Mescit Dağı in Erzurum, Turkey, Emerges as New Alternative‑Tourism Destination

Mescit Dağı, a 3,239‑metre mountain straddling the districts of Tortum, İspir and Yakutiye in Erzurum Province, is being promoted as a premier site for alternative tourism. The peak marks the source of the Çoruh River and is renowned for its numerous glacial lakes—locally called the “Seven Lakes”—which form from melting snow and ice in summer.

The area boasts rich alpine flora, colourful wildflowers in June‑August, and endemic plant species, making it attractive to botanists, trekkers, climbers and photographers. In winter the heavy snowfall creates conditions for snow‑based activities, while the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Tortum Waterfall and Tortum Lake, offers scenic routes that can be linked with the historic Öşvank Monastery.

Local authorities and tour operators see Mescit Dağı as a potential new route for eco‑tourism, encouraging both domestic and foreign visitors to explore its untouched high‑altitude ecosystems and cultural landmarks.