Cappadocia Hike Self Guided
Set off on a captivating adventure through Cappadocia with our custom self-guided tour. This budget-friendly experience is discreetly delightful and provides maps and offers maps and electronic navigation details to ensure a seamless journey through Cappadocia's fascinating history and stunning landscapes. Upon request, you can enhance your stay with upgraded accommodations. Plus, the number of days can be adjusted to fit your schedule perfectly. Enjoy a personalized trip that meets your specific preferences!
Book Now
For tours without fixed departure dates you can email us at: info@middleearthtravel.com or you can contact us using the "Contact Us" page. We will provide you with a tailormade itinerary and quotation.
Prices
€760 per person, price based on double/twin room occupancy €280 single room supplement traveling together €460 single supplement traveling alone You can adjust the number of days to suit your needs, and we can change hotel standards where possible within the destinations.
Dates
Begin your adventure any day you choose! You provide the date, we make the necessary reservations immediately.
Included
all transfers (also from/to airport) and luggage transfers
Luggage transfers during the trek
All accommodation
Meals:
Day 1: Lunch & dinner
Day 2: Breakfast & Lunch in the Red Valley
Day 3: Breakfast & Lunch in Uchisar
Day 4: Breakfast & Lunch box & Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast & Lunch box & Dinner
Day 6: Breakfast & Lunch box
Day 7: Breakfast
Excluded
Flights
Day 1:Breakfast ; day 2-3 and 6 dinners; day7 lunch
soft or alcoholic drinks during meals
entrance fees to museums and sites
tips and gratuities
Equipment
Trekkers need: *good walking boots or shoes *small day-sack *warm clothing (for winter, early spring, and autumn period *sunglasses, sunhat, sun cream, lip salve *rain gear (preferably breathable such as Goretex ™ for winter; early spring and autumn period) *waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers (if appropriate) *walking T-shirt/shirts, walking socks, fleece or jumper *water bottle (1 litre)
Transfer
You pack, and we take care of the rest! We transfer your luggage between accommodations while you enjoy your walk. We aim to make your holiday more enjoyable. During the walks, you only need to carry your daypack. We can arrange private airport transfers or shuttle services based on your preference. All necessary transfers for the tour are included: If you need to be dropped off at the start of a hike, a vehicle will take you there. If you require transportation back to your hotel at the end of a hike, a car will pick you up and take you to your next hotel. While hiking, your luggage is transported by vehicle from one hotel to another.
Accommodation
We have carefully selected clean, comfortable, and humble hotels that cater to every budget. In Çavuşin, your hotel is delightfully situated amidst the walking trails. In Göreme, you will stay in a modest building in the heart of the town. An authentic hotel awaits you in İbrahimpaşa, while a charming cave house matches the village atmosphere in Mustafapaşa. Your journey concludes at a cozy pension in Ihlara. If you would like to explore upgrading to different standards or boutique hotels, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are happy to accommodate your preferences and ensure an unforgettable experience!
Meals
During the tour, you will enjoy natural, regional, and rich Turkish food. Meals consist of a soup or salad, a main course, and fruit or sweets for dessert.
DAY 1: MESKENDIR VALLEY - CAVUSIN- ZELVE OPEN AIR MUSEUM- PASABAG - CAVUSIN
8,20 km: 3 hours/ +113m/ -262m (excluding museum visits) We’ll meet you at the office to give a detailed briefing about the tour and its operation. The first day’s schedule is flexible and will be adjusted according to your arrival time. We begin by transferring you to Meskendir Valley, just a short 10-minute drive away. Here, you’ll enjoy an easy and scenic 3 km walk through the valley, ending in the charming village of Çavuşin, where your hotel is located. Lunch will be served at the hotel. After lunch, we’ll take you to visit the Zelve Open-Air Museum, an ancient rock-carved settlement with a dreamlike atmosphere. From there, you’ll walk to Paşabağ, famous for its iconic three-headed fairy chimneys. While exploring, you’ll also see St. Simon’s Hermitage, carved directly into the rock formations. The walk from Paşabağ back to the Zelve area takes around 20 minutes, offering beautiful views and unique geological formations throughout.
DAY 2: BOZDAG SCENIC VIEW - RED VALLEY - ROSE VALLEY - GOREME
9,11km: 4,5 hours /+409m/-340m You don't need a transfer today, we'll transfer your luggage to the Hotel in Göreme. Before setting off on a day full of natural wonders, you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional Turkish breakfast at our warm and welcoming hotel, nestled in lush greenery. Your journey begins with a gentle walk into the enchanting landscape of fairy chimneys. The trail climbs through striking red rock formations up to the Bozdağ Plateau, offering breathtaking panoramic views. As you continue along the hillside, soaking in the stunning scenery, the path leads you down into Red Valley, where a friendly local café awaits. Here, you'll enjoy a relaxing al fresco lunch surrounded by nature. After lunch, you’ll explore a historic chapel and a rock-carved church, offering insight into the region’s spiritual and cultural past. The route then continues through the beautiful Rose Valley. From there, the trail descends toward Göreme, the heart of Cappadocia. On the way, you’ll pass through the Swords Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations. The hike ends in the inviting town of Göreme, surrounded by iconic fairy chimneys. You’ll spend the next two nights in Göreme, with the chance to witness the magical sight of hot air balloons rising at dawn.
DAY 3: LOVE VALLEY - UCHISAR-PIGEON VALLEY - GOREME
13,6 km: 5,5 hours / + 431m/-431m Round walk , you don't need any transfer today This morning, you’ll explore some of the region’s most iconic highlights. Before setting off on your walk toward Uçhisar, enjoy breakfast in the authentic and peaceful atmosphere of Göreme. Our route begins with a gentle descent along a soft, earthy trail leading into Love Valley, famous for its unique and symbolic fairy chimneys. This area is a favorite among travelers looking to capture unforgettable photos and take in the surreal landscape. After walking through the valley, the path continues on to Uçhisar. In Uçhisar, you’ll visit the historic castle, offering spectacular panoramic views of the region. You'll also have free time to explore the town's charming streets before stopping for lunch. There are a variety of local restaurants to choose from, offering something for every taste. After lunch, the walk continues through Pigeon Valley, named for the countless pigeon houses carved into the cliffs and rocks. These pigeons once served as message carriers, and their droppings were traditionally used as natural fertilizer. As you hike through this lush valley, you’ll discover hidden corners of Cappadocia, passing by vineyards and orchards of walnut, quince, and apricot trees. The walk ends as you return to Göreme, completing your day with beautiful views and a deeper connection to the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
DAY 4: GOREME OPENAIR MUSEUM - ZEMI VALLEY - GEMIL VALLEY- IBRAHIM PASA TOWN
12,9km: 5 hours/ + 484m /-356m (excluding museum visits) You don't need a transfer today, we transfer your luggage to the Hotel in İbrahimpaşa. Göreme, nestled among whimsical fairy chimneys, feels like a storybook brought to life! With its stunning frescoed cave churches and the magical sight of hot air balloons drifting across the sunrise sky, it’s sure to leave you smiling. Just a short 20-minute walk from your hotel, you’ll find yourself immersed in these wonders. Afterward, escape into the lush, welcoming landscape of Zemi Valley—a true haven for nature lovers. The trail winds through a narrow, green corridor, leading you deeper into Zemi Valley’s vibrant scenery. Once you've soaked in the peaceful surroundings, the path ascends to Gemil Hill, then follows wide dirt roads past open fields cultivated by the residents of İbrahimpaşa. This quaint village—once known as Babayan—offers a nostalgic step back in time, filled with local charm and history. One of its treasures is the elegant stone bridge, originally built in 1938–39 by master craftsman Osman Usta of Nevşehir and local villagers. Lovingly restored in 2001, it still stands as a symbol of community and tradition.
DAY 5: BALKAN VALLEY - ORTAHISAR TOWN - UZENGI - MUSTAFAPASA
14km: 5,5 hours/ +333m/ -413m You don't need a transfer today, we transfer your luggage to the Hotel in Mustafapaşa. Begin your adventure in İbrahimpaşa, a village where every step reveals something new. Your journey kicks off in the Balkan Valley, a hidden gem filled with tunnels, caves, and centuries-old churches, all waiting to be explored. After a rewarding 6 km trek through this mysterious landscape, you arrive in Ortahisar, known for its impressive rock-carved fortress. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then climb the Ortahisar Castle to take in the sweeping panoramic views. From Ortahisar, follow a scenic dirt road into the lush and serene Uzengi Valley—a vibrant landscape of vineyards, natural springs, and towering rock faces that feels like something out of a dream. Your day ends in Mustafapaşa, a beautifully preserved town where history lingers in the stone houses and quiet streets. With its rich Greek heritage and peaceful atmosphere, it's the perfect destination for those who love culture, architecture, and stories from the past.
DAY 6: DERINKUYU UNDERGROUN CITY - IHLARA VALLEY - AVANOS
11,4 km: 5 hours/ +327m/ -424m We transfer you to Ihlara Valley, and the vehicle waits for you all day long, at the end of the day, after the hike we transfer you back to Göreme. After enjoying a peaceful breakfast in Mustafapaşa, your day begins with a journey through some of Cappadocia’s most iconic landmarks. Your first stop is the remarkable Derinkuyu Underground City—a multi-level labyrinth carved deep into the earth. This ancient refuge, stretching 5 to 7 layers underground, once sheltered entire communities. As you explore its tunnels, you'll discover churches, storage areas, and communal living spaces that tell stories of survival and ingenuity. Next, you head to the breathtaking Ihlara Valley, an 11-kilometer canyon carved by the Melendiz River. This lush gorge is famous for its rock-cut churches adorned with frescoes dating from the 11th to 14th centuries. You’ll begin your trek from Ihlara Village, following a scenic 7 km trail that winds along the river. Your walk leads to Belisırma, a riverside village. The path continues across a stone bridge, tracing the quiet flow of the river and gradually revealing cone-shaped fairy chimneys that feel lifted from a storybook. The journey culminates at the majestic Selime Monastery, a vast rock-hewn complex carved into the canyon walls. At the end of your walk, you’ll be transferred to Avanos, with your luggage, where your next chapter in Cappadocia begins.
DAY 7: Transfer day
Transfer to the airport. Avanos is a hospitable town located on the banks of the Kızılırmak River. Before the airport transfer, you can have a pleasant time in the cafes and traditional pottery workshops on the streets parallel to the Kızılırmak River.