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,
We enjoyed a lovely guided walk through the Rose Valley. Unique landscape, lovely spring day, couldn't have been better!
The landscape apart the trek was really great and visit the cave church on top of the hill….To find a small cafe on top of the hill with a single guy running the show was amazing.
A gigantic rock cliff with some amazing hues. Colors that sparkle in the sun… red, green, yellow. Also the takeoff point of our balloon ride this morning
We hiked the rose/red valley. It's a long hike outside of town, past the open air museum, after Kaya ballons to start the path, but once you get there it's great. It's a nice hike through gardens, with lots of rocks with pigeon holes and wonderful colors.
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.
Perfect way to take in the scenery is the free walk though the red and rose valleys. The best in Goreme.
The Rose Valley walk was amazing but not very well sign posted. Most of the time you are not sure if you are on the Rose or Red Valley walk. But definitely worth seeing.
The tough part is getting a good map of the area. As you hike, there are a few maps out there that I wished the hotels would give out. The ones they do are very vague and easy to get lost. But note that although you can easily make a wrong turn and be unsure where you are, it is…
A very nice walk. Very calm. Loved it! Bring some water with you. Make sure you walk all the way to Çavusin…
It was a long walk, but quite enjoyable since our group and even our tour guide (Jehad of New Heritage Tour) made it fun. We didnt see much of the rock formations due to the heavy fog that day.