Do I need a guide to visit Ani?

Yes, it is mandatory to visit the Ani Archaeological Site with an official, government-licensed guide. This is due to its sensitive location on the Armenian border. Tours can be arranged in Kars city.

What is the local cuisine like?

Kars is famous for its honey, kasar cheese (a type of gruyère), and hearty dishes like hangel (a pasta dish) and kuymak (a cheese and cornmeal fondue). Try local trout from Lake Çıldır.

Is English widely spoken?

No, English is not widely spoken outside of some hotels and tour agencies in the city. Learning basic Turkish phrases or traveling with a guide is very helpful.

How do I get to Kars?

Kars Harakani Airport (KSY) has daily flights from Istanbul and Ankara. You can also take a long-distance bus from major cities like Ankara (approx. 18 hours) or a train (the Doğu Ekspresi) from Ankara, which is a scenic but lengthy journey.

Can I visit the Armenian border from Kars?

The land border with Armenia at Alican/Akyaka is closed to tourists. The only point of proximity is the controlled visit to Ani ruins, which overlook the border river. Do not attempt to approach the border fence or military zones.

Varies by nationality. Many countries can get e-Visa online before travel.

What currency is used?

Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards accepted in cities, but cash needed in rural areas.

Can I visit Ani independently?

Yes, it's open to tourists. Hire a guide for deeper historical context.

What is the local food specialty?

Kars gravyer cheese, honey, and kete (pastry). Try the local trout from Çıldır Lake.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Generally yes, but solo female travelers should take extra precautions at night.

Layers, even in summer; warm clothes in winter. Comfortable walking shoes for ruins.

Are there ATMs in Kars?

Yes, in the city center, but limited in villages. Carry enough cash.

Can I cross into Armenia?

The border is closed. No land crossing is possible.

Is photography allowed at Ani?

Yes, but no drones without special permit.

Kars

ProvinceTurkey, Asia

Kars is a STATE in Turkey, Asia.

Kars, a captivating province in northeastern Turkey, is a hidden gem where history whispers from every stone. This high-altitude plateau region, known for its stark, dramatic beauty and harsh winters, offers travelers a journey through layers of civilization. The crown jewel is the ancient city of Ani, the 'City of 1001 Churches,' a UNESCO World Heritage site whose haunting Armenian ruins stand dramatically on the Turkish-Armenian border, telling tales of medieval Silk Road grandeur. Beyond Ani, Kars city itself enchants with its unique 19th-century Russian-built architecture—colorful stone buildings and grid-patterned streets—a legacy of its time under Tsarist rule. The region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, with the serene Lake Çıldır offering winter ice fishing and horse-drawn sleigh rides, and the soaring peaks of the Allahuekber Mountains. Kars is also the heartland of the distinctive Kars honey and the famed Kars Gruyère cheese. Its cultural tapestry is woven from Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian, and Azeri threads, creating a unique and resilient local identity. For those seeking authentic experiences off the beaten tourist path, Kars provides a profound sense of place, where the past is palpably present against a backdrop of breathtaking, windswept landscapes.

Best time to visit Kars

June to September is the best time to visit. Summer (June-August) offers mild, pleasant weather (15-25°C), ideal for exploring Ani and hiking. September has beautiful autumn colors and fewer crowds. Winter (December-February) is for specialized travel: intensely cold (-20°C common) and snowy, but perfect for the unique frozen Lake Çıldır experience and winter photography. Spring (April-May) can be muddy with lingering snow.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 5 to 15°C, rain

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Autumn colors, good for photography.

Know before you go

Getting there

KSY

Kars Harakani Airport

Domestic

6 km away

ERZ

Erzurum Airport

Domestic

200 km away

TZX

Trabzon Airport

International

330 km away

Getting around

"Within Kars city, walking is feasible in the center. Local minibuses (dolmuş) connect major points. Taxis are readily available and affordable; ensure the meter is used or agree on a fare beforehand. No ride-hailing apps like Uber operate. Renting a car (available at Kars Harakani Airport) is the best way to explore the province, including Ani (40km east), but requires an International Driving Permit and confidence driving in rural conditions. For Ani, joining a guided tour from Kars is highly recommended due to border zone regulations and to gain historical context."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels and cafes in Kars city

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+90

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams are rare but be cautious with unofficial guides. Winter driving is the main risk.

Night safety

7/10

Scams are rare but be cautious with unofficial guides. Winter driving is the main risk.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Kars is generally safe, with friendly locals. Exercise normal precautions. The city center is safe day and night. Be cautious and avoid travel within 10km of the closed border with Armenia due to military zones and occasional tensions; this includes the direct vicinity of Ani ruins, which is accessible only via organized tours that follow approved routes. Petty crime is low but secure valuables. Be wary of unlicensed taxi drivers; use official taxis or hotel-recommended services. Road conditions can be poor, especially in winter; driving requires extreme caution. Check travel advisories before visiting border areas."

Police

155

Ambulance

112

Fire

110

Tourist Police

0212 527 45 03 (Istanbul-based central number; local contact via 155)

Entry and health

Health information

"Kars has a central public hospital (Kars Devlet Hastanesi) and several smaller clinics, but specialized care is limited. Travelers with serious conditions should consider evacuation to larger cities like Ankara. The high altitude (approx. 1750m) can cause fatigue; acclimatize slowly. Winters are extremely cold, raising risks of hypothermia and frostbite. Ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) are up to date. Consider Hepatitis A and typhoid due to potential food/water exposure. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; use bottled water. Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. Hospitality is central; accept offers of tea (çay) as a sign of respect. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated: round up taxi fares, 5-10% in restaurants if service charge is not included. Handshakes are common, but wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Remove shoes when entering homes. The local culture is conservative; public displays of affection should be minimal. Photography of military installations or border areas is strictly prohibited."

TurkishKurdish (Kurmanji)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY) · ₺

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs around $5

Hotels

$30-60 | budget hotels range $30-60/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Kars is affordable compared to western Turkey. Entrance to Ani ruins ~$5.

Timezone

Europe/Istanbul +03:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

285,000

Area

9,442 km²

Government

Provincial Governorate (İl) with an elected Municipal Council for the city

ISO code

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Կարս, قرص, Kars, Qers, قارس, Карс, کارس, قارص, 36, TR-36, Polath, Polatli, Polatly, Polatlî, Polatlı, bo la te lei, pwlatly, Полатли, Полатлы, ضلع پولاٹلی, پولاتلی, 波拉特勒

Major HubHistoric CityWinter SportsCultural HeritageOff the Beaten PathHiking