Gulludere small vineyards are surrounded by steeply eroded walls of tuff. The tuff was deposited in the form of ash by nearby volcanos between 11 and 3 million years ago.
The trails that loop around Gulludere Valley ( Rose Valley ) are easily accessible to all levels of walkers and provide some of the finest fairy-chimney-strewn vistas in Cappadocia. As well as this though, they also hide fabulous, little-visited, rock-cut churches boasting vibrant fresco fragments and intricate carvings hewn into the stone.
With its tufa hills creased into folds, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and fairy chimneys of all sizes standing like stone minarets in an extraordinary natural landscape, the Gullu Dere Valley is a remarkable sight. The valley is dotted with hidden chapels decorated with beautiful frescoes, such as the 7C Church of Three Crosses, which houses a Christ Pantocrator flanked by angels, and the 8C-9C Church of St John, adorned with a portrayal of the Apocalypse.
Follow the signs from the Gulludere Valley trailhead to the Kolonlu Kilise (Columned Church). The rock facade here is easily overlooked. Take the trail through the orchard and the steps that lead off to the left to clamber onto the nondescript rock face. Once you’ve scrambled through the entrance and the lower chamber you’ll find a white stone nave studded with sturdy columns carved out of the rock. From here, backtrack through the orchard and follow the main trail to the Haçlı Kilise, where the shady cave-cafe at the entrance is the perfect pit stop for a walking break. The church, accessed by a rickety wooden staircase, has frescoes dating to the 9th century on its apse and a large cross carved into its ceiling. Head north from here and take the right-hand path to reach the Üç Haçlı Kilise, with its stunning ceiling relief and damaged frescoes featuring an enthroned Jesus.
One of the nicest and most most beautiful places to go walking in Cappadocia in Gulludere Valley . Start at Sunset point (near Ortahisar) and hike down through first Red Valley and then continue on the Gulludere Valley.
From the end of Gulludere Valley you can either walk to the nearby Cavusin Village. There you can visit the old part of the village which is crumbling away and too dangerous to still be inhabited because of the chance of falling rocks. Or you can continue on the Goreme (around another 45 minutes walk).
Gulludere Valley,
Trails were amazingly beautiful. I would encourage each traveler to take an empty trash bag with them and bring it back full of the plastic bottles left strewn about! Such a magical place!
If you like hiking and wandering around, any of the valley hikes in Cappadocia will provide a great experience. I would definitely recommend spending 1/2 a day hiking the different valleys to get a more "off the beaten path" Cappadocia experience (instead of just cooped up in different artisan factory/workshops and group tours of the underground cities). But definitely put…
Get prepared for the dust during the whole trip. Other than this, the views are very beautiful and impresive.
Rose was quiet and visually stunning, with warm sunshine an clean air. There is a vast maze of trails to choose from if you want to stray from the beaten path.
This was a great place to walk, beautiful rocks and caves. We went from the Goreme open air museum, through rosé valley to the red valley. Bit hard to know which path to take but can add to the adventure.
It was definitely hot but we set out around 11AM for a hike and it was amazing. Our guide took us on an off the beaten path and it was the best decision. There were some uphills and some downhills – so make sure you wear good hiking shoes. The weather was less than desirable for a hike so bring…
We did not hike the valley because it seemed a little hard to do with kids. But the rose color valley could be seen from vaious places. We went to sunset point on evening and the colors were breathtakingly beautiful
Surrounded by fairy chimneys, the valley is unique. It is an easy 2.5 mile hike. One does not have to hike the entire trail. The first mile will amaze hikers enough. There are lots of opportunities to enter and explore the caves. Camera, water and running shoes are highly recommended.
There are numerouse entrances into the valley. Our entrance was…
It was a great hike to do right after the open-air museum and we were lucky that there were red spray painted arrows on where to go. At the end of the valley, you can choose other trails which are a little bit more confusing even if there are signs, but Gorme is an excellent place to get lost.
The Rose / Red Valley walks are moderate -> mildly challenging. It is best early AM, or mid afternoon. Parts of the walk are hot and dusty in summer; but have very few visitors – as most are at beachside resorts during June – July.