History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Gümüşkanat Waterfall (locally known as Erkincik Waterfall) is one of the most magnificent water resources of Bitlis, known for its untouched virgin nature, cascading between the steep cliffs of the Mutki Mountains. Legends among the local people say that the water falling from the waterfall sparkles like a silver wing in the moonlight, and that this canyon was a sacred water stop for mountain gazelles and deers in ancient times. The ancient mill ruins located at the bottom of the canyon prove that the surrounding villages have been providing abundance from this clear stream for centuries. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The waterfall is located at an altitude of approximately 1,380 meters. The waterfall, which falls in two stages from steep basalt rock walls at a height of approximately 25-30 meters, creates a natural turquoise water pond at its base. Wild oak, walnut, plane trees and rich herbaceous mountain flora extend along the canyon valley. As the snow melts in spring, the water flow reaches its highest level and a dense water dust fog forms around it. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:It is a natural area completely open to the public and entrance is free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Daylight hours (08:00 - 18:00) should be preferred for safe valley walking.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Trekking shoes with non-slip soles are a must, as the last 200 meters of the trail down to the waterfall are rocky and damp; Not stroller or wheelchair accessible. You should not enter the water pond for swimming.•Facilities and Facilities:The area around the waterfall has the status of a natural protected area; There are no commercial facilities. Nature lovers are advised to bring water and food with them. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Gümüşkanat (Erkincik) Village Location, Mutki / Bitlis.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: Mutki is approximately 22 km away from the town centre. Most of the road is a stabilized village road; It is recommended to come with high-floor passenger cars or SUVs.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): There are village minibuses that go from Mutki district center to the village on certain days of the week; For private nature excursions, a car should be rented from Mutki.•Parking Availability:There are flat, open areas where vehicles can be parked at the village entrance and at the beginning of the path. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photo Spots and Frames:Wide angle shots covering the entire fall of the waterfall and the turquoise pool from the rock bench opposite the waterfall.•Light and Shooting Hours:The rainbow created by water droplets can be captured between 11:00 - 14:00, when the sun hits the valley vertically.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:On your return from Mutki, you should taste the famous Mutki walnut pastry and the white bean casserole cooked in Kavakbaşı pottery.