HIKE Tour: Fairy Chimneys Pasabag & Red Valley (Cappadocia) – Full Day

“The view is grandiose; the chimneys change shape and rocks change colour throughout the hike.” — SeaSaltSand, London (UK)

This Cappadocia day hike is a moderate 5-hour walk through some of the region’s most incredible sights. Get up close and personal to the heart of the land, an ancient landscape so surreal you could well be walking on the moon...

We will start our hike at Kizilçukur. The red soil and stone of the magical rock formations are made even more stunning by the sun, giving it the name ‘Red Valley.’ As we walk, we will see more of Cappadocia’s natural landscapes, and will take time to explore its historical settlements, cave-dwellings, and frescoed churches.

The next stop is Cavusin Village, an old Greek town and one of the first Christian settlements in the area. The 5th-century Church of St John the Baptist is the landmark to see here, before we tuck into our picnic lunch.

We will then continue to Pasabag to see the region’s most famous fairy chimney. Also called ‘Monks’ Valley,’ medieval hermits of the 5th century lived in seclusion inside these stunning mushroom-shaped rock pillars.

It’s back on the road for one last stop: the Zelve Open Air Museum, a fascinating remnant of Cappadocia’s cave-dwelling past. The deserted city spreads across the three valleys of Zelve, comprising the outdoor museum. We will drive back to the hotel after a great day out and about this spectacular terrain!

“You’ll learn a great deal from your tour guides (and there’s a lot to learn, trust us) and will be saved the trouble of looking for transport and food. In a vast and remote region like Cappadocia, we were thankful to have this option and enjoyed it very much.” – Native Globalites