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
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!
Steep access, nothing that the right hiking shoes couldn't handle
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
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 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
Narrow gully alongside the path
Narrow gully alongside the path
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
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 trail
Hidden places along the trail, open your eyes, dare to explore!
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 is easy to navigate, just a matter of keeping walking forward!
