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 archaeological interest, home for over 2000 years to the colossal stone heads of King Antiochos I and a number of classical deities. The other Mt. Nemrut in Eastern Anatolia is well known for its geological formations, and for mountaineering purposes; the more interesting of the two peaks.

An extinct volcano, the Tatvan Mt. Nemrut ascends to 3050 m. It is located within the province of Bitlis, rising from the South-western shore of Lake Van and entering the district of Ahlat to the North. Mt. Nemrut is the Southernmost and youngest of the chain of volcanoes in Eastern Anatolia. A stereotype volcano, it 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 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.