Explore Cappadocia’s Valleys and Kaymakli Underground City — Full-Day Hiking & History Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers who can walk 2–4 miles over uneven terrain and manage short staircases; basic stamina required.
Overview
Hike between fairy chimneys and frescoed cave churches in Rose and Kızılçukur valleys, explore an Ottoman-era village, then descend into Kaymaklı Underground City to see how communities sheltered themselves beneath Cappadocia’s tuff. This five‑hour private tour mixes geology, history and accessible hiking.
Explore Cappadocia’s Valleys and Kaymakli Underground City — Full-Day Hiking & History Tour
Select participants and date
The bus drops you at a rim of tuff rock and the valley breathes cold, dry air across a field of chimneys. Early light sculpts the stone into sharp edges and soft shadows; the trail through Rose Valley slips between honey-colored towers and hand-carved chapels, where frescos keep a patient watch. The path is a sequence of micro-lands: narrow gullies that open to broad viewpoints, ruined cave dwellings that still hold the smell of damp stone.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear grippy shoes
Tuff is soft and can be slippery when loose — sturdy hiking shoes with a good sole make valley trails and cave steps far more comfortable.
Carry 1–2 liters of water
Bottled water is provided but bring a refillable bottle for the hike; dehydration is the most common fatigue factor in this dry climate.
Watch your head underground
Kaymaklı has low ceilings and narrow corridors — move slowly, keep a hand free for balance and avoid bulky backpacks inside tight passages.
Respect cave churches
Frescoed interiors are fragile — don’t touch painted surfaces, avoid flash photography where posted and stay on marked paths.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Rock doves and local pigeons that dot dovecotes
- Reptiles like sunning lizards on warm rock surfaces
History
Cappadocia’s carved settlements date back millennia; underground cities like Kaymaklı were expanded in Byzantine times as refuge networks for Christian communities.
Conservation
Heavy visitation stresses fragile soft-rock features and frescoes; stick to trails, avoid touching art and support local guides who promote low-impact routes.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Göreme
Recommended Gear
Hiking shoes
Provide traction on loose tuff and protect ankles on uneven valley trails.
Sun hat and sunscreen
High UV and reflective rock make sun protection important during midday.
summer specific
Light layers (windbreaker or fleece)
Temperature swings between morning shade and afternoon sun mean layers keep you comfortable.
spring specific
Small headlamp or flashlight
Useful for deeper, dim sections of underground passages if you prefer extra light.