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
This is just a nice view, one that you can get from countless locations around Goreme. Don't go out of your way to visit here.
The scenary is not super spectacular (considering we had a balloon ride that morning for comparison). But it is a nice little hike. The rock formations can be very interesting.
Only did latter half as were dropped off there. Great to view valley from tops – had to look for a way down into the valley.
just one world A M A Z I N G
But i don't see any pigeons lolll
They hide into the mountains of valley
If you love open air spaces and great outdoor sights, this is the place to take a leisurely trek through. Make sure you take plenty of water with you and sun cream to avoid sun burns.
The sights are lovely and if you have the time and inclination, just find a comfortable vantage point and sit back to enjoy the…
Liked the approach and the views from above the valley, but a bit touristy. Would have liked longer to explore a bit further and get away from the buzz , to experience the peace and tranquility .
Interesting views, easy walk – go up to visit Ûsishar
With a well-versed and friendly tour guide, our visit here was both informative and fun. With so much history to be told, you are well advised to take a guided tour, unless you want to spend some time away in the quite serenity and natural beauty – great place for photography…!
End of day and crowded. But, exhilerating views over the Valley.
Cappadocia is wonderful for hiking and you can't go wrong in Pigeon Valley. It is simply beautiful. We visited in July which was a little too hot for this hiker. The sun is blazing!