As freezing temperatures grip eastern Turkey, local breeders in Budakli near Güroymak are turning to the region’s thermal baths to care for their animals. Guided into naturally heated pools, the herds soak in warm water that helps remove barn dirt, ease physical strain, and safeguard dairy production during the harsh winter months.
A Routine of Care
Every ten days, breeders walk their animals several kilometers through snow to reach the springs, often spending hours guiding them along the route. The sight of steam rising around dark silhouettes has become a striking winter scene, drawing photographers to the valley below the Nemrut volcano. Locals say the practice calms the animals, aids healing of minor wounds, and transforms the springs into a kind of open-air spa.
Geothermal Source
The Budakli Thermal Springs are fed by geothermal energy from the Nemrut volcano. Rainwater seeps deep underground, warming as it passes through fractured volcanic rock before resurfacing naturally at close to 40°C. This unique natural process sustains a tradition that blends practical animal care with the dramatic landscape of eastern Anatolia.
