When looking into what valleys to explore, while in Göreme, Turkey, I realised there are many to choose from, too many. Some have district differences, others looked more or less the same, to me. Sick and tired of trying to figure things out, I went for the easiest, and cheapest, solution – I decided to hike a valley in town, so to speak. Gorkundere Valley, a.k.a. Rocket Valley, is close to Göreme Open Air Museum, and at the base of Sunset View Hill. It has the fairy chimneys Cappadocia is known for. This version is more like a rocket, or something else 😀 In addition to walking among the tall rock formations, you get a great view of, what I assume, due to the color, is, Rose Valley / Red Valley.
You can make it a relatively short hike, like I did, and turn right, up the hill, or you can venture far into the valley. Climbing Sunset View Hill from the valley is not a very steep task. However, there is no trail going up, so you’re on your own figuring it out, but it is not difficult.
At the top of Sunset View Hill, of course, the views of the valleys in the distance are better. You get to experience Gorkundere Vally from above, and you can also spot Uçhisar Castle, some kilometers away. Follow the dirt trail, to the right, towards town, and you’ll reach a viewing platform, from where you get a splendid view of Goreme, and, I imagine, a, just as, incredible view of the hot air balloons going up in the morning. This spot is also where you exit, or enter, Sunset View Hill from town.
On the way down, I passed some upscale looking hotels, with equally nice patios. Perfect for a coffee break, or strawberry milkshake break 🙂
I entered Gorkundere Valley, by taking the first dirt road, on the right hand side, about half way from town, towards Goreme Open Air Museum. Then just kept on walking, until there was no more road. I did not turn left at the Gorkundere Cafe Breakfast sign. Went straight. At the end of the road, I could either jump a fence, which I didn’t feel comfortable doing, or give this uphill trail like crack a go. Latter was easier said than done. It is steep, slippery, and the width less than that of my foot. An accident waiting to happen. In other words, find someone in the adjacent house, to ask if you may use the fence gate, or search the area for another option.
The town centre of Göreme (snaps at the end of the post) isn’t big, and isn’t all that. These days the focus seems to be the hoards of tourists rolling in. To my surprise, it wasn’t as bad as I anticipated. I found it fairly quiet, with a relaxing atmosphere, compared to other places of the same kind. However, could be due to the time of year, October. If you just wanna spot some fairy chimneys, you can just walk around town, as they melt into the «cityscape».
Just wanna mention one thing, regarding Galerie İkman, the carpet store that is on many Instaworthy lists. Just as I walked out, I overheard the owner “scold” people for coming in to take the “famous” photo only. Saying there’s so many stopping by just for the picture, and that it doesn’t help him make a living. It made me feel bad, so even though I took the photo, I’ve deleted it. The scene created by the shop display and the cone shaped rock in the background, is cool, but not a must do, at all costs.
Görkündere Valley
Sunset View Hill
Göreme snaps
