Turkey, with its unique natural beauty and geographical diversity, has always been a country that draws attention.
One of the most distinctive features of this land is its many mountain ranges stretching from east to west. As you move towards the Eastern Anatolia Region, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged, revealing Turkey’s magnificent mountain chains. Among these mountains are many high peaks, including the highest mountain in Turkey, which attract both national and international mountaineers eager to conquer their summits.
In this article, we will focus on these impressive mountains — the rooftop of Turkey — providing informative insights about their geographical locations, elevations, and the opportunities they offer for mountaineering. We will also explore how these peaks have become attractions for adventure seekers looking to experience the unique thrill of reaching the top.
If you want to discover the highest summits in Turkey, here is the list we’ve prepared for you.
Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı)
Mount Ararat, the highest mountain in Turkey, stands out with an impressive elevation of 5,137 meters. Located in the Doğubayazıt district, this mountain is also famous for the legend that Noah’s Ark came to rest upon its peak. As Turkey’s tallest mountain, Mount Ararat has long been a challenging destination for climbers.
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Mount Ararat is officially recorded as the highest point in Turkey.
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In 1829, Friedrich Parrot became the first person to climb Mount Ararat.
With its majestic height and breathtaking views, Mount Ararat holds a special allure for many. It has been the subject of numerous legends throughout history and carries mythological significance. Offering an unforgettable experience for mountaineers and nature enthusiasts, Mount Ararat is one of the most iconic symbols of Turkey’s natural beauty.
Mount Cilo (Cilo Dağı)
Mount Cilo is the second highest mountain in Turkey and marks the easternmost extension of the Southeastern Taurus Mountains. Located about 35 kilometers from the city center of Hakkari and in close proximity to the Yüksekova district, it also lies approximately 76 kilometers from Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport. The mountain is renowned for its natural beauty, as well as its rich variety of flora and fauna.
As a significant natural symbol of the region, Mount Cilo is a popular route for mountaineers. With a peak elevation of 4,135 meters, it attracts nature lovers throughout the year and stands out as an ideal destination for mountain sports.
Situated in the historically and naturally rich region of Hakkari, Mount Cilo enhances the tourism potential of the area and welcomes a growing number of visitors each year.
Mount Süphan (Süphan Dağı)
Located in the Adilcevaz district of Bitlis province, Mount Süphan is the third highest mountain in Turkey. This ancient volcano was known to have been active around 8000 BC. With an elevation of 4,058 meters, it is situated approximately 30 kilometers from the district center.
Mount Süphan fascinates visitors not only with its height but also with its breathtaking scenery and natural beauty. Those who climb to the summit are captivated by the stunning views of the surrounding lakes and valleys.
As a symbol of the Adilcevaz district, Mount Süphan offers a spectacular display of nature’s magnificence. The villages at the foot of the mountain also give visitors a chance to experience the local culture and traditional lifestyle. The mountain has become a popular destination for nature lovers and climbers, attracting thousands of visitors throughout the year.
The Kaçkar Mountains (Kaçkar Dağları)
Among the highest mountain ranges in Turkey, the Kaçkar Mountains rank fourth with a peak elevation of 3,937 meters. Declared a national park in 1994, most of the region lies within the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize. Due to the high levels of rainfall, the Kaçkar Mountains are home to stunning natural landscapes.
They are also known for their rich biodiversity and endemic plant species. With their high peaks and dramatic valleys, the Kaçkar Mountains are a hotspot for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Activities such as hiking, mountaineering, and camping are popular here, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
Mount Erciyes (Erciyes Dağı)
A favorite among skiing enthusiasts, Mount Erciyes is one of Turkey’s top winter tourism destinations. With an elevation of 3,917 meters, it is also one of the country’s tallest mountains and is home to the dormant Erciyes volcano, which last erupted in 253 BC. Its peaks are among the most renowned ski routes in the region.
Mount Erciyes is a major ski resort in Turkey, welcoming thousands of local and international tourists each year. Thanks to its height and quality of snow, it offers a long skiing season and a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels.
In addition to skiing, Mount Erciyes is ideal for snowboarding and other winter sports. With its clean air, stunning views, and a wealth of activities, it is a perfect choice for an unforgettable winter holiday. If you’re looking to enjoy snow and fun, be sure to add Erciyes to your travel list.
The Aladağlar Mountains (Kızılkaya & Demirkazık Peaks)
Part of Turkey’s highest mountains, the Aladağlar stand out with their striking peaks. Mount Kızılkaya, at 3,767 meters, is the highest summit, followed closely by Mount Demirkazık at 3,756 meters. Both peaks are included in the list of Turkey’s tallest mountains.
The Aladağlar are known for their natural beauty and diverse flora, attracting nature lovers and climbers alike. The region offers a variety of routes with different difficulty levels, making it an ideal destination for mountaineering throughout the year.
Mount Tendürek (Tendürek Dağı)
One of the most significant volcanic mountains in Eastern Anatolia, Mount Tendürek is located between Doğubayazıt in Ağrı and Çaldıran in Van. It has two main peaks: Büyük Tendürek (3,533 meters) and Küçük Tendürek (3,291 meters), covering a vast area.
With its volcanic structure and height, Mount Tendürek is one of the natural beauties of the region and draws attention from both local and foreign tourists. The villages at the foot of the mountain benefit from its fertile volcanic soil for agriculture, and the surrounding forests contribute to the area’s biodiversity.
Mount Tendürek is also a popular destination for nature sports, including climbing, hiking, and trekking, and offers photographers a treasure trove of breathtaking scenes. It remains an undiscovered natural wonder waiting to be explored.
The Bolkar Mountains (Bolkar Dağları)
Located in central Turkey, within the borders of Konya, Niğde, and Mersin provinces, the Bolkar Mountains are an important part of the Central Taurus range. With a highest peak reaching 3,523 meters, these mountains stretch skyward and feature multiple summits like the Aladağlar.
The Bolkar Mountains are also known for Medetsiz Mountain, which holds spiritual significance among the local people. This stunning natural wonder is a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
The villages nestled at the foot of the Bolkar Mountains still maintain traditional lifestyles, and the region is ideal for activities such as mountaineering and hiking. Every season, thousands of visitors choose the Bolkar Mountains to witness the unique beauty of the Central Taurus.
Mount Hasan (Hasan Dağı)
Located on the border between Aksaray and Niğde, Mount Hasan is a volcanic mountain and one of Turkey’s notable natural landmarks. The mountain has two large craters at its summit, with Great Hasan Mountain reaching a height of 3,268 meters, making it the highest point in the region. Little Hasan Mountain stands at 2,844 meters.
The plateaus and lakes around Mount Hasan attract nature lovers, while the nearby mountain villages and scenic beauty are major draws for tourists. The area also offers opportunities for hiking and mountaineering.
Combining historical and natural beauty, Mount Hasan provides a unique experience for its visitors. With its volcanic features and towering peaks, this impressive mountain has become a symbol of both Aksaray and Niğde.
List of Mountains in Turkey
Tablo
| Name | Elevation | Region | Coordinates |
| Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı) | 5137 m | Eastern Anatolia Region | 39°42′09″K 44°18′00″D |
| Mount Cilo (Cilo Dağı) | 4116 m | Eastern Anatolia Region | 37°29′09″K 44°00′18″D |
| Mount Süphan (Süphan Dağı) | 4058 m | Eastern Anatolia Region | 38°55′54″K 42°50′03″D |
| Mount Kaçkar (Kaçkar Dağı) | 3932 m | Black Sea Region | 40°50′12″K 41°09′48″D |
| Mount Erciyes (Erciyes Dağı) | 3916 m | Central Anatolia Region | 38°32′06″K 35°27′03″D |
| Little Ararat (Küçük Ağrı) | 3896 m | Eastern Anatolia Region | 39°39′K 44°24′D |
| Mount Handeyade (Çatalkaya, Samdi) | 3794 m | Eastern Anatolia Region | 37°19′N 44°15′E |
| Mount Kızılkaya | 3767 m | Central Anatolia Region | |
| Mount Demirkazık | 3756 m | Central Anatolia Region | 37°47′51″K 35°09′33″D |
| Mount Kısara | 3752 m | Eastern Anatolia Region | |
| Mazanı | 3725 m | Eastern Anatolia Region | |
| Mount Emler | 3723 m | Central Anatolia Region | 37°48′23″N 35°08′55″E |
| Mount Verçenik | 3711 m | Black Sea Region | |
| Mount Kaldı | 3688 m | İç Central Anatolia Region |
