Goreme – Aydin Kiragi – Gorkundere – El Nazar Church – Aynali Church – Ortahisar

Difficulty Level

Characteristics of the Route:

The route, which starts in Goreme with the traces of an adventure of faith, follows the footsteps of history on Gorkundere Valley after reaching the town's panorama point with an easy ascent. On the way to the old Roman Castle in Ortahisar, you can see the old period narratives in the Church of the Evil Eye, which has been restored by Unesco, take a look at the Goreme Open Air Museum, and take a rest in the Symmetrical Church. The trail, which offers a different experience than the common routes, ends in the relaxing environment of the campsite.

Connected Routes:

Ortahisar – Meskendir – Kiliclar – Goreme
Ortahisar – Meskendir – Kiliclar – Cavusin

Notes to Travelers:

If you start hiking at sunrise, you can walk with hot air balloons above you.

If you are hiking in early spring, you can see the Thymus cappadocicus, one of the endemic plants of Cappadocia, blooming throughout the spring, Iris galatica (Kaba navruz) in March, Iris caucasica (Turk Navruzu) in April, and Euphorbia anacampseros subsp. Anacamseros (sutluagu) between March and August.

Even though you can find water on the route, keep your water bottle full.

There is an entry fee to Aydin Kiragi, Ortahisar Castle, the Church of the Evil Eye, and the Symmetrical Church, the museum card is not valid.

The watchman of the Church of the Evil Eye keeps the key to the Hidden Church. However, the watchman is authorized to open the door only for special occasions. It is possible to see the interior of the church through the iron bars.

Little Prince Academy is a farm affiliated with KEYDER (Cappadocia Association for Talented People with Disabilities). This place serves as a treatment center for talented youth with disabilities. https://www.littleprinceacademy.com/

You can find beverages suitable to your taste such as tea, coffee, and fruit juice in the modest cafe you will see in the valley.

You can use the water, toilet, shower, and facilities in campsites, which also have a modest swimming pool. Many camps also provide kitchen services.