Lake Van, Salt lake in Eastern Turkey
The water basin stretches across 3,755 square kilometers between Van and Bitlis provinces, reaching depths of 451 meters at its deepest point.
The formation occurred over 600,000 years ago when volcanic activity from Mount Nemrut blocked the western drainage to the Murat River.
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island represents Armenian religious architecture through its medieval stone carvings and structural design.
The lake contains high levels of sodium carbonate, making its waters unsuitable for drinking or irrigation purposes despite its size.
The Pearl Mullet fish species adapted to survive in these alkaline waters with pH levels reaching 10, making it their exclusive natural habitat.
Location: Van Province
Location: Bitlis Province
Elevation above the sea: 1,640 m
GPS coordinates: 38.63333,42.81667
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:14
Mount sipan
33 km
Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross
37.6 km
Akdamar Island
37.7 km
Nemrut
49.6 km
Mount Tendürek
121.3 km
Van Fortress
47.8 km
Varagavank
59.7 km
Mount Artos
50 km
Medieval Muslim cemetery of Ahlat
33.4 km
Hoşap Castle
92.8 km
Bitlis Castle
66.9 km
Door of Mher
51.6 km
Lake Nazik
52.4 km
Çarpanak Island
23.5 km
Adır Island
53.1 km
Ktuts monastery
23.5 km
Karmravank
30 km
Monastery of Surb Gevorg of Goms
23.3 km
Aparank Monastery
74.4 km
Monastery of the Miracles
23.8 km
Մհերի դռան արձանագություն
51.6 km
Surp Marinos Monastery
56.9 km
Church of the Holy Apostles (Van)
48.1 km
Ahlat Museum
33.6 km
Monastère de Metsop
68.6 km
Van Aqua Park
48.5 km
Մատնավանք
34.2 km
Hüsrev Paşa Mosque
47.9 kmReviews
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