Cappadocia hike: Red Valley to Rose Valley, 4 stops
Explore the fairy-tale landscape of Cappadocia, Turkey on this 6.7 km hiking route connecting four stunning locations: Red Valley Hike, Göreme Town, Meskendir Valley Hike, and Rose Valley Hike. The 27-minute route showcases the region's iconic rock formations, carved cave dwellings, and dramatic valley views.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Red Valley Hike
- End
- Rose Valley Hike
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Red Valley Hike — Valley hike destination in Cappadocia
- Göreme Town — Main town in Cappadocia region where travelers stay
- Meskendir Valley Hike — Valley hike in Cappadocia region
- Rose Valley Hike — Valley hike destination featuring rose-colored rock formations
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Wake up at 5am to see hot air balloons from Göreme town. Balloons launch early in the morning.
- Avoid
- Hot air balloon rides can be cancelled due to wind. If cancelled, you may not be able to reschedule for the next day.
- Where to stay
- Cave-style rooms available at Adora Cave Hotel for 58 USD/night including breakfast. Features circular bed, underground bathroom with bathtub and shower.
- Food
- Breakfast included with hotel stays; expect large feasts with fruit, eggs, French toast. Turkish meatballs cost around 70 lira; cheese rolls 30 lira; lentil soup 40 lira.
- Transport
- Taxi from Göreme town to Kaya Camping (Red Valley trailhead) costs 40 lira with meter. Taxis in Cappadocia use meters unlike Istanbul.
- Timing
- Temperature extremes: daytime very hot, nighttime as low as 7°C in summer. Pack layers for hiking.
- Avoid
- Most stores along the hiking trails are closed or unstaffed. Bring sufficient water before starting hikes.
- Food
- Fresh juices available at cafes in Rose Valley: watermelon juice and fresh orange juice both 40 lira.
- Tip
- Three main hike areas: Red Valley, Rose Valley, and Meskendir Valley. All feature carved Byzantine-era cave homes, churches, and rock formations. Easily spend over a week exploring.
- Tip
- Cave churches with frescoes are open to explore throughout the valleys. Some require rock climbing to access.
- Timing
- Sunset spots on hillsides near cafes offer best views. Visit cafes at elevated locations for scenic seating.
Video on this route
CAPPADOCIA IS MAGICAL! | MUST VISIT IN TURKEY 🇹🇷