I always enjoy returning to this magnificent area of steppe, wetlands and mountains. The place is choked with bulbs and the role call of flora is topped by the six taxa of stunning Oncocyclus irises. Personal highlights are the irises, the bulb-feast on the rugged Karabet Pass with the amazing big goblets of Colchicum (Merendera) kurdicum, oceans of Puschkinia scilloides, singing Radde’s accentors and the views down to Bahcesaray. Throw in bluethroats at Guzeldere, the wonderful steppe flora throughout, the amazing orchid meadow at Ercek and the outstanding birdlife too. Chris Gardner
