Cappadocia | Trekking and Climbing

While the Cappadocia walk may not present a tough challenge to more experienced walkers, the undeniable intrigue and uniqueness of the place more than makes up for the lack of sweat-inducing ascents.

Described by some as the strangest landscape on the planet, the cause of the amazing rock formations that characterise the area can be traced back to the eruptions of the volcanoes Erciyes and Hasan over three million years ago. The ensuing coverage of lava and volcanic ash resulted in the remarkable terrain that can be seen today.

Hikers prepared to trek for around five hours per day can fit a Cappadocia walk comfortably into a week to ten days. For anything approaching a comprehensive tour, at least a month is required, however. Visitors will have the privilege of seeing a former city, where all manner of homes and businesses were once housed in the caves carved out of the rock.

An underground network exists through the land, with old churches and monasteries still intact. The earliest cave dwellings are thought to date back to 400 BC.

There are alternative routes around Cappadocia. One suggested starting point is the Ihlara Canyon, where valley walls connected by tunnels and corridors provide a fitting first taste of the sights to come. There is also the Monastery Valley in Mustafapasa, which is equally good. Ancient Greek rupestral churches can be seen on the way down to Tahtali Valley.

Although most guided treks around the Cappadocia region contain one steep climb at the most. More serious walkers will take pleasure from the summiting of Mount Embler, with the opportunity to look across at the expanse of the Taurus mountain range, including Mount Bolkar.

The journey to the top of Mount Embler, at 3,723 metres, is graded as moderate to strenuous and does have sections which demand some scrambling. However, any walkers in good health and with previous experience of hiking over peaks should have no trouble with this part of the trip.

Also worth checking out is the so-called Red Valley of Pasabaglari, known as the hottest area in the region, its multitude of distinctive fairy chimneys is home to a church-run vineyard. The area is somewhat off the beaten track and has been described as "meditative", featuring many frescos and paintings, some depicting growth of the viniculture and fruit.

Derinkuyu is an underground city dating back to 2000 BC. It is 89 metres deep and contains spaces formerly used as stables, cellars, refectories, churches and wineries. A 55 metre ventilation shaft, which was also used as a well, can be seen. Christians seeking refuge from Roman soldiers once used the hideaways provided by the sub-surface cities of Cappadocia.

Careful planning of a hiking holiday around the caves of Cappadocia is wise in order fit in a range of sights, while tailoring the experience to the walking abilities of a group. There is no doubt, however, that an organised trek is the best way to take in the mystique of this land, rather than a hot air balloon trip as offered by some tour operators.