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
Well worth visiting. Lots of beautiful sights. We had a guide take us through, so he was able to tell us the history as we walked the valley. Close and convenient to Goreme.
It's about 1.5 walking in the valley and the trip ends up at the highest point of town, the castle, really nice view. It was a little bit tricky in the valley, since the direction sign wasn't very clear and even some pointed to a wrong direction. But over all it wasn't very difficult to reach your destination.
It was a bit dark by then. It was very similar to the Rose and Red valley and if you have seen these or the open air museum then you can easily miss this without missing much.
There is 6 km hiking trail in the Pigeon valley, that connects Goreme and Uchisar. Easy stroll and beatiful surroundings. Not for serious hikers but very nice..
It is one of those points that provides a break or resting stop. Nothing really impressive. You do get the grandeur view from across the valley (where we were staying at Argos).
No entrance fee, there's just a terrace for you to take great photo with rocky valley behind you. As many other valleys at Cappadoccia, the view is great, mystical grey and white rock just give you a feeling that you're at other planet.