Göreme Balloons — Local services in Urgup

The experience of being up in a balloon with so many others was amazing. That being said, out overall experience was disappointing. Communication was poor, we sat in the van at the launch site for 20 minutes waiting for instructions. Finally, I just got out to catch some pictures of other balloons taking off. Finally, my husband asked and was told there was a problem with our balloon and that was why we were running so late. Unfortunately, we didn't take off until after sunrise. However, I understand things can happen and safety is the most important aspect. But then our pilot took us straight up and we just kind of hovered without moving much, bo rotating to see different angles or dropping into the canyon or city as other balloons were doing. When we did descend lowere it was over a dirt field with trash in it. Our landing was a bit rough and in the weeds. It seemed either our pilot Umit was inexperienced or more concerned with filming the 360 video they try to sell you later for $60 than making sure we were having a great experience. All in all, glad we went, but for what they charge, it was disappointing to see other balloons right near by getting to see so much more of the canyon...

Dawn in Göreme, from the rooftop of Harlan Caves, feels like a moment when time decides to pause. Before the sun rises, the air is cool and still, wrapping the soft curves of the volcanic landscape in a faint blue haze. Then, a distant hum begins — the low breath of burners filling the balloons — and the horizon slowly blushes in shades of rose, amber, and gold.

One by one, the balloons lift off, drifting upward like freed dreams, painting the sky with color. Some glide so close you can almost touch them; others fade into tiny dots against the awakening light. There’s something deeply human, yet almost otherworldly, in that quiet dance of color and air, mirrored on the golden stone of the fairy chimneys below.

From the rooftop, the aroma of Turkish coffee mingles with the crisp morning breeze. The warmth of the cup, the sound of distant birds, and the sight of hundreds of balloons floating in silence — everything aligns in a rare, perfect harmony.

Watching the balloons rise over Göreme is more than a beautiful scene — it’s a feeling of being part of something vast and serene, a reminder of how still and peaceful the world can be when you simply stop and watch the...

Absolute negligence — now lying to avoid blame. I was injured before the flight even started, when the crew carelessly moved the balloon basket straight into me without checking behind them. It ripped the skin off my ankle and badly damaged my toe the nail is lifted and bleeding.

Not only did the three staff members who saw it do absolutely nothing at the time, but now, after contacting them to report it properly, they’re trying to shift the blame onto me. They’ve claimed I injured myself while getting out of the balloon, which is a flat-out lie. I was hurt before takeoff, and I told other people on the trip about it immediately.

It wasn’t even the staff who warned me it was other guests. If someone smaller had been behind the basket, this could’ve ended very differently.

No safety, no care, no accountability. Avoid like the...