Visited March 2022. After Nan could not make it in January due to snow, I guessed end of March should be no problem. That was a massive misjudgement. I arrived on a sunny day from Diyarbakir. My hopes were high, as there was no snow until Karadut. From there the snow started, but was not significant and the road was cleared. Unfortunately the last 6km were not cleared. But after I came so close I was reluctant to give up and decided to walk the last part. There were four other tourists with the same stupid idea with a few minutes head start. I quickly past them, following the road. I was unprepared for the amount of snow I was about to cross. I brought only trekking shoes instead of my hiking boots and a light jacket.

The amount of snow alternated between 5cm and 1m. I followed the footsteps of one other crazy person, trying my best not to get my feet wet. At the end of the road I found what would be the parking lot and a visitor center sunk in the snow. From there, a shuttle bus normally runs closer to the mound. Not for me of course, so I kept walking. Reaching the final stop of the shuttle bus, the path to the mound started. Unfortunately I couldn’t see any of it besides the signs.

The climb up to the mound proofed to be the hardest part as there were tons of snow and climbing a steep snow covered hill is not that relaxing. Worse than the snow was the wind. Blowing little ice needles in my face and almost knocking me off my feet a few times. After what felt an eternity I reached the mound. The snow was so high, it covered most of the characteristic heads. Only one was clearly visible. I removed some more of the snow to make the face better visible.I didn’t spend too much time up there, as the wind started freezing my body and my feet were soaking wet. But filled with pride of my achievement the walk back was easier than expected. On the last 2 km I saw that they had started to clear the road. I found the workers further below, having lunch. They offered me some food, giving me a “local moment” at the end of my adventure.

It was a great hike and a crazy experience. Nevertheless I would not recommend to repeat that. I will surely revisit Nemrud Dag. But next time it will for sure be in August.