Day hike · Cappadocia
Ihlara Canyon
Deep in a volcanic gorge along the Melendiz river, between tuff cliffs and painted Byzantine churches.
The route in numbers
- Distance
- 11.2 km
- Ascent
- 239 m
- Descent
- 289 m
- Walking time
- ≈ 3 h 30
- Difficulty
- 2/5
- Altitude
- 1145–1256 m
- Route type
- One way: the finish is 8.1 km from the start as the crow flies, so plan your return
Along the way
- Gorge up to 150 m deep, cool and green
- Frescoes of the rock churches (Under-the-Tree, Hyacinth)
- The Melendiz river as your guide
- Selime cave monastery at the valley's end
When to go
April–June and September–October; in winter, snow and slippery tuff.
Water and supplies
No verified drinking water: carry your own; cafés near Belisırma.
This page describes the trail as our team walked it; it is not a substitute for a map, a guidebook or a qualified guide. Paths, waymarks, water sources and weather change, so check conditions locally before you set out and choose a day that suits your experience.
More hikes in Cappadocia
Our trips in Cappadocia
Our trips in this region:
- Trails of Cappadocia
- Cappadocia, Call of the Hidden Valleys
- Cappadocia – Istanbul
- Cappadocia & Taurus, from fairy chimneys to the Aladağlar
- Cappadocia & the Lycian Coast
Our self-guided trips include the MyAv road book.