Pigeon Valley ( Güvercinlik Vadisi ), just outside Goreme in Cappadocia, is one of Turkey’s most beautiful landscapes. The unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys, or peri bacalar, which are made from wind and water erosion on soft volcanic rock, rise high from the valley floor like chimneys and are dotted in their tops with birdhouses. Some reach at tall as 130 ft Pigeons live in these dovecoats carved into the rocks and cliffs. Years ago the pigeons were used to carry messages from this remote region, and their droppings have long been used by local farmers for fertilizer. Today, however, there are fewer Pigeons in the valley.
Pigeon Valley is a great place for hiking. The whole area around Goreme is made up of valleys with almost no fencing and there are well-marked trails. The mildly hilly trail through Pigeon Valley is free of charge and about 2.8 miles long running between Goreme and Uchisar.
Pigeon is ideal for walking as the trek is relatively easy. Within the valley are man-made caves which make for excellent exploration. Alternatively if walking is not your idea of fun, still head to the top of the valley at sunset where the vibrant orange colors moving down behind the mountains produce wonderful holiday pictures. The valley earned its name from the hundreds of pigeons that have made their homes in the rocks.
Pigeon Valley ( Güvercinlik Vadisi ) Goreme-Cappadocia
There aren't as many fairy chimneys in Pigeon Valley, but if you like hiking it is great. I was heading from Goreme to Uchisar and I managed to get a little lost. I eventually made it, and on the way I discovered a waterfall and some awesome natural tunnels. A great way to spend the day.
The nature of this place is similar to Crimean (Ukraine) but mountains are made of different material. Starting with a village road then walking through natural tunnels after that walking along a creek and getting higher to see the valley from the plateau. Your track will make a loop. The compass and map were usefull few times.
the place is not include in our ittinerary, but our guide stop over at pigeon valley..thanks a lot because it's wonderful place
Great hike with different scenery of the area. You can choose between a short (30-45 min) hike from the Uchisar castle or a long (2 hours) hike from the city center of Uchisar.
Anyplace you go to in Cappadocia and in particular Goreme is truly amazing! Pigeon Valley and hike through Ihlara Valley was tranquil and truly beautiful. Loved the creek running through the valley.
There are too many and after some time you feel like seeing same thing again and again. All the sights are similar looking
From Uchisar to Goreme it's easy to take wrong way and end up at the top of a canyon where you get stuck. However, the views compensate for the time spent backtracking. Be aware of a lovely turkish guy who will offer to help but asks for money at the end but was happy with halh of what he asked…
This place is very special, so different, so much History and so much about how people lived hundreds of years ago, in amazing mountains made of a volcano ashes, in caves, that are so interesting and chocking.
I'm willing to bet that 99% of travelers to the Pigeon Vally stand at the lookout point next to the vendors and gaze for 2 minutes at all the pigeon holes and rock formations and then leave. The magic of this site is when you hike down the trail and turn left for a 2 hour walk back to Goreme….
What a fantastic sight to behold. The view is amazing and quite spectacular!! Photos galore!! Good camera recommended.