Elbistan Go Kart

In Elbistan, on the upland plain in the north of the province of Kahramanmaraş, this open-air circuit offers karting in a highland town where leisure of this kind remains rare. The outdoor layout is driven in the open air once the warm weather arrives, and the activity is open to all, with no licence or prior experience. People come as a family or with friends for a few timed laps, in a relaxed and friendly mood.

Karting here is above all about fun and friendly rivalry: a briefing, the safety gear, and everyone heads off to find their best time on the track. The short format suits accompanied children as much as adults out to challenge each other. As is often the case outdoors and at altitude, opening times vary with the season, and it is best to check before coming, as winter is harsh on these high plateaus. People rarely leave after a single run.

Elbistan spreads across a wide farming plain watered by the headwaters of the Ceyhan, at the heart of a region of livestock and cereal growing. The surroundings keep traces of an ancient past, such as the site of Karahöyük, occupied as far back as Hittite times, a witness to Anatolia's long history. The town, ringed by mountains, has a marked continental climate and broad open landscapes. It is linked by road to Kahramanmaraş and to Malatya, which makes it a handy stop for anyone crossing this part of eastern Anatolia between halts.