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 joined a tour program which took us to the pigeion valley as part of it. The guide gave us a very brief explanation why it is called as the pigeon valley. For me, it did not seem to be interesting as we could see small pigeon houses on the cliffs.
Beautiful views but more of same mountain landscapes
We came into town about dusk and the twinklıng lights of the cave hotels and villages were beginning to shine as a backdrop to the valley. We were amazed at how large this place was. İt is quite a site to see.
I loved the view, the shops and the elderley lady who crocheted doilies and craft was wonderful. Buy one, her craft is detailed and lovely. The pigeon's do need a feed and there is a place to donate $'s. They are a part of every location on this planet, bless them.
To my surprıse Pıdgeon Valley was very pretty. Seeıng pıgeons away from the Cıty settıng was really a treat. We had coffee and cay and a small outdoor cafe there and spent almost an hour just observıng the pıgeons flyıng ın a valley where there are caves and evıdence that sometıme ago people dwelled there.
Experience the beauty of Cappadocia as it surrounds you while hiking Pigeon Valley. The weather was perfect (low 70's and sunny) for our hike, but we still needed lots of water, so make sure you're prepared.
There used to be pigeons a long time ago but i was hardly able to see 1 or 2 of them.If included in your tour then its fine or if you are staying at Uchisar. Otherwise not recommended to spend on taxi.
A lovely peaceful valley, but maps and waymarking were dreadful. This applies to the whole area – and could be put right in a couple of months!
Having yourself among the pigeon crowd who come and go over your heads?
View above the hills to see beautiful rocky sceneries.
Our host recommended we do this walk but we got lost. There are no signs telling you which direction and we ended up on the edge of the canyon. Fortunately a local man showed us the way out.