Pigeon Valley
Fancy a hike in Cappadocia? You should make a point to include Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Valley) in your itinerary. It’s one of the most popular hiking trails in Cappadocia. Since Pigeon Valley is located between Goreme and Uchisar, you can choose to begin from whichever town. Hiking Pigeon Valley, you’ll come across cave dwellings, old paintings and from the name itself, pigeons. What is fascinating here are the pigeon houses carved into the rocks and cliffs. In the ancient times, pigeons were used as message carriers and domesticated for their meat and their droppings to be used as fertilizer.
You have two hiking options depending on your level of energy. You can choose to do the full 4km that will roughly take an hour and a half or just 2km. The hike will take you on a descent and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the valley after a few minutes. Next, thick trees and caves will envelop your sight and you may even catch glimpses of old paintings on the cave walls.
The trail will take you through verdant greenery interspersed with cave sightings, fairy chimneys and rock pillars. When you reach a gorge, it indicates you need to go up a hill. Check the signs to determine your direction. There are small cafes to stop by for some refreshment. If you don’t like to hike by yourself or feel afraid of getting lost, you can also opt to hire a local guide. Make your way to Pigeon Valley and let your curiosity loose as you watch the multitude of pigeon houses carved in the soft rocks. TIPS
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Pigeon Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey
Free
24/7
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