The main thing we needed when we arrived in Cappadocia, and after having checked in our Troglodyte Hotel, was to stretch our legs. The hotel manager recommended us to go hike in the Zemi Valley and once we were there, we were so glad he did!
We started from the entrance located right before the Göreme Open Air Museum. There is a nice trail to start with and signs indicating the different options. We were going to do the loop trail but I think we strayed along the way and escaped the official path, not quite sure what happened!! 😉
It was still the most incredible walk, with the most incredible landscape. The Zemi Valley is full of amazing rock formations and hundreds of fairy chimneys. It does look a bit like some of the US national parks, but the rocks are whiter and when we were there the vegetation was fairly dense compare to what I have seen in the US. It’s therefore quite unique and so worth the trip!
It was also super quiet. In total I think we crossed path with 3 locals who were working in their gardens, 1 cyclist, and one other couple. Yes, that’s the way I like it!!
The Zemi Valley
Enjoy the view:
It is very impressive to see that some of those rocks are still being used as home (or at least it looks like it). Notice the little windows on the below picture:
It was a very sunny and hot afternoon but the hike was still extremely pleasant as the vegetation offered plenty of shade along the way.
Up close of a fairy chimney. In case you wonder, chimneys are formed of 2 different types of rocks. The one below is softer and therefore erodes quicker than the one on top leaving the top to become wider than the bottom and giving the rocks a mushroom look.
The view of Göreme on the way back and in the far background, the Rose Valley. I’ll take you there soon…
If you want to learn more about Cappadocia or if you are planning a trip there, I highly recommend this book:
Simply called Cappadocia
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