Nature enthusiasts explore frozen Karagöl and Çinili Göl in Niğde

Two alpine lakes in the Bolkar Mountains of the Central Taurus range—Karagöl and Çinili Göl—have frozen over under the influence of cold weather. The lakes are located at approximately 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) above sea level in the Ulukışla district of Niğde, central Türkiye. A group of 25 members from the Cilician Mountaineering and Nature Sports Club, who traveled from Adana, hiked around the frozen lakes and later climbed Pilot Tepe, a peak rising to 2,973 meters (9,754 feet). The nature enthusiasts progressed along snow-covered ridges and took photographs of the winter landscape.

Winter tourism potential

The Bolkar Mountains are known for their rugged terrain and are a popular destination for mountaineering and winter trekking. The freezing of Karagöl and Çinili Göl attracts photographers and hikers seeking to capture rare winter scenes. The region remains less developed than other Turkish winter tourism destinations, but local authorities have promoted ecotourism initiatives. The Cilician Club’s visit highlights growing interest in off-the-beaten-path nature experiences.

Türkiye’s outdoor culture

For Türkiye, which has diverse geography ranging from Mediterranean beaches to alpine peaks, outdoor activities like mountaineering and nature photography have gained popularity in recent years. The government has invested in trail marking and safety infrastructure in national parks. The frozen lakes of Niğde offer a seasonal attraction that could boost local tourism during winter months. Turkish officials have encouraged domestic tourism as part of economic diversification.