The town center of Ovacık is located on the Ovacık Plain, at an elevation of about 1,300 meters. The Munzur Mountains surround the plain to the north and south; the Munzur Suyu runs through it. East of the town center, the Mercan Deresi flows into the river. As a result, the landscape around the town brings together plains, mountains and rivers.

The Plain and Munzur Valley National Park

Munzur Valley National Park stretches across 42,000 hectares in the Munzur Valley between Tunceli and Ovacık. The area was declared a national park in 1971. In Ovacık District, the Munzur Çayı is considered the most important flowing waterway. A road runs through the national park and along the Munzur Suyu to the district; road conditions can vary seasonally.

The plant life also gives an impression of the area's diversity: 1,518 plant species have been recorded in the national park. Of these, 227 are endemic to Turkey; 43 of the recorded species are endemic to the Munzur Mountains.

Springs and Waterfalls Nearby

The Munzur Springs are 17 kilometers from the center of Ovacık District. Thousands of people visit them from spring onward. The area includes about 40 karst springs, whose water forms small waterfalls. Trout originating in the local waters are also among the features for which the Munzur Springs are known.

A 20-hectare section of the Munzur Springs was designated a forest recreation area in 1963. Concrete barriers, small pools, walking paths, seating areas and bridges have been built between the springs and the Munzur Suyu. There is also a children's playground and a restaurant at the springs. Before your visit, check the condition of the paths and facilities, and whether the restaurant and playground are open.

The Kırk Merdiven Waterfalls offer a different landscape: several waterfalls lie in a narrow, small valley on the slopes of the Munzur Mountains, which descend toward the Mercan Valley. On the route to the highland pastures north of Ovacık, the waterfalls are among the first stops.

Hiking and Activities in the Munzur Area

The northern stretches of the Mercan Valley are suitable for nature walks. The southern, forested stretches are good for picnics and camping. The national park is also suitable for nature walks, camping, picnics, sport fishing and water sports; nature-based sports such as rafting and mountaineering are also options. The landscapes and activities vary across the wider area.

Much of the Mercan Deresi is suitable for sport fishing; a large part of its course also lies within the national park. Check local regulations before fishing. Despite its irregular water flow, an approximately 20-kilometer stretch of the Munzur Suyu between Aşağı Torunoba, Sarıtaş and the Halbori Springs is suitable for rafting.

Seasons to Consider When Planning Your Trip

More than two meters of snow can fall in Ovacık town center in winter, while summers are cool. Along with seasonally varying road conditions, this contrast is relevant when choosing when to travel. If you are planning activities in the surrounding area, factor the season and travel conditions into your plans.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Tunceli.