CARAVANSERAILS, VALLEYS AND CANYONS OF CAPPADOCIA
(7 days, lodging in B&B's)
In the heart of Anatolia, Cappadocia is an extraordinary region where nature and man have created the most surprising landscapes in the world.
Over the centuries, a multitude of valleys and plateaus, rock crops and pyramids were formed by natural erosion in the solidified ashes of the Erciyes volcano (3916 m). Several generations of early Christians found refuge in Cappadocia by hewing into the tender tufa thousands of rock houses and an uncountable number of Byzantine churches decorated with splendid frescoes.
Day 1 : 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. A short transfer by car will take us the 13th century caravanserai of Sarihan and onto the magnificent valley Devrent with its pink, yellow and white fairy chimneys. From here we'll hike past the fairy chimney valley of Pasabag and the impressive cliff of the abandoned rock village of Cavusin, which harbours the 6th century church of John Baptist. Cavusin. Dinner and overnight in a B&B’s. 6 hours of walking.
Day 2 : We’ll explore some of the most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia, Kizilçukur et Güllüdere. We’ll then follow the valley of Baglidere to the rocky outcrop of Uçhisar for a great view over the area. Night in Uçhisar . 5 hours of walking.
Day 3 : We’ll pass through the natural tunnels of the valley of Golgoli to the village of Sahinefendi. Short transfer to thevillage of Gûzeloz. Dinner and overnight. 6 hours of walking.
Day 4 : We’ll trek on in an unspoilt landscape of canyons to get to Karadag mountain and the Soganli valley. We’ll visit itschurches. You can take a donkey ride around the valley (extra fee). Dinner and overnight. 4-5 hours of walking.
Day 5 : short transfer by car to the village of Ihlara. On the way, you’ll visit the deepest underground city of the area , Derinkuyu, 8 floors deep. 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. Short transfer to Güzelyurt for the night.
Day 6 : 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. 5 hours of walking. Night in Gûzelyurt.
Day 7 : Free morning in Güzelyurt. After lunch, we’ll explore at the foot of Hasan dagi the colourful village of Helvadere (1600m) and climb up to the impressive ancient city of Mokissos, full of boulders, founded by the emperor Justinian with the remains of two churches. 3 hours of walking. Night in Güzelyurt.
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 persons : 630 € per person
3-4 persons : 550 € per person
5 & plus : 485 € per person
departure dates upon request.
The price includes:
* The services of an English speaking guide
* A minibus to carry your luggage
* Meals from day 1 at lunch to dinner day 7 included
* Accommodation during the trek (but not the night before)
The price does not include:
* Insurance
* Drinks
* Entrance fees
