Glacial lakes in eastern Turkey enchant nature lovers

By Sidar Can Eren

TUNCELI, Turkey (AA) - The glacial lakes formed by melting snow in the Mercan Valley in eastern Turkey are a popular destination for camping, photography, and trekking enthusiasts.

Located between the Munzur and Mercan mountains in the province of Tunceli, the Ovacik district at an altitude of 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) attracts nature lovers with its majestic beauty.

The district, featuring natural wonders such as Lake Kara, Munzur Valley, Kirkmerdivan Waterfalls, Munzur Springs, Katir Lakes, and Kepir Plateau, attracts many eager visitors, especially between April and August.

The glacial lakes formed by melting snow are among the most attractive beauties in the valley, which stretches for kilometers between steep mountains.

Glacial lakes located at two different sides of the valley create picturesque views with their azure view between the high mountains surrounding them.

Travel groups who want to go to the glacial lakes in the valley for daily trips depart from the district center by car and first arrive at the village of Sahverdi. From there it takes around three hours to climb to the glacial lakes.

Cagdas Kayaoglu, a visitor to the snow-covered glacier lakes, told Anadolu Agency that he came to see the beauty of the Mercan Mountains.

“The glacial lakes here still show the traces of winter, there’s snow and ice-cold water,” Kayaoglu said.

He said that they reached the largest glacial lake after visiting ponds large and small, adding: “The glacial lakes have an excellent view and we enjoyed the nature.”

Noting that the valley is rich in wildlife, Kayaoglu said: “Here we often encounter species such as pigs, brown bears, wild goats, and partridges.”

“We even saw six brown bears looking for food on cliffs while coming to the glacial lakes.”