Çatak Norduz Stream Valley

The Norduz River flows through the middle of this valley, which stretches northeast of Çatak (Şax) district in Van province, and also through the center of Çatak district. The fertile lands, irrigated by the rushing waters of the Norduz River, produce fruits such as wild garlic, walnuts, apples, plums, pears, watermelons, melons, and peaches. The mountains and the Norduz River are home to wolves, bears, wild boars, otters, trout, carp, rabbits, and squirrels. The villages of Alacayar (Bexo) and Bilgi (Kakan) are located within the valley. Numerous hamlets (Akrus, Kirminis, Papan, Kasrik, Baltacı, Karakavak, Arikan, Mırofxar) are also scattered throughout the valley, connected to these villages.

The hamlet of Kasrik is now completely ruined. It was formerly used as a fortress by the Osman Begi tribe. Today, the remains of the fortress, the village fountain, the village cemetery, and the foundations of houses are still standing. The fortress was built on the banks of the Norduz River, overlooking the road.

The valley contains so many walnut trees that dozens of truckloads of walnuts are harvested from each hamlet. Considering the thickness of the tree trunks, they appear to be hundreds of years old. The valley includes plateaus known as Tako, Vergis, and Gulik. The highest point in the valley is known as the summit of Mount Borsinç.

It is possible to find traces of churches in the villages and hamlets, and it is known that a large number of Armenians once lived in this valley.

The valley is home to dozens of freshwater springs and waterfalls of varying sizes. Villagers raise trout in these waters.

This valley is an unparalleled beauty for hiking, exploring wildlife, eating walnuts, and cooling off in the Norduz stream.