Tunceli is Turkey’s least-populated province and among its most rugged. The Munzur, Pülümür and Çemişgezek river valleys create a landscape of sheer limestone cliffs and dense mixed forest — virtually untouched by tourism infrastructure. This inaccessibility has preserved both the ecology and the distinct Alevi-Zazaca cultural identity of the region.
The 1937–38 Dersim events — a complex and painful chapter of Turkish history — define the province’s modern identity and are commemorated at the city museum. Tunceli is now actively developing eco-tourism around Munzur’s wilderness assets.
- Region
- Eastern Anatolia / Munzur Mountains
- National park
- Munzur Valley — 42,000 ha, brown bear + wolf
- Culture
- Alevi-Zazaca — distinct language and spiritual tradition
- Known for
- Munzur NP, rafting, Alevi yaylas, remoteness
Munzur Valley National Park
Munzur Valley National Park(Munzur Vadisi Milli Parkı) is one of Turkey’s largest and least-visited national parks. The Munzur River carves a 42-km canyon through limestone massifs; the park supports brown bears, wolves, lynx, wild boar, red deer and golden eagles. The lower valley floor trail (15 km, accessible from Tunceli city) follows the river through towering cliffs. The Munzur springs (Munzur Suyu Kaynakları), at the park’s head, are considered sacred by Alevi communities and attract summer pilgrims.
Munzur River Rafting
The Munzur Riveroffers class III–IV white water rafting from snowmelt through early summer (May–July). The river is one of eastern Turkey’s best rafting experiences, comparable to the Çoruh in Artvin — with the advantage of receiving far fewer visitors. Several local guiding operations run full-day trips from Tunceli city. The canyon scenery during the raft — sheer limestone walls, forest overhangs, no roads for stretches — is as impressive as the rapids themselves.
Ovacık Plateau & Alevi Sacred Sites
The Ovacık district, 35 km south of Tunceli city at 1,600–2,000 m altitude, contains several Alevi sacred springs and cemevi (gathering houses) that form a summer pilgrimage circuit. The high plateau (Ovacık Yaylası) and the surrounding Munzur range above 2,500 m are accessible by mountain road in July–September. The wildflower season in June is spectacular; the valley below supports traditional livestock transhumance still practised by Zaza-speaking communities.
Tunceli in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Tunceli
3Fly to Elazığ Airport (1.5 hrs from Istanbul, daily flights) and drive 1.5 hrs north to Tunceli city. Alternatively fly to Erzincan and drive 2.5 hrs west. Tunceli has its own small airport (Tunceli Havalimanı) with limited service from Ankara. The mountain roads are excellent but steep; winter access can be restricted by snow.
Yes — Tunceli city and the Munzur Valley tourist circuit are completely safe for visitors. The province has had a complex security history (resolved) and now actively welcomes eco-tourists. Standard travel advice is to check the current situation; local guide operators will advise on trail access and seasonal conditions.
May–June for white water rafting (snowmelt peak flow) and wildflowers. July–August for yayla walking and comfortable temperatures (cool at altitude). September–October for autumn forest colours. Winter (November–April) closes most mountain trails and makes the Ovacık access road potentially impassable.