Mount Nemrut
With its famously friendly people, delicious food, and fascinating history, Turkey belongs on everyone’s bucket list. Away from the hustle and bustle of more well-known attractions in Istanbul and Ephesus, the south-east of the country has a history that stretches back to the Bible, beautiful landscapes, and unique adventures. Our Global Bucket Lisy takes us to Mount Nemrut, where 2000-year old statues of Greek gods greet the sunrise every morning. Hike up this one-of-a-kind mountain to witness one of the world’s best sunrises.
Length of Trip : Full day
Cost : Tour operators offer trips for around US$250 per person. As with everything, be aware that you get what you pay for. There are also tours that take in Harran (mentioned in the book) and depart from Cappadocia.
Best time to go : Early morning before sunrise!
Wheelchair friendly : No
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat : Food in Turkey is a real highlight. You can't really go wrong with the mezes, buffets, pides, soups and kebabs served up by many restaurants that line the streets.
Official Site : Reliable Tours have good ratings online. For a North American agency specializing in the region, try Anatolia Tour and Travel.
Where to Stay : I stayed in Adiyaman and made the 87km drive to Mount Nemrut. My hotel was the Grand Isisas which was central and reasonable.
Getting There : Mount Nemrut is located 87km from Adiyaman, which has a regional airport accessible from Istanbul.
Note from Robin : Be aware that it's a long drive from either Adiyaman or Cappadocia. Prepare for a lot of car time. It's a baking-hot part of the world, although is a little chilly before the sun comes out. Most tourists will be Turkish, who are here to see the sunrise. Bring a packed breakfast and explore the amazing statues on both sides of the pyramid-shaped mountain.
