This guide to Nemrut Dagi (Mount Nemrut) in Turkey includes
- why to go
- how to get there
- what are top sights
- local tours
- where to stay and eat
- overall evaluation
- where to go next
Why to go to Nemrut Dagi?
What is Nemrut Dagi in south-eastern Turkey?
Nemrut Dagi is a 2,134-meter-high mountain (7,001ft) with a royal tomb and statues erected around 1st century BC by a local king Antiochus I. He ruled over Commagene, one of the kingdoms created after the breakup of Alexander the Great’s empire. The king believed to descend from both the Greek / Hellenistic and Persian gods and cultures, so you will see Zeus-Oromasdes, Apollo-Mithras and Hearcles (Hercules)-Artagnes. The ruler was probably a decent politician, because he managed to rule a small independent buffer state between the competing empires.
This tomb-sanctuary is built on top of the mountain with the 8-9 meter (26-30ft) statues of the gods, two lions, two eagles and himself. The heads of the statues have been cut off and are currently sitting on the ground. Archeologists assume that the tomb of Antiochus I is buried on site, but its remains are not visible.
Nemrut Dagi was constructed as a monument to the king’s greatness. The king selected the highest mountain in his kingdom to be buried in as close to the gods as possible. The rules clearly wanted to be remembered for eternity. Based on the number of tourists visiting daily, he has largely succeeded. He considered himself an equal descending from both the Persian Achaemenids on his father’s side and the Greek Seleucids on his mother’s, two of the greatest dynasties in the ancient world.
Nemrut Dagi has two terraces with the similar statues, western and eastern. Karl Sester, a German road engineer, discovered the site only in 1881. Consequently, the centuries of exploitation and tourism have not damaged it, and it is in a relatively good condition. The views over the Firat river and the neighboring plains are far-reaching. Most tourists arrive for the sunrise or sunset which, on a clear day, are impressive.
Should you go there?
Overall, it is an interesting place with far-reaching views. However, it is remote with little historical significance. It is unique in Turkey, but you will probably not be awe-struck as by the pyramides in Egypt, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Tikal in Guatemala or Borobudur in Indonesia. Nevertheless, one of the nice sites in Anatolia on most Anatolia tour itineraries. Most likely, you will not forget it any time soon. The views are stunning and the mix of the Greek / Roman / Persian monuments is remarkable. Definitely no similar mix in western Turkey.
How to get to Nemrut Dagi in south-eastern Turkey?
The site is located 40km (25m) north of Kahta, near Adiyaman.
There is no accommodation walking distance to the site so the main two options are (1) a tour, (2) taxi, or (3) your own car.
Given the number of tour minibuses, most tourists are coming on tours organized either in Kahta, Adiyaman (85km away) or Malatya (100km). When selecting a tour, the key questions are
- how much time you want to spend at Nemrut Dagi (sunrise only, sunset only, both sunrise and sunset),
- how uncrowded you want your experience to be (one of the first ones for the sunrise?),
- how early you want to wake up in your hotel (2 or 3am required depending on the month), and
- the tour cost (the longer distance the more expensive).
Local Nemrut Dagi tours
Given the distances and the mountains, you will need to hire a vehicle or go on a local or multi-day tour. Nemrut Dagi is NOT walkable or bikeable.
Depending on your individual circumstances, tours to Nemrut Dagi come in a few flavors. You can opt for a multi-day south-eastern Turkey tour out of Istanbul or Ankara, which has Nemrut Dagi as one of its destinations. You can organize a half- or full-day tour in any of the hotels in Adiyaman, Malatya or Kahta. Or you can independently travel to one of the villages closest to the site, enjoy the mountain views, wake up much later than 2am, have an excellent local organic breakfast, have a shorter drive to Nemrut, and be one of the first tourists there.
How to get to Nemrut Dagi and Karadut?
If you decide to do the last option (which I did), the best place to stay is Karadut, a lovely village closest to Nemrut. Mountain views out of your window, superb organic meals prepared by your host family, local hiking and shortest distance to Nemrut made the stay excellent. On the other hand, you will have to travel to Karadut, which is relatively remote.
When arriving on a coach from Adiyaman to Kahta, the bus station (“otogar”) is small, and you will arrive on the long-distance coach side. Cross through the station building where you will be walking by all the usual bus company desks and exit on the minibus (dolmus) side. Please ask for a minibus to Karadut, for me it was the third bay from the right. The minibus departs every 30-60 minutes depending on the time of the day. You will get off at the Karadut road junction, from which it is 3kms to the Karadut village. I stayed at the lovely Nemrut Daği Işik Pansion with excellent reviews, and the owner Mr Murat offered himself to pick me up at the Karadut road junction free of charge.
The half- or full-day Nemrut Dagi tours usually include also the ruins of Arsemia, Roman bridge of Cendere and the royal tomb (tumulus) of Karakuş. They are all interesting and are located in areas with nice views.
What are top sights?
(2) Karakus
The Commagene king Mithridates (36-21 BC) constructed the monument for his mother Isias, sisters Antiochis and Laodicea, and nephew Aka. The tumulus is named after an eagle statue on a single column. It was originally surrounded by six or nine columns. It is the only funerary site built for the Commagene’s royal women surving to this day. You can climb the tumulus and will be rewarded by nice views.
(3) Cendere bridge
The Roman legion XVI constructed the Cendere bridge in 198-200AD in honor of the Roman emperor Septimius Severus. The bridge is in an excellent condition and measures 120m (390ft). It still has original Roman engravings, and is situated in a nice valley with a small gorge behind it. There is a shaded coffee place under the trees next to the bridge with a nice owner. A perfect place to break your journey in solitude.
(4) Arsemia
Arsemia (Arsameia) is a hillside location, which was the summer administration center of the Commagene kingdom. There are numerous carved statues and stele with the biggest Greek inscription in Anatolia. The most memorable one is probably an impressive depiction of the Commagene king with Heracles (Hercules) as equals.
The historical remains are few but well-preserved with stunning views.
(5) Nemrut Dagi
In September 2022 the entry ticket to Nemrut Dagi for foreigners was TRY40 ($2.50). You can buy it in a small tourist building, which also has a coffee place, bathrooms and the usual souvenirs.
There is a 600m climb from this tourist building and parking to the top. The path is well paved with low steps. Families with small children will be able to ascend as well.
However, bring a flashlight (or a fully-charged phone) when arriving before the sunrise or departing after the sunset.
Nemrut Dagi, Arsemia, Cendere and Karakus are all close nearby, but difficult to reach without own transportion. A half- or full-day tour with a knowledgable guide is a good investment, especially at the scorching 100F (38C) temperatures.
When visiting in June-August, please take plenty of water. Also bring a sweater for the Nemrut Dagi top as it may be windy and cool before the sunrise.
Where to stay and eat?
I stayed at the Nemrut Daği Işik Pansion in Karadut. I had all my meals at the Pansion as Karadut is a small village. You will eat the excellent home-made food made of own organic fruits and vegetables. The only external component was a piece of flavorful baklava (“but it is good baklava, not like others in shops”).
Overall evaluation
I am glad that I visited Nemrut Dagi in south-eastern Turkey. It is unique in its mix of the Greek and Persian cultures. I have not seen any similar sights in Turkey, Caucasus, northern Africa or the Middle East. Secondly, the Karakus, Arsemia and the Cendere Roman bridge were largely deserted but interesting and with spectacular views as well.
Overall, highly recommended if you are interested in history and archeological site.
Where to go next?
Ephesus in western Turkey is an all-time favorite for the stunning Roman ruins (Ephesus Visit – Top Tips).
Within a few hours from Nemrut Dagi, Anatolia offers other interesting historical sites:
Göbekli tepe, a temple complex allegedly 11,000 years old (Sanliurfa and Göbekli tepe (11,000 years old!))
If you go to Sanliurfa, please also visit the impressive Roman mosaics at the Zeugma museum.
Mardin: ancient Silk Road town
