TR RU

6 places to visit in the Gürpınar district of Van: Hoşap Castle, Gürpınar Waterfall and Çavuştepe Castle. Plan your trip to Gürpınar with local food, practical tips and transport information.

Share with friends

Gürpınar is a district of Van province in Türkiye. It covers 4,028 km², stands at an altitude of 1,747 m and has a population of 28,505. Located in the south of Van province, it is the largest district in Türkiye by area after Karaman’s central district. The district’s former name was “Havasor”, derived from the Armenian “Have-tzor” (Valley of the Ancestors). In the Republican period, President İsmet İnönü named it Gürpınar, because of its abundance of water.

History and Culture

The district took the name Gürpınar, given by İsmet İnönü in the Republican period. The district was founded in Kırkgeçit in 1936, and in 1954 it was moved to its present location at Kığzı. Settlement in the district is known to date back to the 9th century BC. Hoşap Inner Castle was built by Mahmudi Süleyman Bey in 1643.

Last updated:

Places to Visit in Gürpınar

  • 3 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
Hoşap Castle - Gürpınar Photo: Mevlüt Kılıç (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source
Ancient City

Hoşap Castle

A historic castle at Güzelsu, within the borders of Gürpınar district.

View on map
Nature

Gürpınar Waterfall

A natural waterfall in the district.

View on map
Historic

Çavuştepe Castle

A castle in Gürpınar, at the western end of the Bol Mountains.

View on map
Religious

Hamurkesen Mosque

A mosque in Hamurkesen village, east of a castle.

View on map
Historic

Yedisalkım mağara resimleri

Cave paintings in Yedisalkım village.

View on map
Historic

Giyimli köyü adak levhaları

Giyimli village, where most of the Urartian votive plaques were found.

View on map

Places to Visit Around Van Province

See all →

While you are in Gürpınar, you can also see the highlights of Van province. These places are in other districts; Gürpınar is about 45 km from the provincial centre.

  • Akdamar Church — An Armenian church rising on Akdamar Island in Lake Van, also known as Surp Haç (Holy Cross); it is renowned for its rich reliefs.
  • Van Castle (Tuşpa) — A fortress built in the 9th century BC by Sarduri, looking down like a bird's-eye view over Tuşpa, the Urartian capital; it is 1,800 metres long and 80 metres high, and lies 5 km from Van.
  • Lake Van — Türkiye's largest lake, covering 3,713 km²; its water is salty and rich in soda, so it does not freeze.
  • Muradiye Waterfall — A waterfall dropping 18 metres, 8 km north of the Muradiye district centre; it takes its name from Murad IV.
  • Mount Erek — A 3,204-metre mountain in Van city centre; with its views of Lake Van and Mount Süphan, it attracts hikers.
  • Van Museum — A museum also known as the Urartu Museum; it traces back to a storeroom of 1932, and its new building north-east of Van Castle opened to visitors in 2019.

Practical Information for Visiting Gürpınar

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Summer months (June–September)
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Gürpınar

Food guide →

  • Van Kahvaltısı

    Van breakfast, made up of herbed cheese, kaymak, honey and dozens of kinds of jam, is served as a lavish spread in Gürpınar too.

  • Kelecoş

    A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an essential on winter tables. Because it is prepared with seasonal ingredients, it offers a different flavour in each season.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Gürpınar

  • Mahmudi Beyliği Mirası

    In the Ottoman period, Gürpınar was the centre of the Mahmudi Beylik. Hoşap Castle is the most important cultural legacy of this period.

Local Products

  • Van Otlu Peyniri — Gürpınar is one of the best production centres for Van herbed cheese. It is made from the milk of sheep grazing on high-altitude plateaus.

Economy

Gürpınar's economy is based on livestock farming and agriculture. Production of Van herbed cheese is an important source of income. Small livestock farming is the main source of livelihood.

How to Get to Gürpınar

Gürpınar is 45 km from Van provincial centre. Transport is by road. Regular minibus services run from Van.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Van

Gürpınar: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Gürpınar?

The highlights of Gürpınar are six sites: Hoşap Castle, Gürpınar Waterfall, Çavuştepe Castle, Hamurkesen Mosque, the Yedisalkım cave paintings and the Giyimli village votive plaques.

What is there to eat in Gürpınar?

Van Kahvaltısı and Kelecoş are the standout dishes on Gürpınar tables.

What is Gürpınar famous for?

Gürpınar is known for Van Otlu Peyniri and the Mahmudi Beylik heritage. Gürpınar is one of the best production centres for Van herbed cheese. It is made from the milk of sheep grazing on high-altitude plateaus.

How do I get to Gürpınar?

Gürpınar is 45 km from Van provincial centre. Transport is by road. Regular minibus services run from Van.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Gürpınar?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June–September).

Continue Your Trip

Other Districts of Van

Search 81 province guides and 968 district guides.