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
Very touristy, but this is for a reason – its stunning!!
We decided on the advice of our hotel to walk down from Uchisar to Goreme via Pigeon Valley. We were told it would take 1.5 hours but it ended up taking us at least 2.5 hours.
The pigeon valey was also part of the tour though we did not stay there for more than 15 mins. It seemed more of the same and I think 15 mins was all that it was worth. It is interesting to see.
Just incredible sights! Have not experienced anything like this before.
I just recommended that you hike around on your own and just go wherever looks interesting… which I think is the best way to do it.
Difficult to get excited at the end of a long day when there are very few pigeons actually there any more.
Although only a short stop, this was a perfect little spot to take some spectacular photographs. As it isn't off the beaten track, it is definitely worth a quick stop.
Another great part of Cappadocia!. The natural beauty of this area is interspersed with historic sites. Take your time as you wander this area and take advantage of the many turnouts to take some great pictures.
This valley is one of my favourites. It is close to Uchisar village and it is very particular because of the pigeons. You can stand at the panoramic point, just in front at the onyx demostration shop and take your pictures. Amazingly, you'll see one of the best views of Cappadocia.
This is just an over look that doesn't really offer much except a view of some old structures carved into the stone that housed pigeons. Apparently pigeons were popular to carry messages and the white of their eggs was used in the cement mixture to plaster the cave dwellings, or so we were told by our guide.