to Van, which is convenient and fast. 🚕 Long-distance bus: Turkey has a well-developed long-distance bus network, with buses to Van from cities such as Istanbul and Ankara. Although it takes a long time, you can enjoy the diverse scenery of Türkiye's interior along the way, and the night bus can also save accommodation costs. 🚌City bus: The city buses cover the main areas and can go to most attractions. The fares are relatively affordable, usually around 3-5 liras. 🚖Taxi: Taxis are common in Van. The starting fare is about 10 liras, and then it is charged by mileage. However, it is best to confirm whether the meter is on before riding to avoid disputes. 🍽Food Recommendation 🍲Fan Lake Grilled Fish: Fan Lake is rich in fish, and the local grilled fish is a must-try. The freshly caught fish is marinated with unique spices and grilled over charcoal. The skin is golden and crispy, and the fish meat is tender and juicy. It is paired with the local vegetable salad, which is refreshing and delicious. 🍲Kebab platter: Turkish kebabs are world-famous, and Van is no exception. The barbecue platter includes a variety of meats such as roast lamb, roast chicken, roast beef, etc., served with flatbreads, French fries and various sauces to meet different taste buds. 🍲Fancheng cheese: It has a mellow taste and rich milk flavor. It is usually paired with some honey or olive oil. It can relieve greasiness and add a unique flavor. It is an indispensable drink on the local people's table. 🍲Turkish sweet shortbread: Pistachios, walnuts and other chopped nuts are wrapped in layers of shortbread, and then drizzled with sweet syrup. Take a bite and the sweet taste spreads in your mouth. It is a great choice to taste the Turkish dessert culture. 📸Must-see attractions 🎬Van Castle: Dating back to 2000 BC, this ancient castle stands on a hill in Van, overlooking the entire city and Lake Van. There are ancient city walls, towers and mosque ruins in the castle. You can feel the strong historical atmosphere while walking among them. 🎬Lake Van: The largest lake in Türkiye and one of the largest lakes in the Middle East. The lake is clear and blue, and the surrounding scenery is beautiful. You can take a boat trip to admire Akdamar Island in the lake. There is a well-preserved medieval church on the island with exquisite stone carvings that are breathtaking. 🎬Van Museum: The museum houses a large collection of cultural relics from the Neolithic Age to the Ottoman Empire, showing the long and rich history and culture of the Van area. It is a good place to learn about local history. 🏠Recommended attractions nearby 📍Ani Ancient City: About 150 kilometers from Van, it was once the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia in the Middle Ages. Although only ruins remain today, the numerous churches and palace ruins in the ancient city still allow people to imagine the prosperity of the past. The ancient city is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site and is a must-see for history lovers. 📍Surmale Waterfall: Located on the outskirts of Van, it is a natural wonder. The waterfall cascades down from a great height with great momentum, and is surrounded by green trees. It is a place to get close to nature, relax, and have a picnic nearby. ✨Play experience ✅Vancheng is a city that combines a long history with magnificent natural scenery. Here, you can explore the footprints of history in the ancient castles and museums and feel the precipitation of time. ✅Go boating on the blue waves of Lake Van and enjoy the picturesque scenery of lakes and mountains; taste local specialties and experience the unique food culture. ✅The surrounding ancient city of Ani and Surmale Waterfall add more surprises and fun to the journey. Whether you are interested in history and culture or want to get close to nature, Van can bring you an unforgettable trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique charm of eastern Turkey and leave you with beautiful memories.

🏰Must-visit attractions • Van Castle Van Castle is the landmark building of Van. It was built in the 5th century BC and has stood firm for thousands of years. Climbing up the castle, you can overlook the entire city of Van and the beautiful Lake Van, and feel the weight of history. • Akdamar Island The Holy Cross Church on the island is a masterpiece of Armenian architecture. It was built in the 10th century. The exterior of the church is decorated with exquisite reliefs, and the interior preserves murals and sculptures. You are required to respect religious customs and dress appropriately when visiting. • Van Lake Türkiye's largest lake, with azure blue water and picturesque lakeshore. You can take a boat trip to explore the islands on the lake, or take a walk along the lakeside to enjoy the peaceful natural beauty. • Van Museum It houses a large number of artifacts from prehistoric times to the Islamic era, including cuneiform inscriptions from the Urartu period and pottery from the Armenian period. It is an excellent place to learn about the history of Van. • Hoşap Castle This well-preserved medieval castle has witnessed the historical changes of Van and has now become an important cultural heritage. 🍲Food recommendations • Kebab: Kebab in Van is the national dish of Turkey, usually made with lamb or beef, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant aroma. • Van Köftesi: Made from flour, meat and vegetables, with thin skin, rich fillings and delicious soup. • Ayran: A traditional Turkish drink that is refreshing and thirst-quenching, and is best eaten with grilled meat. 🎶Cultural experience • Kurdish music and dance: Enjoy Kurdish traditional music and feel its unique rhythm and melody. You can also watch Kurdish dance and experience the local cultural charm. • Explore Kurdish villages: Visit Kurdish villages around Van, learn about the local traditional way of life, and taste authentic Kurdish cuisine. 📸Photography check-in spot • Sunset at Lake Van: Enjoy the sunset at the shore of Lake Van. The lake is sparkling and the sky is dyed orange-red, which is a perfect background for taking photos. • Akdamar Island: The Holy Cross Church on the island is a great photography spot with its unique architectural style and picturesque surroundings. 📝Practical tips • Transportation: It only takes about 2 hours to fly from Istanbul to Van, but it takes at least two days to drive. • Weather: The best time to visit Van is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. • Safety: When traveling to the islands, it is recommended to book boat tickets in advance and inform the itinerary to ensure safety. • Cultural etiquette: When visiting religious sites, you need to respect local customs and dress appropriately. 🌟Summary: Van is a city that integrates Armenian, Kurdish and Turkish cultures. It has rich historical relics and charming natural scenery. It is a tourist pearl in eastern Turkey.