Meskendir Vadisi — Attraction in Göreme

Meskendir Valley Hike: From Mare Cappadocia Hotel

The Meskendir Valley, located near Göreme, is a serene and beautiful hiking trail that offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and tranquility. Starting your hike from Mare Cappadocia Hotel makes this experience easy and enjoyable. Here’s a concise guide to help you explore the valley.

Trail Overview • Length: 4 km (2.5 miles). • Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for most hikers. • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours. • Highlights: • Fairy chimneys and tuff rock formations. • Rock-carved tunnels and ancient caves. • Meskendir Church with historic frescoes.

How to Get There From Mare Cappadocia Hotel: • Walk east to the main road or take a short taxi ride (5 minutes) to the Meskendir Valley entrance, located along the Göreme-Ürgüp road. • Look for trail signs marking Meskendir Valley. Trailhead: • The trail begins with a gentle descent into the valley, surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations.

Trail Highlights Rock Formations • The valley features soft tuff cliffs, fairy chimneys, and wavy rock walls shaped by erosion. Tunnels and Caves • Early in the hike, you’ll encounter rock-carved tunnels, some of which are several meters long. These tunnels add a unique charm to the trail. • Look out for ancient cave dwellings and storage rooms used by early settlers. Meskendir Church • Located near the trail’s midpoint, the Meskendir Church is a Byzantine-era rock-cut church with well-preserved frescoes. • It offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and is a perfect spot for a rest. Flora and Fauna • The valley is lined with orchards, vineyards, and apricot trees, creating a refreshing and vibrant atmosphere. • Birdsong and the sight of small wildlife make the hike even more enjoyable. Connection to Other Valleys • The Meskendir Valley connects to Red and Rose Valleys, allowing you to extend your hike if desired.

Hiking Tips Gear: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, and a flashlight for the tunnels. Timing: Start early morning for cool weather or late afternoon for golden lighting. Trail Safety: Stick to marked paths to avoid getting lost.

End of the Trail • The trail loops back to its starting point or connects to other popular valleys like Red and Rose Valleys. • From the end, you can walk or take a short taxi ride back to Mare Cappadocia Hotel.

Why Choose Meskendir Valley?

Meskendir Valley offers a peaceful hiking experience, away from the crowds of more popular trails. Starting from Mare Cappadocia Hotel makes it easily accessible, and the mix of tunnels, caves, and natural beauty ensures a memorable...

This is a beautiful trail a a must-see during your visit to Cappadocia. I recommend this as a nice, scenic route early in the morning or just before sunset so you can get to the castle just in time. The soil can be a little tricky to maneuver because it is chalky and therefore slippery so I advise using proper footwear and techniques but otherwise is not challenging at all. Along the trail, there are plenty of spots to take some shade, recharge and admire the beauty of the natural surroundings. There are also plenty of caves to explore and you can easily spend a day...

It took me about 1 hour to walk this valley from start to finish. Even though it hadn't rained for about a week, there is a creek that runs along the trail and it is muddy in some places. Several times I had to think my way around such places. So wear shoes that are comfortable and will not be sorry to get dirty in the mud. The valley itself is unremarkable, there is a church at the southern entrance, which could not be added to Google Maps on my tip. Here are its approximate coordinates: 38.643139, 34.854157. Photo #4 was taken on the ascent to...