Kayalıdere located within the boundaries of the town of Varto in the province of Muş, and situated on the eastern bank of the Murat River, 14 km southeast of the district. The area is a gateway to the Muş Plain from the north.

The scientific studies in Kayalıdere started in 1965 by Seton Llyod and Charles Burney with the support of the British Archaeological Institute.

The settlement extends on a natural hill on the northwest-southeast axis, approximately 70-80 m above the plain level.

The citadel area has been evaluated in two parts, defined as down and up. Excavations were continued in the upper citadel and a columned hall, temple complex and storage rooms were uncovered.

The temple, located at the summit in the upper citadel, is similar to the temples of the royal city in terms of its plan and features. The temple has a square plan and its corners are rizalitic. The exterior measures 12.50x12.50 m and the cella section measures 5x5 m. The entrance looks to the northeast and this section has a stone paved courtyard.

Pithos depot rooms were identified in the north east of citadel. In one of the halls, there were 25 pithos with the hieroglyphic signs on the scales. Since the excavations in this area could not be completed, the spread of the warehouse areas could not be determined. Stone-based square and rectangular structures were also uncovered around the same area.

There is a rock tomb on the southern end of the upper citadel. 6 rooms of the rock tomb were uncovered here during the excavations has been made. The door openings show that there is a tomb with at least 8 rooms. From this point of view, Kayalıdere Rock Tomb is the only example among Urartian rock tombs.