Snowshoeing in the Aladağlar and Cappadocia: a winter odyssey

Eight days with three snowshoe days in the snow-covered Aladağlar, then two walks through the valleys of Cappadocia, as a private tailor-made tour.

Snowshoeing in the Aladağlar and Cappadocia: a winter odyssey

Five routes on five days, first at the foot of the highest peaks of the Taurus, then through the tuff landscapes of Cappadocia. In Aladağlar National Park you walk on snowshoes through snowy forests, plateaus and canyons with Demirkazık (3,756 m) as a backdrop, staying in mountain huts or family-run village pensions. You then travel to Cappadocia via the underground city of Derinkuyu for gentler hikes among fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches and vineyards. A medium-level programme, suited to walkers used to days of five to seven hours.

CODE AA-ANA-02

8 days · Level 3/5

Price depends on group size and season: a detailed, no-obligation quote on request.

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Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Kayseri to the Aladağlar

    Your representative meets you at Kayseri airport, then a drive of about 2 hours (145 km) takes you into the Aladağlar range, home to the highest peaks of the Taurus, with its lakes, sheer rock walls and deep canyons. The team welcomes you with tea, coffee and cookies; your rooms are ready and the cook is preparing your first dinner in the mountains. Overnight in the national park.

  2. Emli Valley, Sıyırmalık and Eznevit plateau

    After breakfast, a short transfer takes you to the Emli Valley, from where you walk through forest towards the Sıyırmalık Valley, facing the Parmakkaya (the “finger rock”). Depending on snow conditions and time, you can continue up to the Eznevit plateau (2,540 m) and walk down to Çukurbağ village; otherwise you return via the Emli Valley, where the vehicle is waiting. Allow 5 to 6 hours of walking (11 km, 300 m of ascent and descent) for the return trip, or 6 to 7 hours (14 km, 700 m up, 900 m down) for the Eznevit variant. Overnight in a mountain hut or village pension.

  3. Arpalık plateau and Çimbar Canyon

    Near Demirkazık village you climb to the Arpalık plateau, a summer pasture used by semi-nomadic families, with a fine panorama of Demirkazık (3,756 m). You then enter Çimbar Canyon, 15 to 100 m wide between walls hundreds of metres high, which leads you back to the village where the vehicle is waiting. Time permitting, a glass of tea in the local teahouse comes before the drive back. About 5 to 6 hours of walking, 9 km, 550 m of ascent and descent.

  4. Pınarbaşı and Maden Gorge

    From Pınarbaşı village, a very gentle climb leads you into the Maden Gorge area along old roads built and used by chrome and iron miners. The area is known for its ibex, which come down here in winter for the food and vegetation. The way back follows an old riverbed to the village, with a tea break at the local teahouse. About 5 to 6 hours of walking, 9 km, 550 m of ascent and descent.

  5. Derinkuyu and on to Cappadocia

    You leave the Aladağlar for Cappadocia (about 2 hours, 125 km) and stop at Derinkuyu, an underground city opened to visitors in 1965: it reaches about 85 m deep, but only 10% can be visited; it holds stables, cellars, storerooms, refectories, churches and wine presses. After checking in at the hotel, you explore Göreme, the hub of Cappadocia tourism, then Ürgüp, known for its wines and cafés. Optionally, late afternoon at the Göreme Open Air Museum and its Byzantine frescoes.

  6. Cappadocia: Red Valley, Çavuşin, Zelve and Avanos

    In the morning, a hike through Meskendir and the Red Valley, with spectacular formations and colours, dotted with old cave houses and hidden churches (about 4 hours, 9 km). In the afternoon you reach Çavuşin, one of the oldest villages in the region, then a trail leads to Paşabağları, the monks' valley, and to Zelve, a cave town spread over three valleys. The day ends in Avanos, a pottery town whose tradition goes back to the Hittites: you try shaping clay yourself in a workshop (2 hours of walking, 4 km, between Çavuşin, Paşabağları and Zelve).

  7. Cappadocia: Akvadi, Uçhisar and Zemi Valley

    Final hike: start at Akvadi, a valley that follows an old riverbed and is used for vineyards today (about 2 hours, 6 km). You reach Uçhisar and walk its narrow lanes up to the citadel, hollowed with rooms linked by stairs and passages, with a wide panorama from the top. The trail ends in the Zemi Valley, green, with wind-eroded volcanic rock and tall poplars (about 2 hours, 5 km, downhill), where you can visit El Nazar Church, carved from a single block in a T shape. Optional in the afternoon: a traditional Turkish bath (hamam).

  8. Return to Kayseri airport

    After breakfast, transfer to Kayseri airport (about 1 hour, 80 km), where the trip ends.

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