Valleys and Trekking routes

Route Cappadocia
Route Cappadocia
Valleys and Trekking routes

Valleys

The valley starts just north of Uçhisar town and ends near the village of Çavuşin Along its 5 kilometre length the natural geology and flora of the region can be observed. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. Breaks can be taken at Çavuşin, Göreme and Avanos. As a starting point, the route Uçhisar - Göreme - Çavuşin can be selected and the walk can be undertaken in bidirectional ways.
Bağlıdere Vadisi - Aşk Vadisi - Love Valley
The valley starts just north of Uçhisar town and ends near the village of Çavuşin Along its 5 kilometre length the natural geology and flora of the region can be observed. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. Breaks can be taken at Çavuşin, Göreme and Avanos. As a starting point, the route Uçhisar - Göreme - Çavuşin can be selected and the walk can be undertaken in bidirectional ways.
Güvercinlik (Dovecote) Valley starts with Uçhisar in the west, and ends Göreme. The route, approximately 4 kilometres long, provides an insight into the natural geology and flora of the region for visitors. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. Humans used pigeon droppings as fertiliser in their vineyards and orchards and to obtain a steady supply they dug dovecotes into the rocks around the earliest settlements in Uchisar. The valley, with its rock hewn dwellings and fairy chimneys in various colourful combinations, leads which is a suitable you spot to Göreme, for a break as it has several cafés and restaurants. If you prefer, you can take a climb to Aydınkırağ to observe the various rock formations as well as to enjoy the panoramic view of Mount Erciyes. The route follows the Love Valley (Görkündere), El Nazar Church and Kılıçlar Valley, and ends at the Göreme Open Air Museum. Start points can be either Uchisar or Göreme and the route can be followed in both directions.
15 habitants recommandent
Vallée des Pigeons
No:50 Adnan Menderes Cd.
15 habitants recommandent
Güvercinlik (Dovecote) Valley starts with Uçhisar in the west, and ends Göreme. The route, approximately 4 kilometres long, provides an insight into the natural geology and flora of the region for visitors. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. Humans used pigeon droppings as fertiliser in their vineyards and orchards and to obtain a steady supply they dug dovecotes into the rocks around the earliest settlements in Uchisar. The valley, with its rock hewn dwellings and fairy chimneys in various colourful combinations, leads which is a suitable you spot to Göreme, for a break as it has several cafés and restaurants. If you prefer, you can take a climb to Aydınkırağ to observe the various rock formations as well as to enjoy the panoramic view of Mount Erciyes. The route follows the Love Valley (Görkündere), El Nazar Church and Kılıçlar Valley, and ends at the Göreme Open Air Museum. Start points can be either Uchisar or Göreme and the route can be followed in both directions.
The valley starts at the lower slopes of Mount Kermil along the road between Nevşehir and Ürgüp. Through Görkündere it reaches Göreme or the Göreme Open Air Museum and is the most unspoilt valley in the region and is approximately 6 kilometres long. There are rock churches (Sarnıç, Karabulut and El Nazar) along the route, which provide good examples of the geology and flora of the region. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. A break can be taken at Göreme.
Zemi vadisi
The valley starts at the lower slopes of Mount Kermil along the road between Nevşehir and Ürgüp. Through Görkündere it reaches Göreme or the Göreme Open Air Museum and is the most unspoilt valley in the region and is approximately 6 kilometres long. There are rock churches (Sarnıç, Karabulut and El Nazar) along the route, which provide good examples of the geology and flora of the region. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. A break can be taken at Göreme.
This route along the stream starts at İbrahim Paşa village and ends in either Ortahisar or the Pancarlık Valley, so you can choose either 4 or 8 kilometres routes. There are rock churches along the route, which provide good examples of the geology and flora of the region. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car.
Balkan Deresi
This route along the stream starts at İbrahim Paşa village and ends in either Ortahisar or the Pancarlık Valley, so you can choose either 4 or 8 kilometres routes. There are rock churches along the route, which provide good examples of the geology and flora of the region. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car.
It is approximately 4 kilometres long and is an interesting valley reached from the Zindanönü locality. There are many chapels on the route, which also takes you to Çavuşin. A rest break can be taken here and a short visit to the Çavuşin ruins and Çavuşin Church can also be made. The route can be started at either end.
Meskendir Vadisi
It is approximately 4 kilometres long and is an interesting valley reached from the Zindanönü locality. There are many chapels on the route, which also takes you to Çavuşin. A rest break can be taken here and a short visit to the Çavuşin ruins and Çavuşin Church can also be made. The route can be started at either end.
The valleys start in the Gün Batımı (Sunset) locality of Ortahisar town and end in Çavuşin. The routes are either 4 or 6 kilometres long and the valley provide the best views of the landscape, geology and flora of the region as well as rock churches. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. At sunset the colours are splendid and either of the valley can be chosen to view this. If you choose Kızılçukur, the Üzümlü Church is arrived at first and then you proceed to Çavuşin. If you choose Güllüdere always take the right hand path. At the Sütunlu Church the road forks. On the Güllüdere 1 route you can find the Haçlı (Cross) Church, and on the Güllüdere 2 route the Ayvalı (Quince) Church and the Üç Haçlı (Three Cross) Church can be visited before you reach Çavuşin. After a break at Çavuşin, the Çavuşin ruins and Nikoforus Foras (Çavuşin Church) can be visited. The start point can be Çavuşin, Ortahisar and Göreme, and the route can be followed in both directions.
9 habitants recommandent
Vallée de Kizilcukur
9 habitants recommandent
The valleys start in the Gün Batımı (Sunset) locality of Ortahisar town and end in Çavuşin. The routes are either 4 or 6 kilometres long and the valley provide the best views of the landscape, geology and flora of the region as well as rock churches. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. At sunset the colours are splendid and either of the valley can be chosen to view this. If you choose Kızılçukur, the Üzümlü Church is arrived at first and then you proceed to Çavuşin. If you choose Güllüdere always take the right hand path. At the Sütunlu Church the road forks. On the Güllüdere 1 route you can find the Haçlı (Cross) Church, and on the Güllüdere 2 route the Ayvalı (Quince) Church and the Üç Haçlı (Three Cross) Church can be visited before you reach Çavuşin. After a break at Çavuşin, the Çavuşin ruins and Nikoforus Foras (Çavuşin Church) can be visited. The start point can be Çavuşin, Ortahisar and Göreme, and the route can be followed in both directions.
The Mustafapaşa route starts in the area called Gomeda near Ayvalı village, and ends in nearby Ürgüp. Its length is almost 7 kilometres. The valleys provide good views of the landscape, the geology and flora of the region as well as rock churches. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. After visiting Mustafapaşa the dirt road splits from the Ayvalı road at the public fountain. The road leads to the Gomeda Valley. St Basil Church in the valley is the first stop and then the route follows the stream. The valley is very quiet and your walk with nature is accompanied by birdsong. There are ample opportunities to see numerous rock hewn dovecotes. The route continues through the Özengi (Stirrup) Valley where you can find several chapels. The Özengi Spring is a suitable spot for a break and a picnic. The route then reaches Kepez Church and Pancarlık Monastery. At the end of the walk you can return to Ürgüp or Ortahisar
7 habitants recommandent
Gomeda Vadisi
7 habitants recommandent
The Mustafapaşa route starts in the area called Gomeda near Ayvalı village, and ends in nearby Ürgüp. Its length is almost 7 kilometres. The valleys provide good views of the landscape, the geology and flora of the region as well as rock churches. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. After visiting Mustafapaşa the dirt road splits from the Ayvalı road at the public fountain. The road leads to the Gomeda Valley. St Basil Church in the valley is the first stop and then the route follows the stream. The valley is very quiet and your walk with nature is accompanied by birdsong. There are ample opportunities to see numerous rock hewn dovecotes. The route continues through the Özengi (Stirrup) Valley where you can find several chapels. The Özengi Spring is a suitable spot for a break and a picnic. The route then reaches Kepez Church and Pancarlık Monastery. At the end of the walk you can return to Ürgüp or Ortahisar
The route starts from Çat town and reaches the Firinasma Valley, or can be followed from the opposite direciton. If you prefer, you can take a U-shaped route, which brings you to the Açıksaray ruins. Depending on your choice it is either a 4 or 7 kilometre route. The valley provides a good view of the geology and flora of the region. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. The valley is decorated with numerous dovecotes and it is one of the most picturesque valleys in the region. If you book in advance you can be invited to one of the villager's homes to sample the local food. You can also visit the Açıksaray ruins to see the strange geological formations as well as the mushroom-shaped rocks. At the end of the route you can continue in the direction of Gülşehir to visit the St Jean (Karşı) Church and the Gülşehir Karavezir (Black Vizier) Mosque.
Çat Vadisi
Nevşehir Caddesi
The route starts from Çat town and reaches the Firinasma Valley, or can be followed from the opposite direciton. If you prefer, you can take a U-shaped route, which brings you to the Açıksaray ruins. Depending on your choice it is either a 4 or 7 kilometre route. The valley provides a good view of the geology and flora of the region. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both entrances of the valley by car. The valley is decorated with numerous dovecotes and it is one of the most picturesque valleys in the region. If you book in advance you can be invited to one of the villager's homes to sample the local food. You can also visit the Açıksaray ruins to see the strange geological formations as well as the mushroom-shaped rocks. At the end of the route you can continue in the direction of Gülşehir to visit the St Jean (Karşı) Church and the Gülşehir Karavezir (Black Vizier) Mosque.
The ruins are about 3 kilometres from Gülşehir. Several spaces and churches hewn into the tuff rocks form these important ruins. They were hewn between the 9th and the 10th centuries. There is a mushroom-shaped fairy chimney that cannot be found anywhere else in Cappadocia.
Açık Saray Müzesi
The ruins are about 3 kilometres from Gülşehir. Several spaces and churches hewn into the tuff rocks form these important ruins. They were hewn between the 9th and the 10th centuries. There is a mushroom-shaped fairy chimney that cannot be found anywhere else in Cappadocia.
St. Jean Church The church, famous for its splendid frescoes and two-level structure, is in the centre of Gülşehir town. On the lower level are wine stores, water channels and tombs, and on the upper level there is an area for worship. The life of Jesus and other biblical scenes are depicted on friezes. Yellow and ochre colours over a black background are used abundantly. The depiction of the Last Judgement on the church's frescoes is quite rare in the Cappadocia region, and visitors find it very impressive.
St. Jean Church
no 38 Necip Fazıl Cad
St. Jean Church The church, famous for its splendid frescoes and two-level structure, is in the centre of Gülşehir town. On the lower level are wine stores, water channels and tombs, and on the upper level there is an area for worship. The life of Jesus and other biblical scenes are depicted on friezes. Yellow and ochre colours over a black background are used abundantly. The depiction of the Last Judgement on the church's frescoes is quite rare in the Cappadocia region, and visitors find it very impressive.
Soğanlı Valley The Soğanlı Valley may be entered from the road between Ürgüp and Mustafapaşa, and leads to Soğanlı village through marvellous rock formation The Karabaş Church, Church of Virgin Mary, and Kubbeli (Dome) Church, which has a unique structure, are situated in the village square and aft visiting them the route takes you to old Soğanlı village. There are many churches and chapels in the village; Tahtalı (St. Barbara) Church is one of them. After visiting the church the route brings you back to the village again. The famous Soğanlı rug dolls, hand crafted by the village women, may purchased at one of the stands, and there are cosy be restaurants providing local foods. This route requires transport by vehicle. To reach th Soğanlı Valley take the road between Kayseri, Nigde and Nevşehir.
6 habitants recommandent
Soğanlı Ören Yeri
Soğanlı Köyü Yolu
6 habitants recommandent
Soğanlı Valley The Soğanlı Valley may be entered from the road between Ürgüp and Mustafapaşa, and leads to Soğanlı village through marvellous rock formation The Karabaş Church, Church of Virgin Mary, and Kubbeli (Dome) Church, which has a unique structure, are situated in the village square and aft visiting them the route takes you to old Soğanlı village. There are many churches and chapels in the village; Tahtalı (St. Barbara) Church is one of them. After visiting the church the route brings you back to the village again. The famous Soğanlı rug dolls, hand crafted by the village women, may purchased at one of the stands, and there are cosy be restaurants providing local foods. This route requires transport by vehicle. To reach th Soğanlı Valley take the road between Kayseri, Nigde and Nevşehir.
Ihlara Valley After arriving in Ihlara town by motor transport, you reach the 14 kilometre-long valley by climbing approximately 400 steps from the entrance of the museum. The route then proceeds downstream. The very steep sides of the valley have many churches and chapels. Kokar (Smelly) Church, Ağaçaltı (Under tree) Church, Yılanlı (Snake) Church, Sümbüllü (Hyacinth) Church, Direkli (Pillar) Church and Ala (Red) Church are the principal ones. The valley has rich fauna and flora. For a rest break generally the restaurants in Belisirma are preferred. After lunch the walk continues to the end of the valley where worth-seeing Yaprakhisar and Selimiye villages are located. On the return leg you can make a stop at the crater lake and, if it is the season, you can enjoy a swim there.
20 habitants recommandent
Vallée d'Ihlara
20 habitants recommandent
Ihlara Valley After arriving in Ihlara town by motor transport, you reach the 14 kilometre-long valley by climbing approximately 400 steps from the entrance of the museum. The route then proceeds downstream. The very steep sides of the valley have many churches and chapels. Kokar (Smelly) Church, Ağaçaltı (Under tree) Church, Yılanlı (Snake) Church, Sümbüllü (Hyacinth) Church, Direkli (Pillar) Church and Ala (Red) Church are the principal ones. The valley has rich fauna and flora. For a rest break generally the restaurants in Belisirma are preferred. After lunch the walk continues to the end of the valley where worth-seeing Yaprakhisar and Selimiye villages are located. On the return leg you can make a stop at the crater lake and, if it is the season, you can enjoy a swim there.

Alternative longer trekking routes:

Hodul Mountain (1,950 m) The route starts at Yeşilöz village in Ürgüp and ends at the ancient city of Sobesos near Şahinefendi. It is approximately 10 to 12 kilometres long. The highlights of the trek are the tumuli, Sobesos and a panoramic view of the Erciyes Mountain. The route provides glimpses of the nature, geology and flora of the region. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both ends of the route by vehicle.
Mount Hodul
Hodul Mountain (1,950 m) The route starts at Yeşilöz village in Ürgüp and ends at the ancient city of Sobesos near Şahinefendi. It is approximately 10 to 12 kilometres long. The highlights of the trek are the tumuli, Sobesos and a panoramic view of the Erciyes Mountain. The route provides glimpses of the nature, geology and flora of the region. There are opportunities to cross to the other valleys and you can reach both ends of the route by vehicle.
Hırka Mountain (1,700 m) The route starts from Hırkatepesidelik village in Hacıbektaş, and ends at Eski Yaylacık village in Gülşehir. Its length is approximately 10 kilometres and it provides a unique panorama of Kızılırmak (the ancient Halys River) in its natural splendour. You can reach both ends of the route by car.
Mount Hirka
Hırka Mountain (1,700 m) The route starts from Hırkatepesidelik village in Hacıbektaş, and ends at Eski Yaylacık village in Gülşehir. Its length is approximately 10 kilometres and it provides a unique panorama of Kızılırmak (the ancient Halys River) in its natural splendour. You can reach both ends of the route by car.
Ascent to Hasandağı and Erciyes Mountains These two great volcanoes have had a huge impact on the geographical structure of Cappadocia. Hasandağı is 3,267 metres and Erciyes is 3,912 metres high. Both summits can be climbed in two days with an overnight bivouac. Depending on the season ice axes and crampons may be needed for the ascent.
Hasandağı
Ascent to Hasandağı and Erciyes Mountains These two great volcanoes have had a huge impact on the geographical structure of Cappadocia. Hasandağı is 3,267 metres and Erciyes is 3,912 metres high. Both summits can be climbed in two days with an overnight bivouac. Depending on the season ice axes and crampons may be needed for the ascent.
Aladağ Mountains The Aladağ Mountains are situated in the triangle formed by Niğde, Kayseri and Adana provinces, and are renowned for high, difficult to climb summits. Nevertheless, climbing to these summits is possible. Traversing from one summit to others over the mountain passes is possible; however, overnight bivouac is necessary. You can also camp valleys and take daily hikes. in one of the (The bike to the summit takes almost 5 hours and the difference in altitude is approximately 50 metres. The descent is also approximately 50 metres.)
Aladaglar National Park
Aladağ Mountains The Aladağ Mountains are situated in the triangle formed by Niğde, Kayseri and Adana provinces, and are renowned for high, difficult to climb summits. Nevertheless, climbing to these summits is possible. Traversing from one summit to others over the mountain passes is possible; however, overnight bivouac is necessary. You can also camp valleys and take daily hikes. in one of the (The bike to the summit takes almost 5 hours and the difference in altitude is approximately 50 metres. The descent is also approximately 50 metres.)