Şanlıurfa in 1 Day for Friends - Karakush (Karakuş) Tumulus — Commagene funerary monument
In Collaboration with Mesopotamia And Gobeklitepe Tour Guide. Updated on February 14, 2026.
Explore the Commagene Kingdom’s largest monuments: Karakush Tumulus, the Roman (Severan) Cendere Bridge, and the summit of Mount Nemrut with its monumental statues. Private transport, guide, bottled water and lunch are included. Pickup available from hotels in Şanlıurfa and Adıyaman.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Mesopotamia And Gobeklitepe Tour Guide, inspired by the tour Daily Mount Nemrut Private Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Karakush (Karakuş) Tumulus — Commagene funerary monument
- Cendere (Severan) Bridge — Roman-era bridge near Kahta
- Mount Nemrut summit — giant seated statues and mausoleum
- Private transportation, guide and included lunch
Itinerary
Day 1
Full‑day private tour from Şanlıurfa visiting Karakush Tumulus, Cendere (Severan) Bridge and Mount Nemrut. Moderate walking and a 35-minute climb to reach the summit sculptures.
Pickup from hotels in Şanlıurfa
Private pickup from hotels in Şanlıurfa and short briefing with your guide before departure. Vehicle departs Şanlıurfa for Kahta.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before pickup to keep the schedule tight.
- Keep your ID/passport with you for registration at entrance points if required.
- Pack a small daypack with sun protection and a light layer; the vehicle is air-conditioned.
Karakush (Karakuş) Tumulus — visit
Guided visit to the Karakush funerary tumulus; the guide explains the Commagene funerary practices and the site's archaeology.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy shoes — the site has uneven ground and short loose-stone sections.
- There is limited shade; bring a hat and water (bottled water provided by the tour).
- Photography is permitted; use a wide-angle lens for the full tumulus view.
Transfer to Cendere (Severan) Bridge
Short transfer from Karakush area to the Roman-era Cendere (Severan) Bridge near Burmapınar / Kahta.
Tips from local experts:
- The bridge is an outdoor site exposed to sun; keep a water bottle handy.
- Expect a brief walk from the parking/drop-off point to the viewing area.
- Listen to the guide for the historical context and best photo angles.
Cendere (Severan) Bridge — visit
Short guided stop at the Roman Severan Bridge to learn about its construction and historical significance.
Tips from local experts:
- Watch your step near the riverbank — surfaces can be uneven and slippery after rain.
- There are limited facilities at the site; use restrooms before leaving Kahta town if needed.
- If you want close-up photos, follow the guide’s safety guidance for permitted areas.
Lunch in Kahta (included)
Lunch stop in Kahta. The meal is included and arranged to fit the day's schedule.
Tips from local experts:
- Notify the guide of any food allergies or dietary restrictions before the meal service.
- Carry some small change if you need extra bottled water or snacks at the venue.
- Restrooms are usually available at the lunch venue — use them before the mountain transfer.
Transfer to Mount Nemrut parking area
Drive from Kahta to the Mount Nemrut access road / parking area. The vehicle will park at the base and the climb begins from here.
Tips from local experts:
- Road to Nemrut includes winding mountain sections; motion-sickness remedies are recommended if needed.
- Mobile reception is limited on the mountain; download maps or inform contacts before leaving.
- Keep your jacket handy — temperatures at the summit are cooler than in Kahta.
Mount Nemrut — climb and summit visit
Climb (about 35 minutes) from the parking area to the summit terraces, then guided exploration of the east and west terraces and the giant statues and mausoleum remains.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy walking shoes for the 35-minute climb and uneven summit terraces.
- Bring a warm layer and windbreaker — summit wind and temperatures can be significantly cooler.
- Carry your camera and allow extra time for photos on both the sunrise-facing and sunset-facing terraces.
Drive back to Şanlıurfa (return)
Return transfer to Şanlıurfa. Expect approximately 2 hours on the road back to the city; tour concludes with drop-off at your original pickup hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep any belongings you took to the summit together for a quick return to the vehicle.
- If you need medication or rest stops, inform the guide early so they can schedule brief stops en route.
- Estimated arrival in Şanlıurfa is late afternoon; check with the guide for exact hotel drop-off order.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Outdoor |
