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,
The colour is amazing and the view the same. Great to see from the balloon, but just walking in the valley is very relaxing. You'll find the best coffee and great service up there.
a must-see! go and get amazed !
a fertile valley ,full of wonders.
just make sure to have map,headlight,proper shoes,and water with you.
We gave ourselves a complete day to walk into and wander throughout the Rose and Red Valleys and were glad we did. From town using maps provided by our host at The Walnut House, we walked from central Goreme past the open air museum and then entered Rose/Red Valley via one of the many small paths which dot the area….
Go up by your self or in one group trip and then descend looking all natural beauty, pigeon houses, churches and Juice sellers.
This is an easy walk if you have pre-arranged transport to pick you up at the other end. Fascinating to see all the pigeon nesting sites, from which fertiliser is collected to grow the many fruits & vegetables in this otherwise infertile valley.
easy and beautiful hike around the chimney, just incredible and open for everyone with good shoes. on the middle you will be able to drink a good orange juice..
No signs on how to get out of it to get back to Goreme town. It's very easy to get lost in those valleys
You can walk from the Goreme Open Air Museum through to Cavusin along the Rose Valley – just fantastic. The walk takes about 3 hours, and there are regular buses from Cavusin back to Goreme.
This valley is extremely photogenic. Bring a camera and plenty of water as you are likely to spend more time here than you think. Fascinating rock formations and cave churches.
We did this walk alone and as there were no official signs the spray painted arrows on the sides of some of the rocks was very helpful.
The colour of the rocks is lovely and it was extremely enjoyable evn on a hot day!