Hiking the Goreme Valley in Cappadocia, Turkey
We recently posted a photo essay from our remarkable journey through the other-worldly, majestic rock formations of the Goreme Valley. There is good reason that Cappadocia is a top contender for Natural Wonder of the World. Ancient cave villages are literally carved into the peculiar fairy chimneys, like something out of a Flintstone’s cartoon.
Here’s a short video to give you an even better visual of how remarkable this region is.
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About the Video
The footage was taken from multiple locations. We had a driver, the young hotel manager from our cave hotel in Goreme, take us to several locations throughout the day. The first part of the video was taken from the viewpoint at Uchisar Castle, followed by a hike around “Love Valley”, then a hike around Zelve Valley near Çavuşin, then Ortahisar Castle in the town of Ortahisar, finished with sunset views over the pink valley.
We also published a video from our spectacular Hot Air Balloon trip over Cappadocia.
Travel Tips for Cappadocia
The Goreme Valley is quite large, connected by several towns. In order to see all of the valley’s popular rock formations, fairy chimneys and breathtaking viewpoints, you will need a vehicle. If you have an international driver’s license, renting a car is quite simple and relatively inexpensive. If you’re riding solo, it may make more sense to join a tour group or organize a private guide at your hotel.
The Goreme Valley is a hiker’s paradise, with hundreds of trails suitable for all levels. Most of the trails are marked and visible, so it is not necessary to hire guide if you’re confident in your skills and fitness level. You can find maps and hiking trails at most travel agencies or hotels. For those looking for a more organized hike with a guide that shares history and information about the unusual environment, small group tours are easily organized in Goreme city or by your hotel.
Keep in mind, temperatures will rise and fall dramatically throughout the day so pack accordingly. The terrain can also be challenging and slippery in some sections, so wear proper hiking shoes or boots.
Our final tip, bring lots of memory cards for your camera; with scenery like that, you’ll surely need it!
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Have you witness the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia? What did you think?
Share you story in the comments section below
Unfortunately, when we were there a few years ago, it was in my pre-digital days and I’ve lost all my photos! 🙁
Videos like this make us want to go back there sooo much. The sunset from Ortahisar is just amazing isn’t it?
Julia
Absolutely – one of my favourite moments from Cappadocia!
Too bad you lost your photos, I think we both know that means you must return 😉
Wow, I’ve never heard of this place before. The landscape is breathtaking and kinda phallic at times 🙂
Pretty awesome isn’t it?
I would like to know how these formations came about? Wind or water erosion? What kind of rocks are these? Limestone? Is there water running through here? Thanks. Joe
Hello Joe – I think its a combo of them all. No water running through there right now (very limited anyways) but I was told that there used to be.
There was a massive volcano explosion many, many years ago that formed the land. Wind and water erosion has chipped away at it. What was interesting is that you can actually see more of these fairy chimneys being molded out of the cliffs right now. In a couple hundred years they should be ready! 😉
Excellent stuff. I shall be there myself in a mere three months thanks to an awesome Lufthansa autumn sale. . Having been there, what should I do/not bother with? Renting a car sounds like my sort of idea, for sure.
Where did you stay? Have a hotel/guide you particularly recommend?