A warm walk on ice

A snow white empire in the Lake Çıldır in the eastern province of Kars, where the temperature can hit -20 or -40 centigrade, welcomes us. The lake is completely frozen and stands on a dreamlike geography. Even though the lake freezes in the "empire of ice," life goes on under and above the water surface with all its colors. 

Daily Hürriyet's Ankara journalists, who are familiar with working against the frost of the capital's steppe and waiting for a photo or for a few words for long hours, are the guests of Lake Çıldır tonight. Everyone left Ankara's busy agenda behind for a few days and started discussions on eating fish for dinner. 

Meanwhile, the main reason why we came to Lake Çıldır is an unexplained excitement in everyone's heart. 

Let's start from the very beginning of this adventure. Following a nearly one-and-half-hour flight from Ankara with the Medyatrek team, we arrive at Kars Airport. We are welcomed by Mukadder Yardımcıel, who will not leave us during our travel. 

After having breakfast in the city center at a table decorated with the city's famous cheese, we set off on the first stop, Gülyüzü village. When we arrive, the excited villagers, as well as children, welcome us. We give them aid materials that we brought with us, and later start our difficult travel. 

Everyone is ensuring their tools are working before starting an eight-kilometer travel in the endless "white desert." 

The team is thrilled to make their first of such a trek with such a crowded team that will pass through the Lake Çıldır for the first time by walking. We complete half of the road, although team members show signs of fatigue, we continue walking with short breaks. 

If you want to pass the Lake Çıldır by walking on 40...

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