Lake Van is important to Turkey because it is the largest lake in the country and the second largest in the Middle East region.
It is also rather unique in that it is labeled as endorheic, i.e. it does not have an outlet to flow to. This was not always the case, but a massive volcanic eruption in the early ages blocked the outlet.
There is only one species of fish that has managed to adapt to the lake’s salinity and alkalinity, which is known locally as darekh. The surroundings of the lake make for ideal exploration and hiking expeditions, specifically the ruins in Tushpa – the Van Citadel and the large collection of Armenian gravestones.
Van is best suited to a custom route, and our tailor made Turkey itinerary service can help include eastern Turkey for travellers wanting to go beyond the classic route.