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.
They gave us 20 minutes for pictures and stroll around St. Simon place. Take care not to climb so you avoid being part of statistics. Do not get to close of Camel for pictures. It is really a bad tempered Camel.
Simon says "it's worth a quick hike around and a look at." Kids got a chuckle and enjoyed running around.
The geological formation all around Cappadocia valley cannot be described!!! The only that a visitor wants to see all of them again and again. It is a geological miracle as it is the one of Grand Canyon in USA and Meteora in Greece.
Beautiful rock formations. There also some vineyards! People are very kind! You should wear convenient shoes and maybe gloves!
it is a place that you need to see, nice shops and view best fairy chimmneys ever. you can take great photos and enjoy the view.
Beautiful rock formations created by the wind and rain.
It is well worth stopping for photographs and if you wish to wander around the many formations you are free to do so. Wear non slip shoes though!
Some of the sites and sights in Cappadocia feel as if they were taken from outer space / science fiction. This is among the best examples of fairy chimneys and provides more insights into what it was like to live there.
Go early and avoid some of the hordes who are coming for a good reason – fabulous landscape, the best place to see the three layers of rock which have made possible the fantastic landscapes of Cappadocia.
This is definitely one of the highlights of Turkey and Cappadocia — the fairy chimneys are pretty well known by the travellers. Do not miss it.
Many agencies include this place in their daily tours but try to go there by your own, so you'll explore everywhere on your pace.
The double and triple capped fairy chimneys are fascinating. We rented bikes at the Goreme town center and rode to Pasabag. Not a bad ride even in a cold foggy November morning. Even my dad, who is in his mid-70s, enjoyed the journey which is more than 6km. Along the way, you’d see interesting rock formations and landscapes. And the…