Birdwatching
The Kuyucuk Lake, with a richness of bird species and other biological diversity, is both an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). 207 different species of birds have been recorded during our research at the lake. The lake welcomes thousands of birds during spring and fall migration or for breeding. Especially importants are Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) that pass through in large numbers (up to 20,000), globally endangered White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala) that breed at the lake during spring and summer, and globally endangered Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) that visit the lake in the spring. The lake hosts up to 12 % of the world population of Ruddy shelducks (Tadorna ferruginea). Besides, interesting mammals, reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies and butterflies reside around the lake.

Nature and Wildlife Photography

At Kuyucuk Lake and its surroundings, there are many opportunities for photographers. The lake is especially pretty during early morning and evening hours. 165 bird species are at the top of the list "to be photographed" for nature photographers. During scientific ringing (banding) activities, the photographers get the chance to take close-up photos of the bird species that are being ringed.

In spring time, the fields around the lake, full of wild flowers and colourful butterflies, are one of the surprises waiting for the Kuyucuk visitors. On the other hand, wolves and foxes around the lake attract photographers during winter time. The village itself, the mosque, the school and old Molokan houses* are ideal to photograph, too. It is also possible to photograph the Kars-Akyaka train passing by the south side of the lake. Cultural activities are plenty during spring and summer; planting, harvest, grazing, grass cutting, milking are some of the traditional activities that present attractive compositions of human, nature and animals for photography.

Village Tour

The village is centered around a main street lying on a north-south axis. The residences of villagers are on either side. The plan of the village is a heritage from the previous habitants, Molokans* who used to live at Kuyucuk between 1848-1920.  The mosque and the school are respectively derived from the Molokan church and the school of 1909. It is possible to take pictures in the mosque with the permission of the "imam" (religious leader) of the village. You can even climb 89 steps up to the top of the minaret for an excellent view of the village and the lake. The school is still active in its 100th year. There are 60 students ranging from 7-12 years old. There is also a village clinic at the village entrance.

The old Molokan houses can be visited and photographed with the permission of the inhabitants. Milking and cheese production activities of dairy farmers can be viewed closely as well. There is a coffee house at the village. However, you will find the villagers sitting outside, available to chat, when the weather is warm.

Trekking

A circumnavigation of the lake makes for very nice hiking. It takes 1,5 - 2 hours with a normal tempo of hiking to make a tour around the lake. It is a plain and flat course which is not challenging. The trekking path to another lake can be a nice alternative. If you keep walking southeast from the southern end of the lake, you can reach to the Mişko lake after leaving behind Kars-Akyaka railway. In the scope of  Kars Kuyucuk Lake Eco-tourism Project, the routes, paths and trekking courses are being examined, mapped and sign posted for the sake of health, security and protection of wildlife.  

*Molokan:The word in Russian means "milk drinker" According to Orthodox faith milk and milk products can be consumed on certain days of the week but not everyday. But, Molokans broke the rule, and they used to consume anytime; so they got their name. They were peaceful people, and against any kind of violence; they refused to join the army of the Czarist Russia. After 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russia War, Kars-Ardahan region was occupied and ruled by Czarist Russia for 42 years. Meanwhile, Muslim residents of Kuyucuk were pushed to move to inland Anatolia and Amasya. Molokans were settled in the village. They stayed until 1920, when, with the Kars Agreement, the region was taken over by the Turkish Republic, the Molokans were sent back to Russia, and they spread around the world. Activities such as milk production and milling, the village architecture and plan are the heritage of Molokans. They are still remembered and respected by Kars people for their industrious and peaceful nature.