Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley runs east from Uçhisar to Göreme through a landscape of fairy chimneys, white tuff cliffs and pigeon-cote caves. The hike between the two villages takes about 90 minutes downhill if you go from Uçhisar to Göreme — easier than the other way around — and is among the most spectacular short walks in Cappadocia.

The trail is unmarked but easy to follow; pick it up at the western edge of Uçhisar near the cafés on the rim. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; there are no facilities along the way. The valley is most beautiful in late afternoon when the cliffs glow apricot. Shared taxis run between the two villages if you want to get back to your starting point.

things to do sight hiking
A story
The valley takes its name from the thousands of pigeon-holes carved into the soft tuff cliffs over centuries. Farmers collected the droppings as fertiliser — essential for the grapes and apricots grown in the region — and left the birds to come and go through small carved openings, some of them painted bright colours to attract returning birds.

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