Cappadocia: Horseback Riding Rose Valley & Meskendir with Pickup

Summary

Ride gentle horses past Rose Valley’s colors with local guides

You’ll ride gentle horses through Cappadocia’s Rose Valley and Meskendir with a local guide who’ll make you laugh (and take your photos). Expect hotel pickup, helmets provided, and an easy pace even if you’re new to riding. There’s time to pause for pictures and just soak in those strange pink cliffs—plus a few surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost missed our pickup because I was still fussing over what shoes to wear (spoiler: sneakers were fine). The minivan driver just grinned and waved me in, no rush at all. When we got to Cavusin, the horses were already lined up — calm, a bit sleepy-eyed. Ateş, our guide, handed me a helmet and said something in Turkish that made everyone laugh. I still don’t know what it was, but it set the mood.

The first few minutes on horseback were wobbly for me — my horse was named Gül, which means “rose,” Ateş told me. Fitting, since we started winding into Rose Valley. The air smelled kind of dusty-sweet, like old stone warmed by sun. We passed these pinkish cliffs that looked soft but felt rough if you brushed them (I did by accident). There was this moment when the wind picked up and blew my hat sideways — Ateş caught it mid-air without even pausing his story about how his grandfather used to ride here too. It’s funny what sticks with you.

We stopped for photos near some weirdly shaped rocks — not the postcard ones but stranger, like melted candles. Ateş took our phones and snapped a bunch of shots; he had us all laughing by making horse noises behind the camera so we’d smile naturally (it worked). On the way back through Meskendir Valley, I noticed wild thyme underfoot and tried to remember the Turkish word for it — failed completely. Someone else asked if these rides are hard for beginners; honestly, Gül did most of the work while I just tried not to bounce off.

Back at the ranch two hours later, my legs felt jelly-ish but good. Saying bye to Gül was unexpectedly hard — she nuzzled my sleeve like she knew I’d miss her. The dust stuck to my jeans all day after that; I didn’t mind though. Sometimes you want proof you really went somewhere new.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding tour in Cappadocia

• Get equipped at Cavusin ranch
• Ride past Rose Valley
• Ride past Meskendir Valley
• Stop for 20 minutes to take photos
• Return to Cavusin ranch and say goodbye

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Cappadocia horseback tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your booking.

Do I need horse riding experience for Rose Valley?

No experience is needed; guides help beginners and match you with suitable horses.

How long does the horseback ride last?

The ride lasts about two hours from start to finish.

Are helmets provided during the tour?

Yes, helmets are provided at the ranch before you start riding.

Will someone take photos during the tour?

Your guide will take photos of you during stops along the route.

Where does this horseback tour start in Cappadocia?

The tour starts from a horse ranch in Cavusin village.

Which valleys do we visit on this ride?

You’ll ride through Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi) and Meskendir Valley.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from nearby areas in Cappadocia, use of a helmet for safety throughout your horseback ride past Rose Valley and Meskendir Valley, plus a friendly local guide who takes photos so you can relax and enjoy without worrying about your camera.