Cappadocia & Taurus, from fairy chimneys to the Aladağlar
An 8-day trek linking the volcanic valleys of Cappadocia to the wild gorges of the Taurus Mountains (Aladağlar), through mineral landscapes, cave villages and spectacular canyons.
From Cappadocia to the Taurus Mountains, this journey combines two worlds: the famous fairy chimneys and colourful valleys of Cappadocia, then the wild, alpine atmosphere of the Aladağlar massif. Progressive hikes, authentic villages and Anatolian hospitality shape this accessible trip.
CODE AA-CTA-01
8 days · Level 3/5
- Cappadocia's iconic valleys: Zelve, Paşabağ, White Valley and Red Valley
- The striking contrast between volcanic landscapes and the high peaks of the Aladağlar
- The spectacular gorges of Kazıkali, Emli and Cimbar
- Overnight in a mountain village and encounters with local hospitality
- English-speaking local hiking guide
Day-by-day itinerary
- Arrival in Kayseri — Welcome at Kayseri airport and transfer to the hotel (20 min). Depending on arrival time, a free first glimpse of the city and its Anatolian atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel. Meals on your own.
- Kayseri – Avanos – Zelve – Paşabağ – Çavuşin — Drive to Cappadocia and the village of Avanos, famous for its pottery. Free time and lunch. In the early afternoon, hike through the Zelve valley (former troglodyte monastic site), then Paşabağ and its famous fairy chimneys. A gentle walk through unique volcanic landscapes to Çavuşin village. Walking 2-3h, +131 m / -122 m. Transfer 1h20.
- Gorkün Valley – Göreme – Uçhisar – White Valley – Çavuşin — A day's hike through preserved valleys. From the Gorkün valley, visit the beautiful village of Göreme, then continue to Uçhisar, crowned by its natural fortress offering a remarkable panorama. The walk continues in the White Valley, famous for its erosion-sculpted formations. Return to Çavuşin. Walking 5-6h, +373 m / -413 m. Transfer 20 min.
- Ortahisar – Meskendir – Güllüdere – Kızılçukur (Red Valley) — Visit the village of Ortahisar, dominated by its impressive rocky peak. Then one of Cappadocia's finest hikes through the Meskendir, Güllüdere and Kızılçukur valleys. Changing rock colours, narrow passages and open panoramas. An iconic day blending nature, light and silence. Overnight in Çavuşin. Walking 4-5h, +194 m / -350 m. Transfer 20 min.
- Cappadocia – Taurus Mountains (Aladağlar) – Kazıkali Gorge — Early departure south to the Taurus Mountains: a radical change of scenery. Arrival in the Aladağlar massif and a hike through the spectacular Kazıkali gorge, framed by high rock walls. A pleasant walk at the bottom of the canyon in a wild, alpine setting. Settle into a mountain village. Walking 3-4h, +364 m / -37 m. Transfer 5h30.
- Sokulupınar – Emli Valley (descent) — Short morning transfer (30 min), then start the hike from the Sokulupınar plateau. A descent through the Emli valley, a spectacular route with vast panoramas over the Aladağlar peaks. Steady progress on mountain trails. An immersive stage with no technical difficulty. Walking 5-6h, +600 m / -940 m. Transfer 40 min.
- Cimbar Canyon – Tarsus — Short transfer to the Arpalık nomad camp, then a hike in the Cimbar canyon. A spectacular but accessible descent, with a short section requiring the use of hands, without exposure or major technical difficulty. Mineral atmosphere and canyon coolness. In the evening, transfer to Tarsus, an ancient city of Cilicia. Check in to the hotel. Walking 3-4h, +191 m / -843 m. Transfer 3h.
- Return flight — Depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport and assistance with departure formalities. End of the programme.