|
| |
Cappadocia
Trekking
Three
millions years ago Violent eruptions of Mount
Erciyes (3916m) and Mount Hasan (3300m) covered
the surrounding plateau of Cappadocia with tuff,
a soft stone comprised of lava, ash and mud.
The wind and rain have eroded this brittle rock
and created a surrealist landscape of rock cones,
capped pinnacles and fretted ravines, in colours
that range from warm reds and golds to cool
greens and greys. Goreme is one of those rare
regions in the world where the works of man
blend into the natural surrounding. During Byzantine
times chapels and monasteries were hollowed
out of the rock, their ochre-toned frescoes
reflecting the hues of the surrounding landscape.
Even today troglodyte dwellings in rock cones
and village houses of volcanic tufa merge harmoniously
into the landscape. Cappadocia is also natural
wonders and unique area in the world with its
history. We trek, exploring the surreal landforms
of the Goreme valleys and enjoying the colourful
blaze. Following ancient pathways we visit the
strange rock cut churches and monasteries carved
from the soft volcanic tuff.
|
|
Day
1
:
Ankara
Meeting at the
airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight hotel.
|
|
 |
Day
2 :
Ankara - Ihlara valley
Leaving the capital
city behind, we head southeast towards Cappadocia.
We pass the massive ‘ Tuz Golu’- one of the salt
lakes in Turkey and also stop at the 13th century
Agzikarahan caravanserai. It is constructed to
develop the trade about at every 40km. The gate
is a fine example of Seljuk architecture and is
a reminder that we are travelling one of the ancient
caravan routes linking Asia to Europe. Arriving
to Selime village where we begin our first walk,
at the northern end of the Ihlara valley and overnight
in the valley itself. Overnight pension with breakfast. |
 |
|
Day
3 : Belisýrma
- Goreme
The narrow, steep-sided
Ihlara valley, dotted with rock cut churches,
was once the favourite retreat of Byzantine
monks. This valley was formed by primeval earthquakes
and the was once rushing river is now a quiet
stream. As we walk along the winding valley,
with cliffs reaching up to 170m in some places
, we see small garden cultures that originally
would have provided for the colonies and made
them self supporting. There are many rock-cut
churches is this valley with valley with well-preserved
frescos dating from the 9th century. In the
afternoon we drive to Goreme via the Underground
City at Derinkuyu. 8 subterranean levels stretch
57 meters below ground. After visit continue
to Goreme a town particularly renamed for its
pottery and much of it is still moulded. Overnight
at pension. |
|
|
|
Day
4 : Akvadi
/ Pigeon valley
We trek thorough
the Akvadi (white valley) eroded so perfectly
by time, rain and wind during centuries. On our
way following a seasonal river, many strange curious
rock formations and fairy chimneys round us. If
we are lucky we can also see some wild birds.(like
hoopoe) and some wild animals(like fox). In 3h
walk our way gets us up to Uchisar village where
we have lunch break in a restaurant. Uchisar village
is settled around a high promoter, which is called
citadel. We visit it walking to the top where
we have rewarding panoramic view on all the surrealist
Cappadoccia area. In the afternoon we follow a
path to the Pigeon valley, and we will see some
pigionaries that is holy for Moslem people. at
the end of the walking we arrive to Göreme where
we will overnight. |
|
|
|
Day
5 : Kavak
– Sinasos
After a short bus
ride, we arrive in Kavak where we begin our walk.
As well as the landscape, this region is also
renowned for its wine as the fine volcanic soil
is very fertile. Viticulture has been here since
the Hittites, but it was the exiled Christians
who really developed the vineyards and for a while.
Other produce from these fertile soils include
walnuts, mulberries and a variety of fruit. Often
the largest rock cones are used as depots for
citrus and other fresh fruit. We cross two typical
village, Bahceli and Ayvali. Opportunity to experience
authentic village life in central Anatolia. Our
afternoon walk is in Gomede valley through the
river. Overnight pension. |
|
|
|
Day
6 : Sinasos - Kizilcukur (Red valley
)
Before we begin
our walk we visit surrealist rock formation and
churches of Pancarlik valley. The interesting
sweeping curves on the valley flanks give a particular
character to the region. We follow the river that
will take us to Ortahisar village. We continue
our walk through Kýzýlcukur valley. Sometimes
known as the ‘’red hole’’ Kýzýlcukur is probably
the hottest valley in region. Hidden in its array
of fairy chimneys is The church with grapes where
there are frescos depicting viniculture and fruit
growing.(The vine produced here now is very sweet
and heavy ) Overnight pension. |
 |
|
|
 |
Day
7 : Cappadocia
- Ankara
Our final day in
this region will be spent by walking in Paþabaglarý,
known as the valley of the Priests. Many of the
chimneys here are only partially divided, showing
us the continuous erosion process. This valley
is also noted for the many caves in the fairy
used by hermits for their retreats . The afternoon
is pent driving back to Ankara. Overnight hotel. |
Day
8 : Ankara - Home
Transfer to the
airport and fly home. |
|
Season : May – October
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bike Trip in Cappadocia