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,
Seemed to go from one to another. Very hard walking and a lot of climbing, some extremely steep. The path we took was about 6 1/2 kms and was not well posted. Take water with you and good shoes. Stunning scenery.
I rented a 4-wheeler/ATV/quad bike and drove out here to see the sunset. The colours were pretty spectacular on the coloured rock! It's also a fun place to drive around on a rented 4-wheeler! 🙂
I tought it was not so important for me to see the rose valley while I changed my idea immediately when I seen it from the baloon and later when I went there. it is very smart, indeed and the lovely colour breaks up with the standard colours of the landscape. You can go Uchisar and see it just from…
We explored Rose Valley just before sunset and felt like we were the only ones for miles around. We stumbled across several beautiful caves with intricate frescoes and reliefs. Grapevines are spread throughout the valley, and the many caves hidden in the valley are open to people to explore on their own. My husband and two kids loved this far…
To do a walk into rose valley is mandatory. there is a path of a few kilometers, which allows of visit churches and beautiful landscapes
We did the evening trek in the Rose Valley and I think it was one of the most enjoyable trips in Cappadocia for me personally.
It takes 3 hours at most, but its so worth it, to traipse through the valley among the fairy chimneys, peep into the now empty cave dwellings and then grab a cup of apple tea…
My headline describes my experience. I felt that it was so surreal and truly had to pinch myself. Once again walking distance from Goreme. Make sure you have plenty of water, however there are a number of sellers along the way reminding you to stay hydrated.
It was a lovely walk there at the Rose Valley. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes………….
We took a dinner-time trail ride from a local outfitter which was splendid. The colour of the rock changes with the setting sun, ending with a fiery pink landscape. A great way to see the valley.
An easy walk through a gorge although trainers on the feet are worth thinking about, as a couple of areas depening ion rain can get boggy. The gorge has Pigeon houses all of the way down the latter ones dating from about 1880 and still being used.
A shady gorge so should be ok later in the season, you follow…