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Can You Visit Göbekli Tepe & Mount Nemrut From Istanbul?

Pillar

Lost Civilisations & Ancient Sites

Destination

Istanbul, Turkey

Best Season

May - October

Duration

1 Day

Information

Quick Answer

Yes, but it makes for an extremely long day. An early flight from Istanbul can connect you with a private guide in southeast Turkey before visiting Göbekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut. For a more relaxed experience, this expedition can also be arranged over two days.

The Experience

Travel from Istanbul into southeast Turkey to explore two archaeological sites separated by almost 10,000 years of history. Walk among Göbekli Tepe’s monumental T shaped pillars, created by prehistoric communities around 12,000 years ago, before continuing to Mount Nemrut and the colossal sanctuary of King Antiochus I. The contrast is extraordinary: one site belongs to humanity’s transition from hunter gathering, while the other represents a forgotten Hellenistic kingdom whose ruler attempted to place himself among the gods. Göbekli Tepe became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.

Where & When?

Göbekli Tepe lies outside Şanlıurfa while Mount Nemrut rises above the landscape of Adıyaman in southeast Turkey. The two sites are roughly 200 kilometres apart, with around three hours of driving between them. The best period is generally April to November, as snow and winter conditions can restrict access to Mount Nemrut.

What to Expect

Expect a very early departure from Istanbul, domestic flights and a long day of private road travel. Göbekli Tepe is an active archaeological site where only part of the wider complex has been excavated, while Mount Nemrut requires an uphill walk to reach the sanctuary at over 2,000 metres. Weather, flight schedules and seasonal mountain access can affect the itinerary. For this reason, a two day version offers significantly more time at both sites.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1      Early Flight from Istanbul - Göbekli Tepe - Drive Through Southeast Turkey - Mount Nemrut - Evening Flight to Istanbul

Highlights

  • Göbekli Tepe Explore monumental stone enclosures created approximately 12,000 years ago and examine why hunter gatherers invested enormous effort in constructing one of the earliest known monumental complexes.
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  • The Lost Kingdom of Commagene Discover the little known kingdom ruled by Antiochus I, whose enormous sanctuary combined Greek, Persian and local religious traditions high above the Euphrates landscape.
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  • Mount Nemrut Walk among colossal stone heads representing gods, rulers and mythical figures at one of Turkey’s most extraordinary archaeological landscapes.

What's Included?

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  • Flight Support
  • All ground transport throughout the tour, including airport transfers
  • Expert local guides
  • All entrance fees and permits

 

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