7 places to visit in the Varto district of Muş: Foothills of Mount Bingöl, Varto Thermal Springs and Varto Castle. Plan your trip to Varto with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Varto (Zazaki: Gimgim) is a district of Muş province. The district covers 1,318 km², which is 17.3% of the total area of Muş, and the average altitude of the district centre above sea level is 1,527 metres.
Over time the Varto region came under Median, Persian, Parthian, Roman and Byzantine rule. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, it came under the Seljuks and later the Aq Qoyunlu and Qara Qoyunlu. It passed to Ottoman administration after the Battle of Chaldiran in 1514. With the founding of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923, it became a district with the name Varto, approved by the Grand National Assembly.
Varto district lies in the north-west of Muş province. It is bordered by the Hınıs and Tekman districts of Erzurum province to the north, the Solhan and Karlıova districts of Bingöl province to the west, the Bulanık district of Muş to the east and the Muş Central District to the south. The district area, mostly covered by mountains, lies in the highest part of Muş province. Extensions of the Bingöl Mountains give the northern part of the district its rugged relief. Altitude exceeds 3,000 metres towards the Bingöl Mountains on the northern border, and 2,500 metres on the extensions of the Akdoğan and Şerafettin mountains.
The district area is deeply dissected by the Murat River, the Bingöl Stream and their tributaries. The Murat River enters the district from the east and flows east to west, forming a natural border with the Central District. West of the village of Kayalıdere it joins the Bingöl Stream, then turns south in a bend and leaves the district. Lake Akdoğan lies to the east of the district, and just south of it is Small Hamurpert Lake.
Varto’s population in the 1985 census was 44,116. As with its area, the district is the fourth largest in Muş by population. In the 1966 earthquake, Varto lost population through migration as well as deaths, because most buildings in the district centre and villages were destroyed. Varto has 93 villages.
The most important livelihood for the people, as across Muş, is farming. The main crop is grain, above all wheat; apple and pear production is also important. Varto has developed more in livestock than in crop production: in terms of sheep and mohair goat numbers, it is the second most important district in Muş after the Central District.
The district centre and many villages of Varto lie on an earthquake fault line. The first major earthquake in the region in the 1900s occurred at Malazgirt on 24 April 1903; in this magnitude 6.7 earthquake, 2,626 people died. On 31 May 1946, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake in Varto-Hınıs killed 839 people. The most destructive was the earthquake of 19 August 1966: it completely destroyed the district centre and killed 2,394 people. It led to migration, the break-up of families, and housing, health, school and road problems that took many years to resolve. Small and large tremors still occur from time to time in Varto.
Varto became a district with the name Varto in 1923, with the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, approved by the Grand National Assembly. In the earthquake of 19 August 1966, 2,394 people died. The district centre was completely destroyed in the 1966 earthquake. The district has 93 villages.
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Rising to the north of Varto, Mount Bingöl (3,250 m) is an area of alpine meadows, glacial lakes and rich vegetation, waiting to be explored by nature lovers. The highland pastures at the foot of the mountain are used for livestock grazing in summer.
View on mapThe thermal springs around the district lie in an area of intense geothermal activity. The hot waters are believed to be good for rheumatism and skin conditions.
View on mapCastle ruins near the district centre date from the Medieval period. The castle walls and towers partly survive and offer views of the surrounding countryside.
View on mapGlacial lakes at an altitude of 2,800 metres on Mount Bingöl, with clear waters and dramatic mountain views, are key stops on trekking routes.
View on mapA lake in the east of the district. A panoramic image of the lake in the district appears on the Wikipedia page.
View on mapEnters the district from the east and flows in a way that forms a natural border with the Central District.
View on mapWhile you are in Varto, you can also see the highlights of Muş province. These places are in other districts.
Köfte made by kneading fine bulgur and minced meat and then boiling it. It is served with a yoghurt and butter sauce. It is Varto's best-known local dish.
A traditional soup made by cooking wheat, chickpeas and red lentils together. It is a nourishing winter dish.
Thick bread baked in a clay tandır oven. It is the staple of Varto tables and is eaten with fresh cheese and butter.
Varto is one of Türkiye's important Alevi settlements. Cemevis, the semah tradition and Alevi-Bektashi culture are an important part of the district's social fabric.
The earthquake of magnitude 6.7 on 19 August 1966 largely destroyed Varto. The district centre was rebuilt after the earthquake, and awareness of the disaster is an important part of the community's memory.
Varto's economy is based on livestock and farming. Small and large livestock farming is the main livelihood. Wheat, barley and fodder crops are grown. Beekeeping and dairy production also contribute to the economy.
Varto is 70 km from Muş and 80 km from Bingöl. Muş Airport is 78 km away. There are regular minibus services from Muş and Bingöl.
The highlights of Varto are 7 places: the Foothills of Mount Bingöl, Varto Thermal Springs, Varto Castle, Hamurpet Lakes, Lake Akdoğan, Small Hamurpert Lake and the Murat River.
Varto Köftesi, Kelecoş and Tandır Ekmeği are the standout dishes on Varto's tables.
Varto is known for Varto Honey and Alevi Culture. The flower honey gathered from the highland pastures at the foot of Mount Bingöl is made from the nectar of endemic plants that grow at high altitude.
Varto is 70 km from Muş and 80 km from Bingöl. Muş Airport is 78 km away. There are regular minibus services from Muş and Bingöl.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: the summer months (June–September).