8 hiking trips at cappadocia

surreal

Hiking around Cappadocia is a unique experience due to its offering of the most surreal scenery in the world.

1.PIGEON VALLEY 

We think starting from Goreme and making your way to Uchisar Castle is the best start. After viewing the castle, make your way to Pigeon Valley.  The route to the valley has high-sided cliffs and leads through a tunnel. At the end of the tunnel you can feast on wonderful views.

2.love VALLEY 

Once you’ve done your travelling through Pigeon Valley, the route follows the main road out of town before making your way through the Love Valley. The valley is named after the phallic-shaped rock formations.  The passage ends when you leave the valley and meet a paved road. Walk to Cavusin from here, it should take 15 minutes. 

3.Red valley

 This valley gets its name from the rose coloured rocks that vary in hue and intensity depending on the time of the day. The trail starts up the hill from Goreme Open-Air Museum on the opposite side of the road.  There are two passages you can take. One is a longer road with more to see whilst the other is shorter and direct. You can see beautiful rock churches. 

4.Rose valley

The passage through the Rose Valley is a very popular attraction of Cappadocia as it has rock churches, vineywards and a small café at Uzumlu Church. Also,  an excellent view is prominent during sunset near Cavusin.

5.zemi valley

The circling trail starts between the Open-Air Museum in Goreme and the Tourist Hotel. Make your way up the valley towards El Nazar Church via the road signs, then meet the fairy chimneys, cave systems and rock formations. This specific hike can be very busy at anytime of the day.

6.Sword valley

This hike can be a short ride. You can find two rock churches on the way that have been preserved. The trail starts opposite the Open-Air Museum in Goreme. Expect to see sword-like rocks hence it was named after.The passage through the Rose Valley is a very popular attraction of Cappadocia as it has rock churches, vineywards and a small café at Uzumlu Church. Also,  an excellent view is prominent during sunset near Cavusin.

7.zelve valley

This valley once housed the largest community in the region during the olden days. It has a wonderful cave town, honeycombed and dwellings and rock churches. From there, you can continue your journey and meet the Fair Chimneys at Monks Valley.

8.ihlara valley

This hiking session can be rural and rustic. Tourists mainly go as far as the stone-cut churches, as the rest of the trail is deserted. This valley is bright compared to the environment of Cappadocia due to the Melendiz River. The river runs through the valley reflecting its colour onto the habitat

TIPS

  • Bring plenty of water
  • Make sure you sunscreen with you
  • Wear a hat that cover your head and face
  • Bring a compass to navigate your way
  • Charge your phone before you embark on your journey