PALANDOKEN

 

While wandering around the city, notice the local black stone (Erzurum, Oltu Tasi) which is used in jewellery. The shops on the upper floor of the Tashan (Rustem Pasa Caravanserai) offer the best selection of items. A road through splendid mountain scenery leads to the winter sports resort of Palandöken, only 6 km from Erzurum. This center has hotels, the longest ski run and the best snow quality in Turkey, and is a favourite haunt of expert skiers. The glassy Tortum Lake, 120 km from Erzurum towards Artvin and the Black Sea, may be the most tranquil sight in all of Turkey. Be sure to see the Tortum Waterfalls at the north end of the lake, plunging from a height of 47 meters.