Cappadocia: Ihlara Valley Hike, Kaymakli Underground & Selime

Summary

Hiking Ihlara Valley caves tasting Anatolian lunch exploring Kaymakli

You’ll wander through Cappadocia’s ancient underground city with a local guide, hike along Ihlara Valley’s riverbank under poplars, and share a simple Anatolian lunch by the water. Expect echoes in Selime Monastery’s caves and small surprises along the way — this day trip leaves more questions than answers.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t rush here — let your eyes adjust,” our guide Mustafa whispered as we ducked into the first tunnel of Kaymaklı Underground City. He grinned at my clumsy attempt to squeeze past a low archway, and honestly, it felt like stepping into someone else’s memory. The air was cool and a little dusty, almost metallic on my tongue. There was this echo of old voices — or maybe just our own footsteps bouncing off the stone. I kept thinking about how whole families lived down here for months at a time. It’s wild.

The drive out from Göreme was quiet except for Mustafa pointing out that volcano in the distance (Erciyes? I still can’t pronounce it right). When we finally got to Ihlara Valley, the sun hit differently — softer somehow, filtered by poplar trees. We started walking from the main gate, following the river for what felt like hours but was probably just under four kilometers. At one point, a local woman waved from her garden; she had these bright blue beads hanging everywhere to ward off bad luck. Lunch came just when my legs started complaining — simple lentil soup and fresh bread at a riverside place where ducks wandered between tables.

Selime Monastery was our last big stop. It sits above everything, carved into pale rock with windows that catch the late afternoon light. Mustafa showed us old frescoes — faded but you could still make out saints’ faces if you squinted. The wind up there smelled faintly of thyme and dust. Someone in our group tried singing inside one of the chambers just to hear how long the echo would last (longer than expected). On the way back we stopped where millions of pigeons used to live — now it’s mostly silent except for the wind and an occasional flutter.

I didn’t expect to feel so small in Cappadocia, or so curious about how people made homes in places like this. My shoes were full of dust by evening but I still think about that moment underground when everything went quiet except for our breathing. It sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Goreme, Underground City, and Ihlara

• View Goreme Town and Volcano
• Explore Kaymaklı Underground City
• Hike 3.5 km in Ihlara Valley
• Lunch at Ihlara Valley restaurants
• Visit Selime Monastery viewpoint
• Stop at historic pigeon houses

Top questions

How long is the hike in Ihlara Valley?

The walk is about 3.5 km from the main gate to where lunch is served.

Which underground city do we visit on this tour?

You’ll explore either Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City depending on group needs.

Is lunch included during this Cappadocia day trip?

Yes, a traditional lunch is included at a riverside restaurant in Ihlara Valley.

Are hotel pickups provided?

Yes, pickup is included with your booking.

Do I need good fitness for this tour?

You should have moderate physical fitness due to hiking and stairs in caves.

What are some highlights besides hiking?

You’ll visit Selime Monastery and see panoramic views over Goreme Town plus stop at an old pigeon valley.

Is this tour suitable for infants or people with health issues?

It’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Cappadocia, all entry fees (including Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City), transport by air-conditioned vehicle, parking costs covered throughout stops like Selime Monastery and pigeon valley, plus a riverside lunch after hiking through Ihlara Valley before heading back in the afternoon.