Kars to Doğubeyazıt

Kars Travel Guide

Kars is a city in eastern Turkey, close to the border with Armenia. It is the capital of Kars Province.

Language

The official language of Kars is Turkish. However, Armenian, Kurdish, and Russian are also spoken by some of the population.

Currency

The official currency of Kars is the Turkish lira (TRY).

Distance

Kars is located 1,050 kilometers (650 miles) east of Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

How to Reach

Kars can be reached by plane, train, or bus.

• By plane: Kars Airport (KSY) is located 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the city center. There are direct flights to Kars from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
• By train: Kars is on the main railway line between Istanbul and Tehran. There are daily trains from Istanbul to Kars, which take about 24 hours.
• By bus: There are regular bus services from Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities in Turkey to Kars.

Expenses

The cost of living in Kars is relatively low. A budget of around $50 per day should be sufficient for most travelers.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Kars is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. Summers can be hot and dry, while winters can be cold and snowy.

What to Eat

Kars is known for its delicious food. Some of the local specialties include:

• Kars kashari: A type of cheese made from sheep's milk.
• Kars honey: A sweet and aromatic honey produced in the Kars region.
• Kars dolma: A dish made from stuffed grape leaves.
• Kars kufte: A type of meatball made from ground beef.

Where to Go

There are many things to see and do in Kars. Some of the most popular attractions include:

• Kars Castle: A 13th-century castle that dominates the city skyline.
• The Church of the Holy Apostles: A 10th-century church that is one of the oldest surviving churches in Turkey.
• The Ani Ruins: The ruins of an ancient Armenian city that was once the capital of the Armenian kingdom.
• Mount Ararat: A snow-capped mountain that is said to be the landing site of Noah's Ark.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kars:

• Is Kars a safe city?
• Yes, Kars is a safe city. However, as with any city, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions against crime.
• What is the weather like in Kars?
• The weather in Kars is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in July is 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), while the average temperature in January is -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit).
• What is the cost of living in Kars?
• The cost of living in Kars is relatively low. A budget of around $50 per day should be sufficient for most travelers.