Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) is about mid-way between Goreme and Avanos, on the road to Zelve. ” The valley got its name because monks used to take refuge here.” Pasabag Valley is more commonly referred to, an area that’s noted for its fairy. The unusual moon-like landscape with its extraordinary formations. If you’re wondering why these unusual rock formations are called fairy chimneys, it’s because the early inhabitants of Cappadocia believed that these were the chimneys for the fairies who lived under the ground.
Pasabag Valley has the best collection of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. In this area you can see a few different types of fairy chimneys the elongated fairy chimneys look like giant asparagus or Japanese king trumpet mushrooms and then there are those that are pedestal shape with broader bases. The cone shape fairy chimney, is a chimney that has lost its cap due to erosion.
Cappadocia had become a thriving monastic community by the 4th century and St Simeon was one of the many monks who came to Cappadocia. It seemed that rumours had got around that he could perform miracles and he came to Cappadocia to escape the attention. He lived as a hermit in the upper reaches inside one of the 15-metre high fairy chimneys with his disciples and only descended occasionally to get food and drink brought by his disciples. A hermit’s shelter and a chapel dedicated to St. Simeon has been built into one of the fairy chimneys and you can visit the inside of this fairy chimney and climb to the top.
Visiting Pasabag Valley is such a change from visiting the many hectic Turkish cities and it’s a pleasure to wander in the open space amongst these nature-created attractions. For a spectacular view of Pasabag Valley and its army of the fairy chimneys, follow the path up to the top of a ridge, it’s very peaceful and the view is absolutely stunning.
The best place to see three-headed fairy chimneys. Pasabag, the Pasha’s Vineyard, is surrounded by incredible natural rock formations; a spectacular scene.
Pasabag valley contains some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps.
There were no more words to describe but AWESOME. Coming to Pasabag was like moving to the other world. The rock formation was so beautiful, with the unique giant mushroom on the heads. This is one you MUST visit.
Wonderfully weird place great views of other wonderfully weird places around the hill side stop.
I'd love to know what sights the 3 reviewers who consider this average have seen! This site is amazing!! It's not big but is all the better for that and as other reviewers have said, it's free. Top tip: head right from the car park and over the ridge where you'll find a ladder down to a small allotment/small holding….
Pasabag is nature like Salvatore Dali imagined it. He could have painted it. Great pictures. Amazing view.
Area has some great vista points. Unfortunately, all the tour buses stop here so expect plenty of company. Mnay tourtist stalls.Toilets available for a fee, but expect the squat down variety. Much garbage present on the ground.
This is an easily accessed wonderful collection of fairy chimneys. Free to walk around, and lots to see. While we ultimately preferred Love Valley as it was more spectacular, the convenience of location, and accessibility make this area a close second. It is worth making the effort to go up the hill so as to drink it all in.
It a small park where you can walk around excellent shaped fairy chimneys of cappadoccia. The paved walking trail is flat and easy to stroll.
No entrance fee, parking lot, toilets are ok. Camel riding available, several cafes to take break and have something lite to eat. Gift shops are available
At Pasabag you will see the best examples of the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. I pass by this place everyday and everyday it is a different wonderful view.
Wonderfully weird place – great views of other wonderfully weird places around the hill side stop.
Yes there are tour buses – so what! Stay in your own head space and just wonder at the awesomeness of this naturally occurring oddness. It is indeed like a Dali painting as another reviewer wrote, and might just get some artistic juices of…
A landmark area in Cappadocia, definitely worth a visit. Suggest exploring the Pasabag valley rather than just taking pictures on the road side. If you like hiking, I would recommend you taking the walk from Goreme – Goreme Open Air Museum – Rose Valley – Cavusin – Pasabag – Zelve.