FROM AVANOS TO IHLARA
(5 days, lodging in B&B`s)
This easy hike will allow you to discover some of the most spectacular valleys, underground cities, canyons and villages in Cappadocia. You`ll sleep comfortably each night in a traditional house or a B&B.
DAY 1 : We`ll drive through Gôreme and past the Gôreme museum to reach the plateau above the village. Then we`ll hike through the amazing landscapes of the valleys of Meskendir, Kiliçlar (swords) and Gemildere to the rocky crop of Uçhisar (1000m) for a panoramic view of the area. Overnight in a family pension in the village. 5 -6 hours of walking.
DAY 2 : After breakfast, we`ll follow a track through the vineyards through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the area in the valleys of Baglidere, Kizilçukur and Güllüdere to the village of Cavusin 5- 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a family pension.
DAY 3: Our vehicle will drop us in the off the beaten track village of Cat. We`ll hike for 4 hours down two valleys in a U-shape. The cliffs that line these valleys are full of pigeon homes several storeys high carved out of the rocks some decorated with paintings to attract the pigeons. Their droppings were used and sold as a fertiliser. 1 hour transfer by car to the village of Güzelyurt, 10km from the Ihlara valley. On the way, you`ll visit the deepest underground city of the area, Derinkuyu, 8 floors deep. Overnight in a hotel or family pension.
Day 4 : We`ll hike along the splendid canyon of Ihlara, along the shady Melendiz river and we`ll visit some of the some hundred churches in the canyon. 5 hours of walking.
Day 5 : This is the day for crater lakes : after having admired the small rock village of Sivrihisar at the foot of a Byzantine fortress as well as the 6th century Red Church, a jewel of Byzantine architecture and the last standing built church of Cappadocia, we`ll hike to the Meydan plateau where one can see the peaks of the surrounding volcanoes of Erciyes (3916m) et of Hasan (3268 m). We`ll then pass the crater lake of Acigöl which serves for grazing for the semi-nomads of this area. We`ll follow a small path to the big crater lake of Nar. Here cold water and boiling water at 70° meet to offer us a great opportunity to swim. Transfer back to Avanos and overnight in a family pension. 5 hours of walking.
The given program is an indication of a possible itinerary. It may change according to technical, security or weather imperatives. Only Kirkit`s guide can make the necessary decisions.
Rates:
2 people : 440 € per person
3-4 people : 410 € per person
5 & plus : 360 € per person
(guide, local transfers and all meals included. Does not include entrance fees) and drinks.
