Watching Cappadocia from the sky, gliding among hundreds of balloons, is undoubtedly magical. But if you want to touch the soul of this fairytale land and hear its whispers, there's only one thing to do: walk! To set foot on that soil, to breathe in the shadow of millions-of-years-old fairy chimneys, to get lost between the layers of history... This is what it means to truly "live" Cappadocia. So, are you ready for this unique experience, to witness history and nature in their purest form? This itinerary I've prepared for you will jump to the top of your things to do in the Fairy Chimneys list and promises you an unforgettable day.
This isn't just a travel plan; it's a story. Our journey will begin with the spiritual tranquility of Paşabağı, where monks once retreated into seclusion. Then, it will continue among the playful rocks of Devrent Valley, where you'll let your imagination run wild. Finally, we will step into the poignant reality of history with the human stories echoing in the abandoned streets of Zelve. This walk, stretching from spirituality to imagination and then to the heart of history, will allow you to see Cappadocia through a lens you've never used before.
See the multi-headed fairy chimneys in Paşabağı (Monks Valley)
Our first stop is Paşabağı, which looks like it's from another planet. This place is very different from other valleys in Cappadocia. The fairy chimneys you'll see here aren't single-bodied; they stand like giant sculptures with caps, like mushrooms, featuring multiple bodies and heads. These unique formations offer one of the most characteristic and photographed landscapes in the region.
The name Monks Valley has a very deep meaning. Centuries ago, Christian monks chose this place to escape the complexities of the world and devote themselves to religion. They carved cells, chapels, and living spaces for themselves inside these massive fairy chimneys. The story of St. Simeon is particularly moving. According to legend, this saint lived for 15 years in a cell at the top of one of the three-headed fairy chimneys in the valley, with his food and water delivered by his followers from below in a basket. When you see that chapel and his seclusion cell, you will feel the power of that silence and devotion in your bones.

As you enter the valley, you'll be greeted by a Gendarmerie station carved into a fairy chimney, a wonderful testament to how intertwined life in the region is with nature. A little further on, the path splits, each leading you to a different beauty. This valley, which has been an archaeological site since 2019, has an entrance fee, but you can visit for free if you have a MuseumPass. This spiritual journey in Paşabağı is just one of the countless historical and natural wonders Cappadocia has to offer. To discover other monasteries and churches in the area, you can check out our article on Churches to Visit in Cappadocia.
Find the camel-shaped rock in Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
After the deep spirituality of Monks Valley, it's time to let your imagination run free! Welcome to Devrent Valley, just a short drive from Paşabağı. This isn't an open-air museum; it's nature's playground. Unlike other valleys, there are no churches, monasteries, or houses carved into the rocks here. The whole point of Devrent is the natural rock formations shaped by wind and water over millions of years, resembling various animals and human figures.

The best part of this valley is that it turns you into an explorer and an artist. Here, the meaning isn't predetermined; you create the meaning. Did you see a rock that looks like a seal, or a man with a hat? It's entirely up to you. That's why it's called "Imagination Valley." However, there is one figure everyone in the valley agrees on: the famous camel-shaped rock that has become synonymous with the valley!. Finding this rock, which greets you as soon as you enter the valley, will be the first and most enjoyable task of this fun game.
Let me tell you a secret: another name for Devrent is "Pink Valley." Because at sunset, when the last rays of the sun hit the rocks, the entire valley is bathed in a magical pinkish, reddish color. There's no better time for taking photos. And the best news is, entry to this dream world is completely free.
Tour the abandoned rock village at Zelve Open-Air Museum
After exercising your mind in Imagination Valley, we now step into a place that will nourish your soul, a village frozen in time: Zelve. This is the most poignant and powerful stop on our walk. Because Zelve is not just an archaeological site; it was a real village where people lived, laughed, worked, and worshipped until 1952. As you walk through its narrow streets and look out from the windows of the abandoned rock houses, you can feel the hearts that once beat here.

Zelve consists of three valleys connected by tunnels and is known as one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia. What sets it apart from the others is that it was not just a monastic complex, but a fully-fledged village. As you explore, you will see houses carved into the rocks, a mill, dovecotes, churches, and even a mosque. The presence of a mosque and churches together is like a silent testament to how these lands once embraced different cultures.
So why was this vibrant village abandoned? Due to the increasing danger of erosion, it was declared a disaster area in the 1950s, and the inhabitants were moved to the newly established village of Aktepe (New Zelve) nearby. Zelve holds the distinction of being the last rock settlement to be abandoned in Cappadocia. This sad yet impressive story makes Zelve one of the must-see places in Cappadocia. The deserted streets of Zelve might make you think about Cappadocia's mysterious underground cities. To learn more about these incredible structures, be sure to read our article on Derinkuyu Underground City.
Keep Exploring: This Tale Doesn't End Here
This walk, filled with the spirituality of Paşabağı, the dreams of Devrent, and the memories of Zelve, was like a gateway to the soul of Cappadocia. But this fairytale land holds many more treasures to be discovered. Since you've come this far, how about continuing the adventure a little longer?
Uçhisar Castle: To get a bird's-eye view of the magnificent valleys you just walked through, climb to the top of Cappadocia, Uçhisar Castle. The view will literally take your breath away.
Göreme Open-Air Museum: After the more rustic and lived-in texture of Zelve, you can visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to see the best-preserved frescoes of Christian history and the most splendid examples of monastic life.
Avanos: Stop by Avanos, the place where earth turns into art, and join a pottery workshop using clay from the Kızılırmak River. Creating your own piece is the best way to connect with the living culture of the region.
Your Walking Route at a Glance
Stop | Main Feature | Entrance Status | Estimated Visit Time |
---|---|---|---|
Paşabağı (Monks Valley) | Multi-headed fairy chimneys, St. Simeon Chapel | Paid (MuseumPass valid) | 1 - 1.5 hours |
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) | Animal-shaped rocks, Camel Rock | Free | 1 hour |
Zelve Open-Air Museum | Abandoned rock village, 3 valleys | Paid (MuseumPass valid) | 2 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best season for walking among the fairy chimneys? The most ideal times for hiking in Cappadocia are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. During these periods, nature displays its most beautiful colors, making walking much more enjoyable. Summer can be quite hot, and while the winter snowscape is enchanting, the weather conditions can make hiking difficult.
How long does it take to visit these three valleys (Paşabağı, Devrent, Zelve), and are there entrance fees? You should set aside about 4-5 hours for a pleasant walking and sightseeing tour covering these three locations. Paşabağı and Zelve are visited with a single ticket as the "Zelve-Paşabağları Archaeological Site," and the MuseumPass is valid. Entrance to Devrent (Imagination) Valley is completely free.
How many days should I set aside to fully explore Cappadocia? A 2-3 day plan may be sufficient to see the main sights of Cappadocia. However, to truly feel the spirit of the region, get lost in different valleys, visit an underground city, and perhaps take a balloon tour, we recommend setting aside at least 4-5 days without rushing.
Bibliography
This unique geography of Cappadocia has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985. For more official information about the universal value of the region, you can visit the UNESCO page: (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/357/).
@sametkorkmaz7174
2 günlük Kapadokya gezim hakkında bir kaç dipnot paylaşalım.Kışın Muhteşem miş ben kışın iyi olmaz sanıyordum kışın daha az kişi var .Kapadokya, Orta Anadolu'da, Nevşehir, Kayseri, Kırşehir, Aksaray, ve Niğde Etrafında tarihi bir bölgedir. Kapadokya, eşsiz doğal görüntüsünü peribacaları ve etrafında bulunan sönmüş volkanların lavlarına borçludur. ? Kapadokya’daki en önemli yerler; ?Ürgüp ?Göreme ?Ihlara Vadisi ?Selime ?Güzelyurt ?Uçhisar ?Avanos ?Zelvedir. ~Gitmeden müze kart çıkarın 5 yerde lazım oluyor öğrenci 30 ₺ yetişkin 70 ₺ (1 yıl boyunca geçerli) Kahvaltı yı uç Hisar da yapıp yolculuğa başlayın sonra Ürgüp Göreme Avanos ve sona ıhlara de Selime yi bırakın. Avanos da çömlek yapın çömlek aldım o kadar kırılmadan eve getirdim evde kırıldı ?.ıhlara ya geçince. Gez gez bitmez’ dediğimiz Ihlara Vadisi’ni anlamak ve içe sindirmek için bir gününüzü ayırsanız yeridir. Çünkü vadi için ‘tarih gördüm bitti, doğa gördüm bitti’ diyemeyecek kadar bir büyülü yolculuğa çıkacaksınız. Zaten vadi için de aynen bu tabiri kullanıyorlar ‘Kapadokya’nın büyüsü!’ Hasan Dağı eşliğinde, bozkırdan vadinin yolu takip edilerek inildiğinde önce görünmeyen, ‘çok mu gözde büyütülmüş bir yer acaba, hani ‘Ihlara Vadisi nerede’ diye soranları sonradan yanıltan ve cennetle buluşturan bir yer Ihlara Vadisi.
@naciozturk
Doğa harikası ancak her yerde olduğu gibi insanlarımız pis kötü. Her yeri çöplüğe çevirmekte üstümüze yok
@hyperzone5187
Harika ama yerlere çöpler ile doluydu
@serdaryilmaz9866
Her insanın görmesi gereken bir yer
@burakcanciz
Görülmeye değer güzel yerler
@mahmutkurt923
İç turizmde atlanılmayacak yerlerden. Mutlaka görün...
@gezginadam2078
Kapadokya entersan bir yer. Mutlaka görülmesi gereken yerlerden. Türkiye'nin her yerine yakın. Yalnız heryerden para istenmesi hoş değil. Balona binen yerli yok zaten. Ama ören yerlerine de fahiş fiyat isteniyor.
@gzdkzl
Kesinlikle görülmesi gereken bir şehir.En çok Ürgüp beğendim.Goreme ve Avanos da gezilmeli.Urgupte kalınacak yerler daha çok ve daha merkezde.Aracinizla yada turla gitmekte fayda var.Minubuslerle çok zaman kaybı ve heryerde bulamıyorsunuz.Acikhava müzesinden dönüşte 3 saat minibüs bekledik mesela o yüzden araç şart bence.Urgupte mantı yemelisiniz.
@emrephoto
Ürgüp, Göreme, Avanos, Derinkuyu, hepsi güzel..Doğal,tarihi güzellikler birarada.
@gnristan
Türkiye'de böyle bir turistik yerin olması büyük bir nimet. İnsan kendisini ayrı bir gezegende hissediyor. Balonlar için güneş doğmadan gitmeniz gerekir hepsini aynı anda görürsünüz. tarifi zor. Görmeniz elzem