Kars,Turkey

• Ani Ruins (Ani Ören Yeri) — extensive medieval Armenian city ruins on the Arpaçay river, remarkable churches, city walls and trade-route heritage
• Kars Castle (Kars Kalesi) — hilltop fortress with panoramic views of the city and surrounding plains
• Fethiye Mosque (former Church of the Holy Apostles) — an example of layered religious architecture in the city center
• Russian-era architecture — wooden houses and public buildings from the late 19th/early 20th century
• Kars Museum — exhibits on regional archaeology, ethnography and the First World War / Caucasus front
• Sarıkamış Ski Center — nearby winter sports resort with pine-forest slopes and deep powder snow
• Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express) — the scenic train route ending/starting in Kars, popular with travelers for its landscapes

• High-altitude steppe landscapes and wide views across the Armenian Highlands
• Mix of Ottoman, Armenian and Russian architectural styles in a compact urban fabric
• Ani's dramatic ruined churches and battlements set on a cliff above a border river
• Distinctive local dairy tradition, especially Kars gravyer cheese and honey production

• Exploring Ani — walking among churches, city walls and archaeological remains; guided tours recommended
• Climbing or driving to Kars Castle for sunset views and city panoramas
• Walking the compact city center to view Russian wooden houses, mosques and local markets
• Taking the Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express) for a scenic rail journey to/from Ankara
• Sampling local cuisine — especially Kars gravyer cheese, roasted goose (kaz), honey and hearty stews
• Day trips to Sarıkamış for skiing or to nearby villages to see rural life and tussar landscapes
• Photography of frozen winter scenes or golden-steppe vistas in shoulder seasons

• Kars Cheese and Honey festivals (seasonal/local agricultural fairs) — showcasing local dairy and apiary products
• Local cultural events and small-town festivals during summer that highlight folk music and dance
• Winter tourism initiatives and ski events at nearby Sarıkamış (seasonal)

Late spring to early autumn (May–September) for milder weather, open archaeological sites and hiking; winter (December–February) for snow activities and dramatic landscapes if you are prepared for cold.

High-altitude continental climate: cold, long winters with heavy snow and frequent freezing temperatures; short, mild summers with cool nights. Expect strong winds on the open steppe.

Kars Harakani Airport (KRS) connects to Istanbul and Ankara by scheduled flights. Long-distance buses link Kars with major Turkish cities. The Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express) overnight train from Ankara is a popular scenic option. Roads to Ani and Sarıkamış are accessible by car or local tours; winter conditions can affect driving—4x4 or winter tires recommended in snow.

2–4 days to cover Kars town, Ani ruins and a short excursion (e.g., Sarıkamış); longer (5–7 days) if planning relaxed exploration of surrounding villages and winter sports.

Layered warm clothing for most of the year, a warm winter coat, hat and gloves for winter months; sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for archaeological sites; sunglasses and sun protection for high-altitude sun exposure.

Must-try foods: Kars gravyer cheese, roasted goose (kaz), local honey, hearty soups and pastries. Souvenirs: locally produced cheese and honey, handwoven kilims, woolen items, and small silver or metal crafts reflecting regional styles.