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,
Beautiful red rocks. Many hiking trails to get beautiful panoramic views. Hot air balloons give a great vantage point if you opt for it.
Brilliant countryside, Easy to moderate walk, some scrambling at times. Be sure to have a proper walking guide/map and ignore all the painted sins to Red and Rose Valley, these generally take you to a tea garden – which are lovely, however they also take you off track.
It is an excellent trecking, the valley is a must do at sunset. The landscape is wonderful. Highly recommended!
You can either walk or go there by ATV. Try to be around there at sunset. It is great to see the shades of red.
I went on a 2.5 hour guided walk with one of our hotel receptionists. Mehmet from Flintstones Cave Hotel. What a great recommendation by him and his knowledge and English language was superb throughout our trip. Had a lovely afternoon walk with pick up and drop off by our hotel mini bus, and the walk itself was not too onerous…
We went by horseback (The Dalton Brothers). Though it rained, this was by far the best way to experience this lovely valley. The valley is truly rose in color and a bit reminiscent of Arizona.
Seems like your going back in time to when the earth was developing. Caves up above from prehistoric times.One could only dream of what lived here way back when.
We hiked from Cavusin to Goreme, this is a wonderful hike in a most magical part of the world. Wear good hiking shoes, and there are a few significant climbs, and you can scramble up to some of hidden churches. We enjoyed this hike very much.
We opted to hole this after our visit to the Goreme open air museum. You have to walk up the hill when you leave the museum and at Kaya Camping there is a left turn. There is a small tuck shop at the camp site. The trail was well marked. The start of the hike was amazing with many pigeon…
We had a wonderful sunset tour with rose tour for rosé valley. We started from Goreme town and passed the road then enter the valley, it was a good private tour. Thanks for Mr. Hassan