CAPPADOCIA BIKEPACKING TOUR

Cappadocia Bikepacking One Week Tour

With this spectacular tour you will experience :

Tour itinenary :

Day 1: Göreme to Soğanlı

Distance: 80 km | Elevation Gain: 1,500 m

You start your ride on quiet backroads, heading into Pigeon Valley, where countless dovecotes are carved into the soft volcanic rock. As you follow the route toward Göreme, you enter the stunning Rose and Red Valleys. Some sections get steep or sandy, so you may need to push your bikes for short stretches—but the views are well worth the effort.

You take your time to explore the hidden cave dwellings scattered throughout the valley. Leaving the trails behind, you ride a scenic gravel track into Ürgüp and continue climbing toward Ortahisar. Make sure to stop at the Ortahisar Castle for panoramic views over the region. There are three catles in region, this is middle one . you should look at this asvolcanic rock more than castle, one piece of volcanic rock survived there nine million years. Just as a rock it is amazing.

The route then leads you through narrow canyons and across technical trails. Along the way, you reach the Pigeonniers—towering, multi-level cave structures once used as homes and dovecotes. These are some of the most unique sights of the day.

From here, you ride into Uzengi Vadisi, where flowing singletrack and smooth terrain make for one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. You stop for a hearty local lunch in the quiet village of Mustafapaşa before continuing on peaceful gravel and tarmac roads, passing Damsa Dam and a series of sleepy villages.

As the day winds down, you take on your longest climb yet and reach the first high plateau of the trip. The descent into Basköy Valley is unforgettable, with golden light casting long shadows over the landscape.

You finish the day with a final gentle climb into the remote village of Soğanlı. Your campsite is tucked away near the historical cave churches, where you settle in for the night with home-cooked food, warm tea, and a peaceful riverside setting.

Day 2: Soğanlı to Demirkazık

Distance: 75.8 km | Elevation Gain: 1,130 m

You wake up to soft morning light filtering through the cliffs of Soğanlı. After a peaceful breakfast by the river, you explore a few nearby cave churches before setting off. The ride begins with a steady climb out of the valley on a historic cobblestone path that leads you back up to the high plains.

As you reach the top, the landscape opens dramatically. Sharp tufa formations give way to wide, rolling green hills—more reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands than central Anatolia. The riding is smooth and enjoyable for a while, until you encounter a 3-kilometer stretch of soft sand. With wide tires, you may be able to pedal through; otherwise, you’ll likely push. It’s slow going, but the surrounding scenery makes it worthwhile. Sometimes walking gives you time to take it all in.

Soon, you catch your first glimpse of the majestic Aladağlar Mountains rising in the distance—snow-covered, wild, and calling you forward. You rejoin the asphalt for a fast descent through quiet villages like Araplı and Doğanlı. When the route shifts back onto gravel, you follow it. These detours offer stunning views and are well worth the extra effort.

In the small village of İçmeli, you find the only shop for miles—a perfect place to restock. A simple lunch of cheese, bread, and cookies does the trick, and the friendly shopkeeper may even offer you a free cup of coffee. It’s one of those heartwarming moments that makes self-guided travel so memorable.

From İçmeli, the road becomes more remote. The call to prayer echoes across the wide valleys as you continue south, steadily climbing toward the mountains. The final ascent to the 1,720-meter pass is challenging. If rain is in the forecast, take care: this section becomes treacherous when wet.

If you press on during bad weather, the dirt track can turn into thick, sticky mud—clogging your wheels and drivetrain. In dry conditions, the climb is demanding but manageable. Once you reach the pass, the view is breathtaking. Mist rolls over the jagged peaks and, if you're lucky, golden light breaks through the clouds.

From the summit, you descend into Demirkazık—a quiet mountain village nestled at the base of the Aladağlar range. Just before town, you arrive at Dokuzgöz Alabalık, a riverside trout restaurant. Here you warm up with fresh fish, hot tea, and a change of clothes. If the rain returns, the kind owners may let you pitch your tent in their garden beside the stream. With the scent of pine in the air and the sound of running water nearby, you end the day tired, muddy, and utterly content.
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Water and Supplies:

Available in İçmeli, Bademdere, Çukurbağ, and Demirkazık

Day 3: Demirkazık to Divarlı

Distance: 100 km | Elevation Gain: ~1,800 m

You wake to the sound of birdsong and a bubbling stream beside your tent. Your legs still carry the weight of yesterday’s effort, but the clear morning skies promise another beautiful day on the road.

After a short ride, you reach the mountain town of Çamardı, nestled beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Aladağlar. The town’s blue-roofed mosque gleams in the morning light, and you stop at a small local café for fresh pastries and steaming glasses of çay. With the mountains at your back and warm tea in your hands, you feel deeply connected to the land around you.

Leaving the alpine scenery behind, you begin crossing the Niğde Valley. The route follows quiet farm roads through wide-open fields and peaceful villages. The terrain is gentler now—rolling hills with a mix of asphalt and gravel. There’s almost no traffic, just you and the rhythmic sound of your wheels. The ride takes on a calming, meditative pace.

As you descend into the city of Niğde, you may need to stop for supplies or a bike check. If you're lucky, you’ll come across a friendly shop like we did—where a quick repair turns into a shared lunch and stories with the local mechanics. Encounters like these remind you why Turkey is such a joy to explore.

Re-energized and ready, you take on the main challenge of the day: the climb up to Güresentepe Pass at 2,180 meters. The road climbs steadily, winding past alpine lakes and even a small ski resort. As you gain altitude, the wind picks up and the temperature drops slightly, but the views stretch out in all directions. Off in the distance, you spot the outline of Hasandağı—a dormant volcano that will guide you into the next stage of your journey.

What follows is the longest and most exhilarating descent so far. You fly down smooth asphalt through sweeping farmland and expansive steppe. The light softens as the sun begins to set, and time seems to slow down.

You arrive in the quiet village of Divarlı just before dark. There’s a peaceful riverside spot here, perfect for camping under the stars. As you settle in and light a small fire, Hasandağı glows on the horizon in the fading light. You end the day feeling both grounded and inspired—grateful for the open road, the silence of nature, and the small, unforgettable moments in between.

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Water and Supplies:

Available in: Çamardı, Niğde, Tepeköy, and Çiftlik

Day 4: Divarlı to Çamilören

Distance: ~90 km | Elevation Gain: ~1,200 m

You wake up to a golden sunrise glowing over the open plains. After breaking camp near the river outside Divarlı, you start the day with a descent on a rough dirt track that leads you straight into the dramatic Dipsiz Canyon.
A short, punchy climb brings you up and over to Ilısu, a quiet village perched on the rim of the Ihlara Valley. The scenery shifts suddenly—lush greenery replaces the dry steppe as you approach Ihlara village. From here, you enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the entire trip: the village mosque framed by high cliffs and distant peaks.

You take a short detour to the Ihlara Glass Terrace Café (Cam Teras Kade), a scenic spot perched above the canyon. With strong Turkish coffee, cake, and incredible views, it’s easy to lose track of time. But eventually, the trail calls you back, and you descend into the famous Ihlara Valley.

Yes, the entrance costs about 15 euros (as of May 2025), but it’s worth every cent. The canyon is bursting with greenery, and the walls are lined with ancient cave dwellings. A river winds along the valley floor, and a soft path follows beside it. Some sections—especially on the right side—turn into rough hike-a-bike segments, so if you’re riding with a loaded setup, you’re better off sticking to the smoother left bank whenever possible.

At the halfway point, you find a hidden riverside café, where you can dip your feet in the cool stream and sip freshly squeezed orange juice among the locals. These spontaneous, slow moments often become the most memorable of the trip.
As you continue riding through the canyon, more cave dwellings appear, until you climb out near Selime. The landscape here explodes into a surreal world of fairy chimneys and sculpted rock towers—Selime Peri Bacaları. You stop for a well-deserved lunch surrounded by this natural wonder, like dining in a cathedral carved from stone.

The trail opens up again as you pass Kızılkaya, following a tree-lined river where local families are picnicking and waving as you ride by. The terrain is fast and flowing—gravel and dirt trails winding through quiet, untouched countryside.
As the sun begins to dip low, you reach Saratlı, the last large village of the day. You resupply and push on, eventually reaching Çamilören as golden hour paints the hills in warm light. Just outside the village, you find a quiet field for camping. You pitch your tent, watch the sky turn violet, and count stars as they slowly emerge overhead.

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Water and Supplies:

Available in: Ihlara, Selime, Saratlı, Çamilören

Day 5: Çamilören to Göreme

Distance: ~85 km | Elevation Gain: ~900 m

Your final morning on the trail begins under a bright blue sky. After packing up camp in Çamilören, you set off for Tatların, where you plan to enjoy one last breakfast on the road.

You start with a gentle climb on dirt roads, then enjoy a long descent through soft, green hills. The countryside stretches wide in all directions—open fields, grazing sheep, and distant farmhouses dot the landscape. As you roll into Tatların, you’re met with warm smiles and waves from villagers. You stop for a simple, satisfying breakfast of fresh bread, village cheese, and strong tea.
If you have the time, make sure to visit the Tatların Underground City (Tatların Yeraltı Şehri). Hidden beneath the village, this ancient complex offers a fascinating look into how people once lived and sheltered underground. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and unforgettable.

Back on the bike, you ride the final stretch toward Nevşehir. The terrain shifts again—this time to something more arid and wild. You pass through dry lava fields and scattered brush, riding through a stark, open landscape. But eventually, Nevşehir appears in the distance—a welcome sight.

You stop for final supplies in the city, stocking up on snacks, water, or anything else you might need for your rest days. Then, you roll down into Nar and retrace the familiar paths that brought you here, feeling the full weight and joy of the journey behind you.

You finish in Göreme—dusty, tired, and beaming with quiet pride. You’ve pedaled across plains, climbed mountain passes, wandered ancient valleys, and descended into otherworldly canyons. And now, you return to where it all began, transformed by the road and everything it gave you.

 

PHOTO GALERY