A recent addition to Turkey’s vast network of protected sites, the Hakkari Cilo-Sat Mountains National Park is in the country’s untamed southeast. Opening on September 26, 2020, it ranks as Turkey’s 45th national park. Covering 27,500 hectares (68,000 acres), this national park boasts the striking Cilo and Sat Mountain ranges, which tower magnificently over the nearby countryside. About fifty kilometers (31 miles) east of Hakkari city, in the southeast of the nation, the park is located in the Yüksekova district of Hakkari Province.

From northwest to southeast, the hilly breadth of the park stretches roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles), presenting a scene shaped over millions of years by natural processes. The park features an amazing range of settings, including deep valleys, wide plateaus, glaciers, and several glacial lakes from which to view magnificent mountain peaks. One of the distinctive characteristics of this area is the Uludoruk Glacier, which lies in the center of the Cilo Mountains. Following Mount Ararat, Uludoruk ranks as the second highest peak in Turkey and reaches at 4,125 meters (13,533 feet).

Glacial events starting about two million years ago have greatly changed the terrain of Hakkari Cilo-Sat Mountains National Park. Towering cliffs, deep glacial valleys, and amazing moraines—marks of the strong glaciers that previously sculpted the land—showcases the area. The glaciers are still melting slowly; some experts suggest that changes in regional and global climate could speed this process. Particularly noticeable in the Cennet-Cehennem area, the retreating glaciers offer insight into the evolving climate patterns and their potential consequences for the local ecology.

As you meander about the park, you come across amazing geological formations that mirror the strong forces of nature together with stunning natural settings. Along with beautiful alpine meadows and enduring glaciers, the rocky, high terrain creates a vivid scene equally taxing and breathtaking.

With a wide variety of plant and animal species—many of which are native to the region—the Hakkari Cilo-Sat Mountains National Park is a major center for biodiversity. On the south-facing slopes in particular, the upper portions of the park have alpine meadows and glaciers; the lower valleys display traces of oak woods and walnut communities.

The Cilo Mountains are rather valuable ecologically. Many rare and threatened plant species find habitat in this area, which qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area. Six endemic species—including Cephalaria hakkiarica and Cirsium hakkaricum—both of which are nowhere else on Earth—among the 53 plant species found in this region.

The park features a great variety of species, including many local mammals, reptiles, and birds. Among animals, prominent occupants are the Persian mole (Talpa Davidiana), the threatened Lake Urmia newt (Neurergus crocatus), and the wild goat (Capra aegagrus). Various bird species include the Caspian snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius), the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and the Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) find habitat in the park. The area boasts an amazing variety of butterflies, many of which are park-specific.

Adventurers, mountaineers, and nature lovers all find attraction in the park with its rocky and relatively difficult terrain. Famous for their breathtaking views and challenging hiking paths are the Cilo and Sat Mountains. Experienced mountaineers especially seek the Uludoruk summit, the highest point in the Cilo Mountains. Usually occurring in the summer, ascents see climbers setting off guided trips from the Serpil Plateau at the base of Cilo Mountain.

Beyond mountaineering, the park offers hiking and nature photography as among the outdoor pursuits. From alpine meadows to glacial lakes, the park offers photographers many of opportunities to capture its amazing beauty from several ecosystems. Security concerns restrict access to some areas; so, it is advised that guests stay on approved paths and get advice when exploring the more remote areas.

The Hakkari Cilo-Sat Mountains National Park is in a remote area with inadequate infrastructure that causes somewhat difficult access. About 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the park is the closest town, Yüksekova. Though other paths stay disused for security concerns even though there are roads that lead to the boundaries of the park. For those wishing to explore the area, the Mergan Plateau, 37 kilometers (23 miles) from Hakkari, is one of the main starting locations to the park. From Yüksekova, visitors can reach the Sat Mountains by car; subsequently, they can hike or horseback ride an 8-kilometer (5-mile distance.

Although the park is open to tourists in the warmer months, its remote location and security issues mean that cautious planning and adherence to all safety rules is absolutely vital. The park’s natural resources and fragile ecosystems need for careful conservation; particular activities including hunting are absolutely forbidden.