The iconic Eastern Express touring train, which departs on two different routes from Türkiye’s capital Ankara and passes through magnificent landscapes en route to Kars, has just launched its winter season. Stretching 814 miles, the Eastern Express and the Touristic Eastern Express routes operate on one of the oldest railways in Asia. The approximately 25-hour train journey passes through the provinces of Kırıkkale, Kayseri (Cappadocia), Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum before reaching its final destination of Kars.
Stopping at 50 historic train station, the Eastern Express train includes Pullman and couchette cars, as well as a dining car with seating for 56 diners. The Touristic Eastern Express, which includes a sleeping car, stops at 29 stations in 35 hours. The Touristic Eastern Express stops for up to three hours at each station, providing bountiful opportunities to sightsee in remote towns and cities.
The route ends in Kars, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose highlights include Kars Castle, the Second Stone Bridge and the Kars Museum. There are a variety of cultural experiences to explore, such as the sparring of ashiks - traditional Turkish actors who recite improvisational poems and songs – and ancient religious sites, such as the Ebu'l Menûçehr Mosque and the Tigran Honents Church.
Winter sports are also a large draw. Kars’ Sarikamis Ski Center offers the third-highest altitude ski track in the world. Çıldır Lake on the Kars-Ardahan border, offers a stroll on the frozen lake, rides in horse-drawn sleighs, and ice-fishing for mirrored carp.
The Eastern Express operates daily from Ankara, and the Touristic Eastern Express departs from Ankara on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from Kars on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday.
