Surprising as it may seem, winter tourism is an option within your reach with Mandala Tours. It is no secret that summer is a very hot period in the Middle East and North Africa, which is the vast region in which Mandala Tours agencies operate. In fact, in many destinations these summer months are considered low season, except for sun and beach destinations. For this reason, many of our trips are organized in spring, autumn and winter: these are seasons with more pleasant temperatures for certain circuits, such as those through the desert.
However, winter tourism, that is, tourism associated with snow and cold, also has a place in our catalog of services. Here’s where you can enjoy pure white landscapes and ski-related activities.
Turkey, a magnificent winter destination
Turkey has it all. That is a phrase that may well sum up the tourism sector in this country. And this “everything” includes ski resorts of enormous quality and beauty. The following are some of them:
- Sarikamysh: located in the province of Kars, near the border with Armenia, it is said to offer the best quality snow in the country.
- Uludag Bursa: probably one of the most popular ski resorts and therefore one of the best equipped in terms of infrastructure.
- Kartalkaya Bolu: in the Köroğlu Mountains, it is relatively close to Istanbul (about 300 km) and Ankara (less than 200 km).
- Palandoken Erzurum: located in the east of the country and one of the largest stations in the country
- Mount Erciyes: in the province of the same name, this is a ski resort about an hour from Cappadocia, which makes it easy to include in a travel program.
In addition to these ski resorts, mountaineering enthusiasts will find great challenges in this country. In particular, the ascent of Mount Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey, at 5,137 meters above sea level. From above, Armenia and Iran are on the horizon, it offers an extra attraction from a religious point of view: it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark.
Morocco and the attractiveness of the Atlas
The Atlas Mountains are one of Morocco’s most powerful natural attractions. And our circuits often pass through its valleys and passes, on our routes to and from the desert.
But these mountains are not only a place of passage, but also a destination in itself, especially for nature lovers. Its wettest sector is the Middle Atlas, where the country’s main ski resort, Oukaimeden, is also located. It is a modest resort compared to those in Turkey and other colder countries, with only 17 skiable slopes, of which only two are black. However, this point and its surroundings are an interesting option for winter tourism in the country, especially in villages reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, such as Ifrane.
The High Atlas, on the other hand, offers higher peaks and, therefore, snowy landscapes in winter, but no ski slopes. For mountaineers, the great challenge is the ascent of Jbel Toubkal, the country’s ceiling, at 4,167 meters above sea level.
As you can see, although the other countries in which we operate (Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Dubai) do not offer these winter and snow tourism possibilities, you can contact us to organize an amazing experience for your cold season vacation.
