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,
Beautiful colors and patterns in the hills and fairy chimneys. If you hike here in the very early am (6:30am or so) on a clear, wind-free day you may also see a skyline full of hot air balloons. Also, only a few miles from Goreme, so it's easy to walk there.
The " fairy towers" are like nothing else I have seen. Took a tour with Turkey Heritage, good guide, interesting tour. Saw this among other attractions
As one of the Goreme impressive valleys, you can walk there from the city centre (30 min). it is a nice trekking area, don't forget your suitable clothes if you go in winter.
Hred a dune buggy and went through the valley. The colors throughout the rock strata are very beautiful. After we went to Chavusin and ate in a small taverna on a back road near the cemetery. Fabulous food
I can't say much about the landscape of Cappadocia that hasn't already been said, but I need to put in my vote of confidence for the Rose Valley, which really is as worthwhile as indicated here. If you get a chance to come to Cappadocia, do make a point of hiking this or one of the other trails. It is…
We did two attempts at finding the Rose Valley, the first one from Goreme Open Air Museum and the second from the panorama view point. Although we had great hikes both times, we never really made it to the Rose Valley.
Beautiful walk through the valley with an opportunity to get a little refreshment in the heart of it. Great sights and flora and fauna. Photography enthusiasts will be in their element. We walked through in May and it was pretty hot and I should imagine in the heat of summer would be very uncomfortable. Good walking shoes and a hat…
Super fabulous, you must see it for yourself, clean trails, great cafe at the top with amazing views.
The walk through the valley was not strenuous. It gave us the opportunity to view the magnificent landscape close up. Incredible experience.
The Rose Valley is a beautiful walk. There are three churches if you can find them. Further up the trail (past the red valley start) there is a tea room run by on lovely old man. Apparently he is 92 years old and a real cave dweller, living here with no electricity and no hot water. Have tea, buy nuts…