How to Visit Mount Nemrut, Turkey: An Incredible Sunset & Ancient Tomb
Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Find out everything to know about how to visit the ancient tomb of Mount Nemrut in Turkey! Including where to stay, how much to budget and what to expect.
Turkey is a country with no shortage of wonders. Among the long list of unbelievable sites is Mount Nemrut, a royal tomb from an ancient civilization that happens to sit an astonishing 2,134 meters in the sky.
To visit Mount Nemrut means a short climb up the mountain is required but well worth it.
The short trek ends with remarkable panoramic views of the picturesque landscape, historic stone statues, and one of the best sunsets in the world.
Mount Nemrut is breathtaking, not only as a sight to see but as an extraordinary atmosphere that can only be described after experiencing it firsthand.
From ways to get there, where to stay and important things to be mindful of, this is our guide to visiting Mount Nemrut in Turkey.
Where Is Mount Nemrut?
Mount Nemrut is located in the peaks of the Taurus Mountains in the southeastern region of Turkey. Also known as Mount Nimrod or Nemrut Dağ, the mountain sits at the edge of the Adıyaman province and just before the Malatya province.
Mount Nimrod is nestled in an undisturbed location and over 30 km away from the main motorway (D360) below the mountain range.
Adıyaman, whose population is under 300,000, is the nearest major city to Mount Nemrut and is about 90 km away. The capital city of Turkey, Ankara, is located 770 km west of Mount Nemrut. From the border with Syria, Nemrut Dağ can be found just 250 km to the north.
☎️ Turkey is not part of the EU so make sure you have a solution for cell phone data in order to stay connected. Consider purchasing an eSIM card – it doesn’t require the hassle of finding a physical SIM card and will work immediately upon arriving in Turkey.
Map: Walking Route of Mount Nemrut
When visiting Mount Nemrut at sunrise or sunset, it’s crucial to be mindful of the hiking route you choose. In the map and steps below, the Nemrut Dağ hiking route is outlined for a visit at sunset. If you’re planning on visiting at sunrise, simply reverse the route.
It’s key to remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Depending on what time of day you want to experience Nemrut Mountain, you’ll need to account for enough time to get from one terrace to the other once at the top.
To visit Mount Nemrut at sunset, it’s recommended to complete a counterclockwise loop so you still see the East Terrace before it gets dark and then catch the sunset on the West Terrace.
A: This is the starting point of the hiking route. While looking in the direction of the mountain, choose the hiking path on the right.
B: From the starting point, the hiking path on the right will lead to the East Terrace. This is the first point of interest where you’ll see a set of statues.
C: From the East Terrace, continue on the path in a counterclockwise direction until you reach the West Terrace. This is where the sun sets and where you’ll find the second set of statues.
D: Get back on the path below the West Terrace and in a counter clockwise direction to head downhill. The endpoint is the same as the start point, which is in the parking lot.
How to Visit Mount Nemrut in Turkey
The Closest Airport to Mount Nemrut
Air travel throughout the country of Turkey is incredibly accessible, affordable, and the quickest way to get around. Located in nearly every big city is a domestic airport that tends to be small but connects rural parts with all major cities.
Small airports are particularly advantageous because they’re quick to get in and out of, which is ideal for visitors making their way around Turkey by air.
The closest airport to Mount Nemrut is Adiyaman Airport, just outside of Adiyaman city.
To fly into Adiyaman Airport is easiest from Istanbul with nonstop flights departing at least two times per day. Tourists that are staying in Istanbul have the convenient option of a quick plane ride to experience the one-of-a-kind attraction of Nemrut Dağ.
The flight time is just under two hours from Istanbul to Adiyaman Airport and typically costs under €100 for a round-trip. To reach the final destination of Nemrut Mountain, schedule a tour which departs from Adiyaman (more on this below).
Road Trip
Turkey is one of the most extraordinary places to take a road trip. The country is enormous, and there’s no better way to see and experience it than with the flexibility of driving on your own schedule.
Nemrut Mountain is not found “on the way” to anything and is not a roadside attraction. To directly reach its remote location without hopping on a tour bus or hitchhiking is really only attainable by driving.
Getting around Turkey by car is remarkably uncomplicated, as long as you stay away from big cities. The rural roads and countryside motorways that are virtually empty are well marked and in good condition.
If you’re hesitant to rent a car or drive in Turkey, there are candidly very few reasons to be, especially when touring its rural surroundings.
Including Mount Nemrut in a Turkey road trip itinerary is a fantastic option after visiting Cappadocia. Since many tourists will opt for car rentals just to see Cappadocia, adding another must-see destination sounds like a no-brainer.
Although it is a 7-hour drive, it is a pleasant journey that allows you to see the lesser-known corners of Turkey. Heading inland to Nemrut Dağ is also a great idea after spending time along the amazing Turkish coastline.
Additional Landmarks Near Mount Nemrut
- Karakuş Tumulus – A commemoration monument to Queen Isias and Princesses Antiochis
- Cendere Bridge – An arched Roman bridge, believed to be from 200 AD
- Arsemia – Ruins of a summer residence occupied by the Greco-Iranian kingdom
Guided Mount Nemrut Tours
To visit some of Turkey’s most epic sites is still manageable for those who aren’t driving their own car or renting a car. The amount of guided tour packages for nearly any destination in Turkey is easy to find and book for the typical traveler.
Guided tours to Nemrut actually make up the majority of the visitors you’ll run into during your visit. Tours and excursions also don’t only come in the shape of gigantic buses but instead are made up of smaller groups.
The parking lot beneath Mount Nemrut is typically filled with bigger vans and minibuses.
By far, the biggest advantage of booking a tour to Nemrut Mountain is the transportation. Getting to Nemrut isn’t exactly easy, so finding a tour you can join from a nearby major city (or even Cappadocia) makes it effortless to visit.
Local Tours of Mount Nemrut
The only setback about booking a Mount Nemrut tour is the limited availability you’ll find online. Compared to reserving tickets for the Vatican, researching a tour to Nemrut will require a little more effort.
Most of the nearby tour agencies are small, family-operated, and located in the nearby cities of either Kahta or Adıyaman. Nemrut Tours range from half day, full day, sunrise or sunset and even include additional landmarks in the area.
If you are departing on your Mount Nimrod tour from Kahta or Adıyaman, expect tour prices to range from 200 TL – 800 TL (€6 – €26) depending on the extensiveness of the option you choose.
To find the right Nemrut tour for you, contact these well-rated organizations below.
- Nemrut Dağı Turları Ramazan Dişkaya
- Nemrut Turları Murat Polat
- ADIYAMAN TURAN TURİZM
- Nemrut Tur Luckyday Turi̇Zm
- Nemrut Mountain Tour
Book a Nemrut Tour Online
Naturally, the further you travel more, the more the tour will cost. Nemrut tours that span over multiple days such as these below will cost far more but are worth the price for a memorable and convenient expedition.
- 2-Day Tour from Istanbul
- 7-Day East Turkey Tour from Cappadocia
- 2-Day Tour from Cappadocia Including Multiple Destinations
Hiking to Mount Nemrut
To reach the very top of Mount Nemrut and see the statues, walking is absolutely required. It is not a particularly challenging hike, but one should be aware that there are many stairs to climb.
A majority of the hiking path is well-maintained, but there are a couple of spots that require light maneuvering around boulders. During our visit, we saw various types of people completing the hike, some just finishing it quicker than others.
How Long Is the Hike to Mount Nemrut?
Based on just distance, the loop for hiking to Mount Nemrut and back from the parking lot is 1.6 km (1 mile) long. The length of this hike is only based on starting and ending from the parking lot, which is the furthest you can get by car before having to walk.
The distance from the parking lot just to the first terrace is around 700 metres.
You should plan a trip to Mount Nimrod with at least one hour to spend. This accounts for 15-20 minutes to walk up hill, another 15 minutes to walk down, and 30 minutes to enjoy the views and statues at the top.
Alternatively, it’s common for backpackers to hike from much further away, and some choose to walk from their nearby accommodation to the top of Mount Nemrut.
For example, if you begin at Nemrut Euphrat Hotel, it’s a 9.3 km (5.8 miles) trek to the parking lot, which includes just over 800 meters of incline. Once you reach the parking lot, it’s a brief 1.6 km to complete the loop at the top of the mountain.
Practical Information for Visiting Mount Nemrut, Turkey
Weather & When to Visit Mount Nemrut
Nemrut Mountain sits around 2,100 metres (7,000 ft) above sea level. For the typical visitor, this means that going to see Mount Nemrut in winter is not advised. Temperatures range between 1°C (33.8°F) and 9°C (48.2°F) starting in December, and snowfall is very likely.
What is possibly more difficult to navigate than snow on Nemrut Dağı are the icy conditions. Hikers who are not experienced should stick to visiting Nemrut Mountain in late spring, summer, or early fall.
Just below Mount Nemrut, the lowlands get hot and dry during the months of July and August. Fortunately, it is a tad more comfortable at the high altitude of Nemrut with the help of strong breezes. However, the sun will still be shining in full force.
September and October are the best months to visit Mount Nemrut in Turkey. At this point, summer tour groups have slightly subsided and the weather is enjoyable for the uphill trek.
Furthermore, you’ll have a much better chance of finding hotel availability at one of the handful of hotels within earshot of Nemrut Dağı. Compared to peak season, rooms are sold out and finding accommodation within 45 minutes of Nemrut becomes challenging.
Is Mount Nemrut Safe to Visit?
The walk to reach Mount Nemrut is not extreme. A majority of it is paved or comprised of sturdy stairs. There is also a boardwalk and some sections of gravel. You will not find a distinct cliff, and the incline is moderately gradual while being surrounded by a hillside instead of a ravine.
It is, however, possible to run into excessive wind while ascending the mountain. In these cases, don’t walk towards the edges in case you’re blown off your balance.
With that being said, there are no guardrails or safety measures put in place along the trails. Similar to any outdoor activity, it should be done at your own risk.
There is also very little likelihood of injuries from the stone structures or statues because they are not situated at great heights.
If you’re visiting during a time of year with pleasant temperatures, expect to be surrounded by a crowd, to some degree. The large number of people whom you must look out for is honestly the only factor that makes navigating Mount Nemrut tricky and potentially dangerous.
Is Mount Nemrut Expensive to Visit?
Similar to much of Turkey, the entry ticket to Nemrut Dağı is very low. So, not only is this one of the best places to visit in the entire country, it’s also extremely affordable. This Turkish attraction will only set you back a shocking €1 (30 TL) per adult.
Free admission to Mount Nemrut applies to the following guests.
- Children under 8 – Free
- Turkish citizens under 18 – Free
- Students studying art history or archaeology – Free
- Members of university museum departments – Free
Upon purchasing admission tickets, you gain access to the top of Mount Nemrut as well as the museum located by the ticket booth.
AVOID TOURIST TRAPS: If you are booking a guided tour to or of Mount Nemrut, do not get sold on the fact that a tour includes admission price. It may be easy to overpay when tours are marketed this way. Given that entry costs less than €2, this shouldn’t be the biggest value that a tour has to offer.
Should You Visit Mount Nemrut at Sunrise or Sunset?
There’s one aspect of visiting Mount Nemrut that’s clearly non-negotiable, in our opinion. You must visit at either sunrise or sunset. Nemrut Dağı is known to have one of the best sunrises and sunsets in the world, and to miss this opportunity while visiting would be a great shame.
If it’s possible, plan your visit accordingly so you catch the attraction at an optimal time.
Personally, we chose to visit Mount Nemrut at sunset. This decision was mostly made because we travel with a toddler, and it takes a great deal of effort to leave anywhere on time, let alone in the early hours of the morning.
However, we believe visiting Mount Nemrut at sunset is still the easier option for any typical tourist.
By visiting at sunset, there is the huge (yet simple) advantage of daylight. To avoid walking up a mountain in the dark, plan on a sunset tour. Catching the sunrise at Mount Nimrod will also require you to get up early and depending on the time of year, this could be really early.
People who are traveling by camper vans have the most favorable opportunity to see the sunrise at Mount Nemrut. It is possible to stay overnight in the lot near the ticket booth, which then allows for a shortened trek to the mountaintop in the morning.
Opening Hours of Nemrut Mountain
Planning a sunrise or sunset visit to Nemrut Dağı is heavily dependent on the time of year. Of course, you’ll need to be mindful of daylight hours in addition to the ticket office’s hours.
During the summer, it’s possible to access Nemrut Mountain as early as 4 am and as late as 8 pm. The winter hours are naturally shorter and only accessible from 8 am to 7 pm.
What to Wear and Bring to Mount Nemrut
Nothing ruins an outdoor activity like wearing the wrong clothes. The journey to Nemrut Dağı isn’t treacherous but can certainly get uncomfortable quickly if you’re not wearing the right shoes. It’s not recommended to visit in flip flops because of the gravel and the risk of stubbing your toe on a boulder.
The peak of Mount Nemrut can get extremely windy, to a point where your ears will hurt if they’re not covered. It’s best to bring a hooded jacket or hat, particularly a beanie that won’t fly away.
You may think you’ll be warm enough during your ascent up the hill, but once the sun goes down, temperatures drop quickly. Don’t underestimate a nice day that develops into a chilly evening without warning. Come prepared with layers or a jacket you can easily store in a backpack.
Given the required hike up the hill, keep as much as you can at your car and only bring the essentials. You’ll need enough water, a camera, and most importantly, snacks to enjoy at the top.
There are many stones at the top which you can sit on while watching the sunset or sunrise, so bringing your own equipment really isn’t necessary.
Visiting Mount Nemrut With Kids
Bringing the whole family to Mount Nemrut is unquestionably worth the memorable experience and minute hurdles. For outdoor enthusiasts who are accustomed to bringing children on hikes, the Mount Nimrod journey is an easy feat.
Visitors who aren’t versed in hiking with children can still have an enjoyable time as long as you know what to expect. First, there are a lot of stairs and a decent incline to overcome. Managing the hike with older children should be straightforward.
However, the nature of the trek may take longer with toddlers and babies. It is not possible to use a stroller on the mountain. Instead, opt for a carrier or hiking backpack.
As there are no facilities, shops, or restaurants at the top of the mountain, come prepared with enough snacks and other relevant baby gear. The historic areas of the mountain’s terraces are roped off and prohibit entry beyond a certain point.
Young children may need a closer eye on them to ensure there is no impromptu rock climbing on ancient statues.
⛑ Get Quotes for Travel Insurance
Protect your trip to Mount Nemrut with travel insurance.
Mount Nemrut History
Mount Nemrut’s history dates back to the 1st century BC, but it wasn’t discovered until the late 1800s. Furthermore, it wasn’t until the 1950s that it was properly excavated by archaeologists and later opened for tourists, such as ourselves, to marvel at its wonder. Nemrut Dağ was deservingly named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
The mountain is most famed for being a sealed royal tomb from the Commagene era. The Commagene was a powerful kingdom from the ancient world that was primarily comprised of a Greco-Iranian community.
The kingdom was a symbol of blended cultures, traditions, and beliefs of both Greek and Persian civilizations. Situated in the fertile surroundings of the Taurus Mountains, Commagene was founded by descendants of Darius the Great and Alexander the Great.
During the rule of Armenian King Antiochus I of Commagene, it is believed that the site of modern-day Mount Nemrut was chosen as his Hellenistic-style burial ground.
According to historians and ancient literature, the king’s tomb is located at the peak of the mountain, which is topped with monumental statues of gods.
The burial ground’s strategic construction is also fascinating and poetically indicates that it’s a place of entombment.
There are two terraces on Mount Nemrut, one facing the East, where the sun rises, and one terrace in the West, where the sun sets over the king’s statue.
Must See Mount Nemrut Statues
Mount Nemrut is made up of various observation decks: the East Terrace, West Terrace, and North Terrace. The North Terrace is primarily just a passageway to get from the East to the West and is rumored to have never been finalized, which explains its underwhelming nature.
Whether you’re visiting at sunrise or sunset, you’ll want to visit the statues on the East Terrace first.
The East Terrace is home to a handful of statues that originally sat on elevated thrones. The imposing thrones are better preserved on the East Terrace and can still be seen 10 meters above the fallen heads.
Among the head statues of Greek, Armenian, and Iranian gods are eagles, representing the dominance of the sky, and lions, representing command of the land.
Depictions of Zeus and King Antiochus himself are included on the East Terrace, which is known as the Gallery of Gods.
Similar shaped sculptures are still intact on the West Terrace, but they are more sporadically placed due to strong weather conditions. Surviving ferocious winds, earthquakes, and shifts, it’s astonishing to be among statues that have endured centuries of change.
During our time of visit, we were fortunate enough to witness an art exhibit at the summit. Near the East Terrace, there was a gold head of a god.
A local artist created a replica of one of the head statues in a heavy, papier-mâché-like material and painted it gold. The eyes were left empty, which made it a bit spooky in comparison to its genuine counterparts. We’re not sure if the art exhibit is a rotating component of Mount Nemrut, but we certainly felt lucky to catch it at the right time!
Where to Stay Near Mount Nemrut, Turkey
If you are looking to visit Mount Nemrut at sunrise or sunset, it’s highly recommended to stay the night nearby. The challenge is, there are only a handful of places to stay in close proximity to Mount Nemrut.
Racing against the sun will require you to be somewhat conveniently located and at least within 10 km.
The location of the mountain is quite isolated and many of the nearby towns are very rural without any accommodation options. Travellers who are visiting Nemrut Dağı during peak season are encouraged to reserve their hotel room in advance at one of the four stays below.
Hotel Euphrat Nemrut (👍 RECOMMENDED based on where we stayed!)
🛌 TIP: We noticed that Agoda and Trivago have the largest number of accommodation options when it comes to finding places to stay in Turkey. Booking.com and Airbnb tend to be limited with listings in Turkey.
More Turkey Travel Posts:
- Top Family Destinations in Turkey
- Visiting Turkey in September
- Best Road Trip Routes in Turkey
- How to Drive From Italy to Turkey
- Cappadocia 3-Day Itinerary
- Visiting the Pokut Yaylasi Plateau
Mount Nemrut Travel Resources
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
