02.05.2026 19:54
Lake Balık in Ağrı, one of Turkey's highest lakes, enchants onlookers with its completely ice-covered surface despite being in May. When the ice, which normally melts in early April, did not thaw this year, it created scenes reminiscent of Antarctica.
The high-altitude Fish Lake in Ağrı, with its ice-covered surface and snowy mountain view in May, rivals Antarctica.
COMPLETELY COVERED WITH ICE
Located in the region north of Taşlıçay district, where Sinek Plateau and Aras Mountains are situated, Fish Lake, at an altitude of 2,241 meters above sea level, stands out for its natural beauty.
The lake, which is among the important tourism centers of the Eastern Anatolia Region with its bird species, fish species, and islands, became completely covered with ice during the harsh winter season.
Since the surface of this natural wonder lake, which is ice-covered for half the year, did not thaw even in May, beautiful scenes emerged.
SCENES RIVALING ANTARCTICA
The lake, whose ice melted in early April in previous years, offers winter-like views with its surrounding snow-covered mountains.
The boats on the shore were also buried under snow, and the completely ice-covered surface of Fish Lake, which rivals Antarctica in spring, was captured by drone.
Sinan Ergül, a citizen strolling on the lake, said that the ice not melting at Fish Lake and the snowy mountains create beautiful scenes.
“IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE ICE WOULD MELT IN APRIL”
Stating that spring is experienced in the plain, but they encounter scenes at Fish Lake that rival winter, Ergül said, "Fish Lake is a magnificent place. Visitors come mostly in the summer months. Even though it is May, there is 1-2 meters of snow on the ground, and the ice on Fish Lake has not melted yet. In previous years, the ice would melt in April."
Ergül explained that nature enthusiasts and those wanting to have picnics mostly come to the lake and its surroundings in the summer months.
"WE ARE ON THE ICE, THE VIEW IS VERY BEAUTIFUL, IT CANNOT BE DESCRIBED, IT MUST BE EXPERIENCED"
Expressing that the ice-covered lake reminiscent of Antarctica is impressive, Ergül said, "We have entered May, and the lake's ice has not thawed. The mountains are covered with snow, flowers have bloomed on the plain. The ice will barely melt in two weeks. We are on the ice, the view is very beautiful; it cannot be described, it must be experienced. I want everyone to come and see this natural beauty. On one side snow, on the other side ice. We are experiencing two seasons at the same time."
Ahmet Kızılkurt, who lives in the village of Tanyolu at the edge of the lake, stated that in previous years the lake thawed earlier, but this year the scenery is more beautiful.