Arpaçay
Arpaçay offers an extraordinary winter-wonderland, frozen lake ice-sleighing, and border canyon experience. Its primary natural jewel is Lake Çıldır (Çıldır Gölü)—Türkiye's second-largest lake—which freezes completely solid in winter, allowing visitors to ride traditional horse-drawn sleighs (Atlı Kızak), experience Eskimo-style ice fishing for carp through frozen ice holes, and enjoy lakeside din
Tourist experience
Arpaçay offers an extraordinary winter-wonderland, frozen lake ice-sleighing, and border canyon experience. Its primary natural jewel is Lake Çıldır (Çıldır Gölü)—Türkiye's second-largest lake—which freezes completely solid in winter, allowing visitors to ride traditional horse-drawn sleighs (Atlı Kızak), experience Eskimo-style ice fishing for carp through frozen ice holes, and enjoy lakeside dining. Cultural highlights include exploring the historic Arpaçay River border canyon.
Key points of interest
Investment outlook
Arpaçay holds an impressive Transparent Investment Score of 88.5/100, recognized as Eastern Türkiye's top winter eco-tourism, Lake Çıldır ice-sleighing hospitality, and organic dairy market. Driven by high tourist traffic arriving via the Eastern Express for Lake Çıldır winter tours, land and residential buy values average $920/m² with rapid capital appreciation (~45.0% YoY in USD).
Living here
Residing in Arpaçay offers a peaceful, scenic, and close-knit rural lifestyle set along Lake Çıldır and high mountain pastures. Residents enjoy pure mountain spring water, organic local dairy foods, fresh lake carp, and safe community streets.
History & cultural identity
Arpaçay (historically Zarışat), strategically positioned on high pastoral plateaus along the Arpaçay River gorge in northern Kars bordering Armenia and Georgia, holds an ancient Silk Road, fortress, and winter lake history. Named after the Arpaçay River that forms the natural international boundary, the district served historically as a vital border crossing. In the late 19th century, Arpaçay was integrated into the Russian imperial administration, evolving into an important agricultural and livestock market.
Frequently asked questions
What winter activities are famous at Lake Çıldır in Arpaçay?+
Lake Çıldır is globally famous for traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides (Atlı Kızak) across its frozen ice surface and Eskimo-style ice fishing for yellow carp.
When does Lake Çıldır freeze solid?+
Lake Çıldır typically freezes completely solid from December through March, with ice thickness exceeding 40 centimeters.
How far is Arpaçay from Kars Central?+
Arpaçay is located 40 kilometers (a 30-minute drive) north of Central Kars along the scenic D-010 highway.