Are you ready to witness the Hot Ballon wallpapers come to life? Or explore the homes of hundreds of pigeons in the hills of Cappadocia, the unique rock formations, the volcanic rocks, and the magnificent view? The Pigeon Valley is more than just a valley where hundreds of pigeons reside; it is also a place for people to ward off evil spirits, explore the picturesque views, move their minds off the stress in their lives, and drift into an environment where heaven and earth clash and make explosive views. Witness the region’s features as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, the Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia.
Feathers and Coos: A Journey through Pigeon Valley
Image Credit: Benh LIEU SONG for Wikipedia Commons
The Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia, also called Güvercinlik Valley, is the only valley that shows this historic region’s unique charm and features. You will find many pigeons in the valley whose presence dates back to the 9th century, along with Eagles, Fig trees, and wildflowers. The valley is located a few miles from the town of Göreme, and it has a unique set of rock formations, also known as fairy chimneys and dovecotes, pigeon houses built into the soft volcanic rocks. We’ll also pass by ancient cave dwellings when going to the valley. These features have made the valley a central tourist spot and a view that seems straight out of a movie.
1.Pigeon Valley Viewpoint
Image Credit: Beetjedwars for Wikimedia Commons
The viewpoint is a small hillside pullover on a road on the north side of Gerome. It is situated at the very top of the valley, where you can see an aerial view of the town, the mountains, rocks, etc. The view is direct from the south side of Uchisar. You’ll see the volcanic rocks in all different sizes, colours, and shapes because of the erosion that’s been taking place for years, starting from ancient times, rock pillars built in small sizes around the valley, and the pigeon houses on the hillside. There is also a cafe and a souvenir shop built in this area.
Location Of The Valley: It runs from Gerome town to Uchisar town in the Cappadocian region of central Anatolia, Turkey.
How Do I Get There:: The starting point is from Uchisar Town. You can hike up, Use an ATV, Rent a car, or take public transport (taxi or bus).
Where Can I Stay: Kayakapi Premium Caves, Artemis Caves suite & spa, Divan Cave House
Must Read: Places To Visit In Turkey With Family
2. The Evil-Eyed Tree
Image Credit: Benh LIEU SONG for Wikimedia Commons
This tree is on the Pigeon Valley Viewpoint, with evil-eyed pendants hanging across its bare branches- many throughout the Cappadocia region. It’s an exciting attraction because the locals believe your wishes will come true if you buy an evil-eye pendant from the shop and hang it on the tree. It is a feature you will see across town, above doorways, on boats, in shops, restaurants, etc. Everyone is encouraged, regardless of whether you’re spiritual or not, to hand evil-eyed pendants on the bare branch of the tree. The store boasts this feature well by selling pendants outside the souvenir shop.
Location Of The Valley: It runs from Gerome town to Uchisar town in the Cappadocian region of central Anatolia, Turkey.
How Do I Get There:: The starting point is from Uchisar Town. You can hike up, Use an ATV, Rent a car, or take public transport (taxi or bus).
Where Can I Stay: Kayakapi Premium Caves, Artemis Caves suite & spa, Divan Cave House
3. Hot Air Balloon Over Pigeon Valley
Image Credit: Arian Zwegers for Wikipedia Commons
The hot air balloon activity is the most popular in Cappadocia, with every tourist getting in line to experience the panoramic views of the Pigeon Valley and the town firsthand. It’s best to do this during the morning, at sunrise or in the evening during sunset. That is when you will get the most beautiful views of the mountains, the rise of pigeons, their silhouettes dancing in the sun’s rays. The hot air balloon glides you across the landscapes, and the view is available at 360 degrees. The price of the ride varies between 160-300 USD, depending on the tour company you have chosen. To experience the hot air balloon ride, you must stay there for at least three days to put all the attractions in your itinerary.
Location Of The Valley: It runs from Gerome town to Uchisar town in the Cappadocian region of central Anatolia, Turkey.
How Do I Get There:: The starting point is from Uchisar Town. You can hike up, Use an ATV, Rent a car, or take public transport (taxi or bus).
Where Can I Stay: Kayakapi Premium Caves, Artemis Caves suite & spa, Divan Cave House
Suggested Read: Pamukkale In Summer
4. Hiking In Pigeon Valley
Image Credit: Ersin Soken for Wikipedia Commons
The valley features a 4 km trail that connects the towns of Uchisar and Goreme. It’s best to start your hike early or late in the evening to avoid the afternoon sun. The path is marked to guide tourists and visitors down the right path, and with a tour guide, you can learn how people in ancient times used the trails to get work done. Of course, the trails offer you a look into the pigeons, the Fig trees around the trail and wildflowers. It’s a great chance to take photographs of the landscape and the horizon line in the distance.
Location Of The Valley: It runs from Gerome town to Uchisar town in the Cappadocian region of central Anatolia, Turkey.
How Do I Get There:: The starting point is from Uchisar Town. You can hike up, Use an ATV, Rent a car, or take public transport (taxi or bus).
Where Can I Stay: Kayakapi Premium Caves, Artemis Caves suite & spa, Divan Cave House
Further Read: Must Visit Places In Cappadocia
When talking about Pigeon Valley, the only word that comes to mind is “stunning”. So what are you waiting for? On your next trip to Turkey, check out this amazing place and explore Turkey like never before. Reconnect with nature and your soul, with a relaxing yet adventure-filled vacation to Turkey.
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Cover Image Source: Taluerzeki for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Pigeon Valley
What is the Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia, and why is it famous?
Pigeon Valley is a famous valley in Cappadocia known for its scenic views and landscapes. It has unique rock formations and ancient cave dwellings where thousands of pigeons reside. You can witness the views by participating in a Hot-Air balloon ride or hiking up the trails. All these attributes make Pigeon Valley a famous attraction in Cappadocia.
How can I explore the Pigeon Valley?
The services at Pigeon Valley offer guided tours on foot, with a guide who will explain every spot in great detail. On the way, you will witness views, historical information, and evidence of what ancient times were like. You can explore the place by using ATV to get from one place to another or rent your car. Either way, you’ll explore them when moving from one place to another.
When is the best time to visit Pigeon Valley?
The best time to visit Pigeon Valley would be during the spring season, which is during March and April or the Autumn season, which is during September and October. The weather is cool and breezy, so it will be easier to hike or just explore. The landscape would also be blooming or at the beginning stages of withering away to prepare for Winter.
Are there any guided tours available for Pigeon Valley?
Yes, many companies offer guided/hiking tours of Pigeon Valley. These tours provide insights into the valley’s history, geology, wildlife, etc. Tours like the Green or Red Tour, a private tour of Cappadocia. However, larger tour packages take you from other cities or states in Turkey to Cappadocia, starting from Istanbul.
Is there an entrance fee to enter Pigeon Valley?
There are no entrance fees to enter the Pigeon Valley. It’s an open attraction, and anyone can participate in any activities in the valley. You can explore the valley and other attractions at no cost. Although the tour packages can have some fees involved that depends on company to company. This is great because you’ll be able to enjoy what the valley has to offer and make memories.
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With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
