| Dogubayazit is only a few miles from the foot of Mount Ararat and trekkers come from all over the world to climb its 5,200 metres. There is always a covering of snow, even at the height of Summer, and it is rare to see the peak without at least a feathering of cloud. |
| Mount Ararat is also reputed to be the site of the landing of Noah’s Ark; this can be easily visited from the town. It is a formation in the shape of a giant imprint of a boat. Many scientists and visitors come to this protected site every year. |
| Lake Van has several islands, including Akdamar with its well-preserved 10th Century church. |
| Lake Van, in the neighbouring province, is the largest lake in Turkey and is known locally as a “sea”. The local Van breed of cat is white with one blue and one amber eye and has the distinction of being the only cat in the world that likes to swim and play in water. Naturally, everyone here believes that it loves water because it came off the Ark with Noah! |
