Van Lake

Van Lake is a large, high-altitude saltwater lake located in eastern Turkey. It’s unique because it’s one of the largest endorheic lakes (meaning it has no outlet), and it contains a significant amount of salt, making parts of it inhospitable for most aquatic life. The lake’s eastern portion is covered by a salty, mineral-rich surface called the "Salty Desert," while the western part supports some freshwater fish, like the endemic Van fish. Surrounded by mountains and rich in history, Van Lake plays an important ecological and cultural role in the region.