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,
We recommend starting your hike from the Goreme Open Air Museum and walking through Sword Valley and Red Valley. However, we started from the top of Sword Valley, which made for a more difficult hike. It was worth it for the wonderful view from above. There were also caves you could explore from above. You do end up walking through…
My dad and I parked up where the ATVs, 4WD vehicles look over the valley, and we began our independent hike – without a guide, tour, etc. We didn't really have a plan, but just figured we'd go in the direction of the Red Valley. Things I learned from hiking around Cappadocia:
– wear convertible pants, to roll up when…
amazing views, breath – taking sunset, 4th century churches hidden in the rocks; not to difficult but you need proper hiking shoes
Horse back ride was great through the valleys. The hot air balloon ride is a must in this area. Book in advance. Once in a lifetime view!!!!
it is a very pretty place..nice and green after all the dust. I wouldn
't describe it as a hike….more of a gentle stroll.Great to find a little shop in the middle. the greek village at the end was interesting as well with a wonderful view from the top of the hill. A very pleasant morning.
Get out the van/car and hike the rose valley…. easy downhill and beautiful valley with many cave churches
Rose Valley was a very nice place to walk, very scenic. Our mistake was going mid-day. It was very hot and dusty. Some cars and ATVs whizzed by us. Wish we would have thought of that. If you hike, load up on water and sunblock!
Hiking into the valley is not strenous since it is basically all down hill. Our guide made several stops along the way becuase some very interesting formations.
She was quick knowledgeable about the history of the area.
It's a fantastically beautiful trail, not to be missed. Plus the cave churches along the trail were as impressive as those in Goreme open air museum
We walked from the open air museum in Goreme to the rose valley. We followed a rudimentary map from the hotel and saw one map going into the trek.. However this trek was going through caves and climbing ladders and was not a well signed trek. We eventually walked into what we thought was rose valley and found out that…