Explore the Valleys of Cappadocia - Bağlıdere Valley (Love Valley)

By Expedicionario76 | Aug 19, 2020
Middle East > Turkey > Cappadocia

Bağlıdere Valley for the locals and Love Valley for the thousands of visitors that this valley welcomes throughout the whole year. I had the opportunity to hike this valley during May, one of the most pleasant months to visit the magical Cappadocia. The canyon starts north of Uchisar town, passes west of the famous village of Göreme, and finishes a bit west of the Çavusin village.

 South access, opposite of Uchisar

South access, opposite of Uchisar

Track to the entrance of the valley

Track to the entrance of the valley

Bağlıdere Valley is a 4.1 km / 2.5 mi route, from south to north. You should allow between 2 to 3.5 hours for the site, which will depend on how long you spend trying to get exactly the right perspective of those fairy chimneys for the perfect photo.
To get to the valley from Göreme you can take the minibus up to Uchisar, a one-way ticket is 5 lira, and if you say "Love Valley" to the driver, he will leave you in the right place.

From Uchisar, you will have to walk north, cross the Göreme - Uchisar road.
You will find the path down to the valley, after 10-15 minutes walking from the Göreme-Uchisar road.
Unfortunately, there is no clear signage, but you can see the valley down to your left, with the Uchisar Castle right behind your back, so take a break from the picture taken and open your eyes, you can't miss it!

Uchisar right behind your back, the path is to your left!

Uchisar right behind your back, the path is to your left!

Steep access, nothing that the right hiking shoes couldn't handle

Steep access, nothing that the right hiking shoes couldn't handle

View from down entering into the valley

View from down entering into the valley

Once you enter the valley, the landscape view is fantastic; the rocks formation that creates the canyon is impressive.
From there, the track goes to the north, since you are in the deep of the valley, you will not have natural references (like the Uchisar Castle), so it's good to carry a compass, (besides water, hat, flashlight, and suncream)

Beginning of the track

Beginning of the track

Smooth track, all the way down to the valley

Smooth track, all the way down to the valley

The hike is pure nature; you will have many opportunities to take marvellous pictures, don't forget to stop and look around, up and back, and be surprised by how the landscape changes.
There are not rock-cut churches; this valley is about rock formations and the peaceful contact with the Mother Earth.
Many birds inhabit this valley; through spring and summer, you will be able to observe beautiful flora and trees with their fruits ready to be picked up.

 The Valley

The Valley

The path through the valley

The path through the valley

The path through the valley

The path through the valley

The mid-portion of the valley has remarkable scenery, going along a narrow gully, and has a lot of caves and deep cracks to explore.

Halfway of the track

Halfway of the track

Narrow gully alongside the path

Narrow gully alongside the path

Narrow gully alongside the path

Narrow gully alongside the path

Go ahead and explore the narrow gully and the deep crevices, have fun!

Go ahead and explore the narrow gully and the deep crevices, have fun!

The first enchanting sightings of the fairy chimneys in the distance are insuperable. You see them from far away, and they scurry in and out of view when you finally reach them, and walk among the enormous, towering fairy chimneys is majestic.

Can't resist a few giggles at the sight of the fairy chimneys?

Impressive rock formations

Impressive rock formations

Impressive rock formations

Impressive rock formations

Impressive rock formations

Impressive rock formations

Love Valley is suitable for all ages and abilities, some moderate steep portion at the beginning of the trail, slow where necessary, watch your steps.

 Along the track Along the track

Along the track Along the track

 Along the trail

Along the trail

Hidden places along the trail, open your eyes, dare to explore!

Hidden places along the trail, open your eyes, dare to explore!

Along the trail

Along the trail

After the extraordinary section of rock formations, you will go out from the valley, through a dirt road that ends up in the Çavuşin - Uchisar road.
From there you can walk either to Çavuşin (2 km) or Göreme (about 2.5 km), you can wait for the public bus, unfortunately, run one every hour.
Another alternative is to arrange with the place where you are staying a pick-up.
From Göreme or Çavuşin, you can take a minibus or taxi to the place where you are staying.

Bağlıdere or Love Valley

Bağlıdere or Love Valley

Bağlıdere or Love valley is easy to navigate, just a matter of keeping walking forward!

Uchisar Valley Cappadocia Çavuşin Göreme Middle East Bağlıdere Valley Hiking Turkey

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Written by Natalia Moore
I have spent my entire life on the move, venturing into every corner of the world. From enchanting hidden gems and ancient landmarks to breathtaking landscapes, I have explored them all while encountering fascinating locals. For me, the joy lies in setting my own pace, navigating uncharted paths on foot, and immersing myself in the delectable local cuisine each destination offers. These tips, which I consider my secret sauce, provide insider information that can enhance your travel experiences and inspire you to add these remarkable locations to your bucket list. So, let's pack our bags and prepare ourselves for the journey of a lifetim... Read more

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