Pigeon Valley,Turkey
Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi) is a notable valley in Cappadocia, between Göreme and Uçhisar, formed by soft volcanic tuff that has been eroded into dramatic rock formations and fairy chimneys. Historically the valley's carved dovecotes (pigeon houses) were an important part of local agricultural practice: residents collected pigeon droppings as a high-quality fertilizer for orchards and vineyards. The area also contains traces of cave dwellings and small rock-cut chapels used by past rural communities, linking it to the broader cultural and historical landscape of Cappadocia.
Places to visit
- Rock-cut dovecotes (thousands of pigeonholes carved into cliff faces)
- Panoramic viewpoints between Göreme and Uçhisar
- The hiking trail linking Göreme to Uçhisar
- Views of Uçhisar Castle from the valley
- Surrounding fairy chimneys and unusual rock formations
- Hot air balloon vistas above the valley at sunrise
Unique Aspects
- Soft, eroded volcanic tuff creating dramatic shapes and fairy chimneys
- Man-made pigeonholes and dovecotes carved directly into cliffs
- Orchards and vineyards historically fertilized with pigeon droppings
- Spectacular sunrise scenes with dozens of hot air balloons drifting overhead
- Relatively undeveloped, intimate valley atmosphere compared with bigger tourist sites
Things to do
- Hiking the Göreme–Uçhisar trail through Pigeon Valley
- Photography — sunrise and sunset light, balloons, rock formations
- Birdwatching and observing the historic dovecotes
- Guided walking or cultural tours that explain dovecotes and local history
- Picnicking in shaded spots among orchards and trees
- Combining a visit with Uçhisar Castle, Göreme Open-Air Museum, and nearby valleys
Best Time to Visit
Best months: April–June and September–October for mild temperatures, blooming orchards, and good ballooning conditions. Early mornings are particularly scenic for balloons and soft light.
Weather Conditions
Continental climate: hot, dry summers (July–August), cold and sometimes snowy winters (December–February). Large diurnal temperature swings — cool mornings/evenings even in summer.
Accessibility
Nearest airports: Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) ~40 km; Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) ~70 km. Accessible by shuttle, rental car, taxi, or regional bus to Göreme or Uçhisar. The valley trail is a moderate, uneven dirt path with some steep sections — not fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Guided tours and shorter viewpoint visits are options for reduced-walking itineraries.
Recommended Duration
Allow 1–3 hours for a leisurely hike through the valley; half a day to combine with Uçhisar Castle and nearby viewpoints; a full day if including Göreme Open-Air Museum and multiple valleys.
Clothing & Gear Tips
Sturdy walking shoes with good traction, sun hat, sunscreen, layered clothing for variable temperatures, water bottle, and a light wind/rain jacket in shoulder seasons. Bring a flashlight if exploring cave areas near dusk.
Local Food & Souvenirs
Try regional specialties such as testi kebabı (pottery kebab), gözleme (flatbread), local wines, and dried apricots. Good souvenirs include hand-painted pottery, onyx items, carpets/textiles, and locally produced wine or honey.
