Orshe - Waterfall - Orshe

Let me start by saying there is no designated path, let alone anything that looks like a path. I was glad a local guide from Yüksekova showed the way.

Especially at the start we went steep up on the mountain on narrow, rocky paths between low bushes with thorns. (Long pants will be your friend on this hike.)
Later the route becomes much better, but I found the decent to the waterfall very difficult: steep slope, rocky paths, thorn bushes here and there. Let’s just say I was glad to be at the bottom and thankful for getting there in one piece.

The route from the waterfall to the shepherds on the dirt road was by far the easiest piece. It MIGHT even be the best way to get TO the waterfall.

Tip 1: Try to hike from Orshe to the waterfall by just following the dirt road up the mountain. At the end is a place where shepherds live and from there follow this route (in opposite direction).

Tip 2: If you’re worried if you get through alive, I suggest you let yourself drop off on the road to Orshe from the point you start to really enjoy the view. Take a break at Orshe and than continue.

How to get there:
We took a taxi from Yüksekova to Orshe. Most taxi drivers should know where this is. We paid 1000 TL (now about €13) to be dropped off at Orshe and agreed a time to be picked up.
If you go by your own transport: exit the road to Hakkari at the sign to Köprücük/ Kadiköy. The sign is barely visible, however. In those villages you van ask for Orshe. They will know where it is.

About Orshe:
Orshe is an abandoned village which was originally inhabited by Armenians. The remains of several buildings can still be seen, including the former church (although it looks like a normal building). Although the village is not mentioned on Google Maps, you can still see on Google where this village is.