Bingöl (meaning “Thousand Lakes” in Turkish) is named for the many small glacial lakes and wetlands scattered across its mountain highlands. The province was heavily affected by the 2003 earthquake but has been substantially rebuilt. It remains one of Turkey’s least touristic provinces.
The landscape is intensely varied: from the Peri River’s deep limestone canyons in the south to the alpine plateaus of the Bingöl Mountains in the north, where nomadic yayla culture persists among Kurdish and Zaza communities.
- Region
- Eastern Anatolia / Bingöl Mountains
- Topography
- Heavily mountainous, 1,000–3,000+ m range
- Rivers
- Peri (upper Euphrates tributary), Göynük, Uluçay
- Known for
- Waterfalls, canyons, alpine plateaus, glacial lakes
Bingöl Waterfalls
Bingöl province contains numerous waterfalls fed by snowmelt and mountain springs. The Göynük Şelalesi (Göynük Waterfall) system — a series of cascades on the Göynük stream — drops through limestone gorges with turquoise pools. The Uzundere and Bingöl city çevresi waterfalls are accessible on day trips from the provincial capital. Best visited May–July when snowmelt maximises flow. The surrounding canyon vegetation — oak, ash and walnut forest — adds to the visual drama.
Peri River Canyon
The Peri River(Peri Çayı), an Euphrates headwater tributary, has cut one of eastern Anatolia’s most dramatic canyon systems through the limestone massif south of Bingöl. The canyon walls reach 400–500 m in places; the turquoise river below is popular for kayaking and small-group rafting. The canyon continues into Elazığ province where the Keban Dam has created a large reservoir. The pre-dam section in Bingöl preserves wild canyon character.
Mountain Plateaus (Yayla)
Bingöl’s highland plateaus (yayla) above 2,000 m preserve traditional semi-nomadic pastoral culture — families move their livestock to summer pastures in June–August, returning to valley villages in September. Solhan Plateau and the highland areas around the Bingöl Mountains (highest summit 3,123 m) offer exceptional hiking terrain with wildflowers, glacial lakes and mountain views encompassing the Taurus and eastern Anatolian ranges. The area is largely roadless above 2,500 m — genuine wilderness by Turkish standards.
Eastern Anatolia in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Bingöl
3Bingöl has a domestic airport with flights from Istanbul (1.5 hrs, several daily). By bus from Diyarbakır (3 hrs), Elazığ (2 hrs), Muş (1.5 hrs) or Erzurum (4 hrs). Bingöl city is the transport hub; the waterfalls and canyon sites require a car or guided day trip from the city.
Check current travel advisories for eastern Turkey before visiting Bingöl. The security situation in the province has historically been complex; some areas may have restricted access. Bingöl city and the main tourist sites are generally accessible, but it's advisable to get local advice on road conditions and access to more remote yayla areas.
May–July is optimal for waterfalls — snowmelt keeps the rivers running strongly. By August, water levels drop significantly. The alpine plateaus are best July–September. Autumn (September–October) brings colour to the canyon forests. Winter (November–April) is severe — many mountain roads close.