Secrets of Stone and Sky: Trekking the Aladaglar & Exploring Magical Cappadocia

Secrets of Stone and Sky: Trekking the Aladaglar & Exploring Magical Cappadocia

Total Time

8 days / 7 nights

Tour Calender

From Apr. to Oct.

Max Person

15 Person

Min Person

5 Min

Qverwiew

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Turkey’s most iconic landscapes in this 8-day hiking and culture tour. Begin your journey in the dramatic Aladaglar Mountains—home to towering peaks, deep canyons, and emerald plateaus—before transitioning into the whimsical, otherworldly terrain of Cappadocia. From nights spent under the stars at mountain campsites to wandering through ancient cave cities and surreal rock formations, this adventure is designed for nature lovers, culture seekers, and active explorers alike.

Highlights

  • Camping & hiking in the stunning Aladaglar Mountains

  • Derinkuyu underground city & ancient cave dwellings

  • Goreme open air museum & Zelve monastery valley

  • Uchisar citadel & hike through Akvadi (White Valley)

  • Red Valley: the most beautiful sunset in Cappadocia

  • Optional hot air balloon flight over surreal landscapes

  • Authentic experiences in Turkish villages & local cuisine

Best Season Program

Upon arrival at Kayseri Airport, a Nature and Sea Travel representative will meet you and transfer you to the foothills of the Aladaglar Mountains, part of the magnificent Taurus range. The campsite in Emli Valley is pre-set for your arrival, with hot tea and fresh cookies waiting. Depending on your arrival time, you may join a short warm-up hike through Kazikli Canyon, known for its vertical rock walls and beekeeping legends.

  • Transfer time: 2 hours

  • Distance: 145 km

  • Walking time: 2–3 hours

  • Walking distance: 9–10 km

  • Ascent: 570 m 

  • Descent: 0 m

  • Overnight: Emli Valley Campsite (1,800 m)

  • Meals: – / – / Dinner

Today’s hike takes you deeper into the Aladaglar with panoramic views and lush oak forests. You’ll follow a trail through Mangirci Gorge toward Alaca Yayla Plateau, where flocks of sheep still graze during the summer months. After lunch by a natural spring, descend via Oluksekisi, another traditional summer pasture used by semi-nomads. Return to the Emli Valley campsite for another peaceful evening under the stars.

  • Walking time: 5–6 hours

  • Walking distance: 8–9 km

  • Ascent/Descent: 650 m

  • Overnight: Emli Valley Campsite (1,800 m)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Depart Emli Valley and hike through quiet forested trails to Siyirmalik and Eznevit Plateau. This remote area is home to semi-nomadic families who may welcome you with a traditional drink and insight into their mountain life. The path continues to Sakartas, ending at the Sokulupinar campsite.

  • Walking time: 5–6 hours

  • Walking distance: 14–15 km

  • Ascent: 788 m

  • Descent: 538 m

  • Overnight: Sokulupinar Campsite (2,000 m)

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Hike towards Arpalik Plateau for incredible views of Demirkazik Peak (3,756 m). Descend into the dramatic Cimbar Canyon, where narrow walls tower above your path. At the canyon exit, a transfer takes you to the quiet village of Cukurbag. Enjoy homemade Turkish dishes and a warm welcome at a family-run pension.

  • Walking time: 2–3 hours

  • Ascent: 200 m

  • Descent: 500 m

  • Overnight: Family-run pension in Cukurbag

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Drive toward Cappadocia, with a stop at the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City—one of the largest and deepest in the region. Explore its carved chambers, storage rooms, churches, and tunnels. Arrive in Cappadocia and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the fairy chimneys of Üç Güzeller and the dreamlike formations of Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley. Optional visit to a Turkish bath in the evening.

  • Transfer time: 2 hours

  • Distance: 125 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

(Optional: Hot air balloon ride at sunrise)
Today begins in Uchisar village with a panoramic view from its stone citadel. Then hike through Akvadi (White Valley), famous for its fairy chimneys and vineyards, until reaching Cavusin village. From here, continue hiking to Pasabaglari (Monk’s Valley) with surreal rock formations and cave churches, and finally to the Zelve Monastery Valley—an abandoned cave town rich in early Christian history.

  • Walking time: 3–4 hours total

  • Walking distance: 10–12 km

  • Ascent: 60 m

  • Descent: 350 m

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Begin with a scenic walk through Kiliclar (Sword) Valley with striking formations and ancient cave homes. Visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum to admire ancient frescoes and cave churches. In the afternoon, hike through Meskendir and the spectacular Red Valley, filled with hidden churches, cave tunnels, and vivid colors. Finish the day at Red Valley Panorama Point for Cappadocia’s best sunset.

  • Walking time: 4–5 hours

  • Walking distance: 12–14 km

  • Ascent: 85 m

  • Descent: 225 m

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your return flight or onward journey.

  • Transfer time: 1 hour

  • Distance: 80 km

  • Meals: Breakfast / – / –

Included / Excluded

Included

Trekking 360° and Tour Maps

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