Muradiye and Erciş 2026: The Waterfall and Lake Van’s Fish Migration

عاشق الأناضول

عاشق الأناضول

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Muradiye Waterfall flowing over a rocky ledge, with the suspension bridge behind it.​

Muradiye and Erciş offer two excursions north of Lake Van: a waterfall transformed by the seasons and fish swimming upstream to breed. Water connects the two, but each has its own river, timing and way of observing the spectacle.

Muradiye Waterfall is on the Bendimahi, while the migration viewpoint described here is on the Deliçay in Erciş. Knowing the distinction matters when planning your route: visiting the waterfall does not mean you have reached the fish-watching site.

🌊 Muradiye and the Bendimahi Waterfall

The Tendürek mountain area feeds the Bendimahi River, which forms the waterfall in Muradiye district, roughly 80 kilometres from Van city. The water flowing between rocks and through the surrounding landscape creates a clear focal point for viewing and photography.

Look at the river and its setting before choosing a position that captures the movement of the water. Make this a short visit or a longer pause according to your itinerary and conditions at the site.

❄️ A Scene That Changes with the Seasons

Spring and summer bring greenery and flowing water; winter may produce striking ice formations. Photographs taken on different visits can therefore look very different, making the season part of choosing the experience you want.

Ice formations and the strength of the flow depend on actual conditions. Check the forecast before setting out and keep away from slippery surfaces and edges while viewing the falls.


🏘️ Erciş and the Migration Viewpoint

Erciş lies north-west of the lake on a plain associated with farming, livestock and fishing. Its services, food and markets connect an excursion into nature with the daily activities of local people.

The Deliçay area in Erciş is known for watching inci kefali swim against the current and leap over obstacles. Head directly to the intended viewpoint, allowing a separate stop in the town for a meal or a walk.

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An archive photograph of a gull catching a fish in the stream at Balık Bendi, Erciş.​

🐟 Why Do the Fish Enter the Rivers?

Inci kefali, commonly called pearl mullet, belongs to the carp family and is endemic to the Van basin. It is adapted to the lake's saline, alkaline water but moves into fresh water to reproduce. Shoals travel from the lake into the rivers and return after spawning.

This journey explains the leaps seen at obstacles: they are part of the fish's life cycle. Observe the direction of movement and the current as well as taking photographs, without trying to catch fish or interfere with their route.


🌱 The Season and Considerate Watching

The migration takes place in late spring and early summer, particularly May and June, with activity influenced by water temperature and seasonal conditions. Check whether fish are active before making them the focus of your trip; the usual season does not guarantee the same scene on every date.

Watch from designated areas and leave the migration route undisturbed. A quiet approach and a suitable lens make it easier to follow the movement and explain the relationship between lake, rivers and breeding to children travelling with you.

🧭 Combining the Two Stops

Choose either the waterfall or the migration as the focus of the day according to the season, adding the other if travelling time allows. The waterfall can be visited in several seasons, while fish-watching depends on the migration period.

Allow for travel, a meal and your return journey, and save each location on your phone. Outside migration season, devote more time to the waterfall and town.


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