Ovacık between the Munzur Mountains and the river plain

The town center of Ovacık lies on the Ovacık Plain at an elevation of about 1,300 m. The plain is surrounded by the Munzur Mountains to the north and south, and the Munzur Suyu divides it. East of the town center, the Mercan Deresi flows into the Munzur Suyu. The plain, mountains, and waterways together shape the landscape you can experience around the town.

Landscape in the Munzur Region

In the wider travel area, Munzur Vadisi National Park stretches across 42,000 hectares in the Munzur Valley between Tunceli and Ovacık. The area was declared a national park in 1971. The Munzur Çayı is the most important watercourse in Ovacık District. The national park is home to 1,518 plant species, including 227 species endemic to Türkiye; 43 of these plant species are endemic to the Munzur Mountains.

The Kırk Merdiven Waterfalls offer a different kind of landscape: several waterfalls lie in a narrow, small valley on the slopes of the Munzur Mountains descending toward the Mercan Valley. They are among the first stops on the route to the high pastures north of Ovacık. If you are interested in waterfalls, they offer a distinct facet of the surrounding area; the Munzur Gözeleri, meanwhile, are known for their springs.

Springs, Waterfalls, and Activities

The Munzur or Ovacık Gözeleri comprise about 40 karst springs, whose water forms small waterfalls. They are 17 km from the center of Ovacık District and are visited by thousands of people starting in spring. The Gözeleri are also known for the trout found in their waters. Concrete barriers, small pools, walking paths, seating areas, and bridges have been built between the springs and the Munzur Suyu. If these facilities are important to your visit, check their condition in advance.

The northern sections of the Mercan Valley are suitable for nature walks. The southern, forested sections are well suited to picnics and camping. The activities mentioned therefore vary depending on which part of the valley you visit: hiking is the main focus in the north, while the forest landscape, picnicking, and camping are the right choices in the south. The national park is also suitable for nature walks, camping, and picnics.

The Mercan Deresi is suitable for sport fishing; much of its course lies within Munzur Vadisi National Park. Check local regulations before trying to fish. A roughly 20 km stretch of the Munzur Suyu between Aşağı Torunoba, Sarıtaş, and Halbori Gözeleri is suitable for rafting. Water flow there is irregular, so this should be taken into account when planning the activity. The options mentioned range from hikes and stays in forest areas to water sports and mountaineering; choose your priorities based on the activities that interest you.

When to Visit and Getting Around

The seasonal contrast in the town center is pronounced: more than two meters of snow can fall in winter, while summers are cool. The seasons provide a long-term guide; the weather on individual travel days may differ. If you are planning outdoor activities, take the season into account and check the specific conditions before setting out. Ovacık District can be reached by a road that runs through Munzur Vadisi National Park and along the Munzur Suyu; road conditions may vary seasonally.

This makes it possible to tailor your stay to the interests you want to pursue in the region.

Discover more destinations: Çıralı, Tozkoparan Köyü, Tunceli, Çemişgezek

Go to the main travel overview: Tunceli.