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,
Make time to visit the Rose valley as the landscape are extraordinary and the colours breathtaking. You will feel like you are in a place like nowhere else on earth and start planning your return trip.
Cappadocia mainly consists of valleys and historical formation of caves all over the city, which is worth a watch.. We did tour of all the valleys through ATV (squad bike) which was much more fun..
This is a free activity around Goreme and you do not need a guide. It was amazing to see the different landscape and climb up some of the hills to get great views of the surrounding valley. Bring lots of water for a hot day.
Most travel agents or hotels will arrange a sunset trek to the rose valley. This valley has a different rock structure from the rest. The redish hues of the rock gives it the name. On a nice day teh sunset from this valley is spectacular.
This was my favourite hike–little churches along the way-make it a full day hike, stop at the cay houses, visit the little churches, go to the view points, take lots of photos–see the amazing sunset over the valley.
We did a 5km trek from the upper part of the valley down to the lower part. Definitely the better starting point. The first 3km is reasonably shaded as you walk through areas of rock that have been carved out by water erosion. You are heading down hill so it's not a difficult walk but you need walking shoes. The…
Lovely hot weather, however the walk took us nearly 8 hours at a leisurely pace. In hindsight best to book an ATV
We were fortunate enough to have a local gentleman accompany us, which was fantastic. Took a couple of hours.
This was a great hike for March. We didn't see another soul on the hike. The landscape is jaw-dropping. There is no landscape like this anywhere else in the world. About 4+ Km to the town of Cavasin and then a 3 km walk back to Goreme. Highly recommend.
Wear proper shoes! Lots of gravel to slip on! Otherwise Highly reccomend renting an ATV, it's soo much more fun, cooler and accessible!