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
Enjoyed a three hour walk through this amazing landscape. Was quite hot, but not unbearable. Various (ubiquitous) small outlets along the way to purchase water and food and drinks, plus the odd souvenier! Worth taking the time to appreciate this unique landscape.
We walked back through Pigeon Valley after visiting Uchaisar (awesome). Although we had asked several people for directions, we ended up starting all the way at the end of town which was probably 1.5km farther than necessary. The path is not well marked and inevitably we got lost and found ourselves on a path that lead straight off a cliff….
Very close to Goreme, easy to walk there. Beautiful hills and fairy chimneys and the chance to see hot air balloons filling the sky (if you're up early enough for the am flights or the timing is right for a sunset flight on a clear day). Ends at Uchisar, a small hilltop town with the ruins of an ancient castle.
Just explore and lose yourself in the aura of the place. It is cool to decipher the animals n the stone formations.
Worth the trip Just wonderful Nice hike.Nice orange juices. beautiful views
Very nice walks… an unforgettable experience
Fantastic morning walk from Goreme to Ushisar through Pigeon Valley. It's worth checking the directions from your hotel before you head out, but a moderate 3 km walk each way (our boys, aged 4 and 7 skipped along ok) and each turn provides another amazing view!
Instead of walking along the road there are many paths from Uchisar to Goreme. It is a rather short distance, just a few miles, and offers wonderful views of dovecotes and mushroom shaped rock walls.
Perfect place to get a gorgeous panoramic photo of beautiful Cappadocia.
Pigeon Valley walk is one of the easiest and nicest you could do while staying in Göreme. We did not do all the valley but walked until Uchisar, which is also a nice place to visit. Just before Uchisar there is a lovely little tea garden where you can have some tea and cookies.
I saw a pack of pigeons flying in the air whilst enjoying the beauty of Cappadocia. This should gives you a closer look to the hills. Don't forget to take pictures in front of the shops (they have this evil eye tree). Very recommended! 🙂