Rose Valley 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 Rose Valley ( Gulludere 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 Rose 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 Rose 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 Rose Valley . Start at Sunset point (near Ortahisar) and hike down through first Red Valley and then continue on the Rose Valley.
From the end of Rose 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).
Rose Valley,
Rose Valley has numerous cave dwellings. There is a marked path, but there is also plenty of opportunity to stray and make your own way. You can easily browse the cave dwellings for an entire morning.
In terms of cost-benefit, this is one of the world's best hikes. Easy to get to, stunning scenery. The best of all the Goreme walks. Get a ride to the trailhead, and enjoy the Red and Rose Valleys.
Some places were a little steep with loose gravel but so was glad to have brought my hiking pole. Wonderful scenery.
Loved walking by and in the caves. But I am very adventurous and while climbing some rocks, I fell down and got a boo-boo on my knee. 🙁 . Otherwise very neat sightseeing
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.
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!
Nice place, I did it in a quad, was very funny. Some do trekking. Incredible sights, near red valley an hour and a half ride.
Trails were amazingly beautiful. I would encourage each traveler to take an empty trash bag with them and bring it back full of the plastic bottles left strewn about! Such a magical place!
We took several hikes in the Goreme area, and while our sneakers sufficed, we all agreed that we would have felt more secure in actual hiking shoes with some traction. You walk through a fair amount of scree where footing is dicey on all the trails.
It was definitely hot but we set out around 11AM for a hike and it was amazing. Our guide took us on an off the beaten path and it was the best decision. There were some uphills and some downhills – so make sure you wear good hiking shoes. The weather was less than desirable for a hike so bring…