Pigeon Valley ( Güvercinlik Vadisi ), just outside Goreme in Cappadocia, is one of Turkey’s most beautiful landscapes. The unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys, or peri bacalar, which are made from wind and water erosion on soft volcanic rock, rise high from the valley floor like chimneys and are dotted in their tops with birdhouses. Some reach at tall as 130 ft Pigeons live in these dovecoats carved into the rocks and cliffs. Years ago the pigeons were used to carry messages from this remote region, and their droppings have long been used by local farmers for fertilizer. Today, however, there are fewer Pigeons in the valley.
Pigeon Valley is a great place for hiking. The whole area around Goreme is made up of valleys with almost no fencing and there are well-marked trails. The mildly hilly trail through Pigeon Valley is free of charge and about 2.8 miles long running between Goreme and Uchisar.
Pigeon is ideal for walking as the trek is relatively easy. Within the valley are man-made caves which make for excellent exploration. Alternatively if walking is not your idea of fun, still head to the top of the valley at sunset where the vibrant orange colors moving down behind the mountains produce wonderful holiday pictures. The valley earned its name from the hundreds of pigeons that have made their homes in the rocks.
Pigeon Valley ( Güvercinlik Vadisi ) Goreme-Cappadocia
We intended to hike the entire valley, from Goreme to Uchysar, however the weather wasn't great (some mist and very cold), so we had to stop and go back on the half way. The place is magical, primarily where the valley narrows.
Wonderful trails for hiking between Uchisar and Goreme! From the hike, the different layers of valley from different volcanic eruption can be observed.
One of the most beautifull valleys in Goreme. Easy to find, easy to go for yourself or with friend. Don't turn back, go until the end and find your way to climb 🙂 We founded.
It was interesting to see the holes in the rocks where in days gone past the pigeons would nest. Their droppings would be collected and spread over the very fertile ground around this area. Not used too much these days.
It was difficult to see much but with a good zoom camera or binoculars you could make it out.
We had a great walk trhough the valley, but the highlight was Hasan Tea Garden close to the Uchisar end. HIs tortoises were unreal!
We decided to head from Uçhisar back to Goreme via the Pigeon Valley, since it was a pleasant warm day and we had plenty of time. We had different opinions by locals about how hard it would be. Some said impossible, others said pretty easy, some said medium. We decided to go anyway.
This, again, is an amazing place. We took superb pictures, both during the day or at sunset. The landscape is extraordinary. Hard to believe so few people know about that place.
Wonderful little hike with a friendly cay house along the way–watch out for confusing trails that are off the official path. Nice walk up to Uchisar
You should be prepared for a good 4 klik hike with water and good shoes.
Neet little tea stop about half way.