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Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Jeremy Seal

Cappadocia’s signature walk is a fairly easy (barring one scramble section) 4km stroll through fantastical, magical landscapes.

Starting in either Goreme or Uchisar, the path takes you into a wooded chasm with natural arches and tunnels, and leads past rock-carved pigeon cotes, idyllic orchards and vegetable plots.

Poor signposting and that scramble section make the walk unsuitable for the elderly or young, but for the fit and able it’s a must.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-2 hours

Getting there & doing it

The head of the valley (the starting point) is signposted all along the road into Uchisar; a network of paths leads down to it. For a harder walk, heading uphill from Goreme, follow the road past the Ataman Hotel.

The walk may be done alone, but it’s advisable to walk in company – the route is occasionally unclear and one section is a scramble. Helpful locals at the cafés above Pigeon Valley can advise or even double as guides.

Food stops in the valley are only occasionally operative, even in high season, so it’s better to eat before or after in Goreme or Uchisar. Take plenty of water with you.

When to do it

Avoid the middle of the day, especially in summer, when the lack of shade can make it very hot in the valley. Also avoid the route after rain, which can fall between October and April, making for slippery going and even causing streams to breach their banks.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Full-day Tour of Cappadocia with Air from Istanbul

Istanbul

Full-day Tour of Cappadocia with Air from Istanbul
See some of the best of southern Cappadocia on this full-day tour from Istanbul, including round-trip transfers, flight. Explore this strange-but-beautiful UNESCO-listed region with its ‘fairy chimney’ rock pillars, cave villages and subterranean cities. Walk through stunning Dervent Valley; Pasabag into Ozkonak Underground City; see the abandoned village of Ortahisar & Rock formed Castle. Before leaving the area enjoy Pottery Workshop Enjoy in-depth attention from your guide on this small-group tour limited to 20 people.

Price: $475

Min age: 0

Rating 4.19 / 5 [92 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Exclusive Ski Tour in Cappadocia

Goreme

Exclusive Ski Tour in Cappadocia
In our Erciyes (Argaeus) Mountain Ski Tour from Cappadocia, we first pick you up from the hotel or Kayseri transport and set out for Erciyes. We see the local people in the region from small villages and towns. After arriving at Volkan, we will go to get up equipment such as ski equipment. You will learn to ski under the guidance of one of the ski instructors, ans we will start to enjoy in snow. - Guidance - Helmet - Ski goggles - Coats - Trousers - Board-Skis - Cable Car (one time)

Price: €200

Min age: 2

Rating 4.4 / 5 [15 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cappadocia

Central Anatolia, Turkey

A snowy mountain in the flow of the sun.

Surreal shaped landscapes rich in troglodytic ruins, walking trails and delightful cave hotels in the ancient heart of Anatolia.

Round-ups

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Round-ups that include this experience

China travel at Great Wall. Tourist in Asia walking on famous Chinese tourist destination and attraction in Badaling north of Beijing. Woman traveler hiking great wall enjoying her summer vacation.

From traversing sand dunes, to walking on glaciers, through canyons, up mountains and along ancient city walls, here’s our round-up of the world’s best walks. Each walk can be tackled in a day or less with a moderate level of fitness and no technical ability.