29-03-2023 -
Places
Home of Millions of Pigeons in Cappadocia: Pigeon Valley
Cappadocia is like an open-air museum full of beautiful valleys, hills, and natural wonders. Every year, millions of visitors come to Cappadocia from all over the world to see this amazing region, fly over beautiful fairy chimneys on a hot air balloon, dive into underground cities, and more. In this article, we are going to look at one of the amazing valleys in Cappadocia; Pigeon Valley, or as its Turkish name Güvercinlik Vadisi.
Before we start to look at the things to see and do in Pigeon Valley, let us introduce you to the best sightseeing pass in the region: Cappadocia Travel Pass®. This pass is actually beyond just a sightseeing one because it has 35+ attractions, experiences, and local services for you to have the best of Cappadocia for a single price. Check out here, and you’ll see an itinerary example. Compare for yourself and buy your Cappadocia Travel Pass® today.
All About Pigeon Valley
In addition to the breathtaking views of the dovecotes, Pigeon Valley, a picturesque valley close to Uchisar town, is named after the numerous pigeon homes that have been cut into the soft tufa since ancient times. The valley, which derives its name from pigeons, is the most well-liked, well-known, and spectacular of Cappadocia's valleys.
In the wonderful Pigeon Valley, some cave pigeon houses have been painted white to entice birds and their lucrative droppings. The valley is renowned for its stunning vistas as well. Messages were once delivered by pigeons. Also, their waste was turned into fertilizer. Pigeons have traditionally been used as a source of food and fertilizer in Cappadocia. Thus, wherever there was room, little holes were made. The usage of pigeon poo has decreased with the invention of artificial fertilizers. Nonetheless, some farmers continue to insist on doing things the old-fashioned way. They assert that the pigeon poo is the sole reason their fruits are the tastiest and most succulent in all of Turkey.
Due to their long history of service, pigeons are incredibly essential to the inhabitants. The region's pigeons have been around since the ninth century. Pigeon eggs were utilized as filler for the frescos in the ninth century, and the region's fields and vineyards utilize their nutrients to grow incredibly prolific harvests. So this is where the exquisite grapes and wine-making history of Cappadocia came from.
Several beautiful fairy chimneys that have been cut out for pigeon nests are on display. In the Pigeon Valley, there is a tree known as the "Evil Eye Tree" that is also well worth visiting. Here, you may feed the pigeons and take walks up the hills that border the valley. You can also see the valley from the edge of the fabled evil eye-beaded tree.
Pigeon Valley has a famous 4 km of track for hikers and the west end of this tract in the valley ends in Uchisar. Although the tracks through the valley are a bit challenging for regular people, the region is also ideal for hiking and trekking. The walking path is a bit long, so we recommend you take comfortable outdoor shoes with you. The walk in the valley takes about 45 minutes. The best time to hike in the valley is early in the morning.
There are several lovely terrace eateries and cafes along the route to Pigeon Valley where you can enjoy your meal or drink while taking in the breathtaking views of the area. There are no cafes or markets in the valley, so it is a good idea to take a bottle of water and some snacks with you.
On the approach to the valley, you'll pass through a number of gift shops. Gifts that may be manufactured by hand include woven rugs, carpets, and purses as well as stone sculptures and magnets that resemble the famed fairy chimneys of the area.
What to Do in Pigeon Valley
Both sunrise and sunset are stunning times to explore this unusual scene, despite being highly busy with people seeking to capture the greatest photos. Moreover, Cappadocia is home to an annual International Hot Air Balloon Festival that normally takes place in July or August. So if you go then, the sky over Pigeon Valley is a gorgeous explosion of color. Both sunrise and sunset are stunning times to explore this unusual scene, despite being highly busy with people seeking to capture the greatest photos.
Moreover, Cappadocia is home to an annual International Hot Air Balloon Festival that normally takes place in July or August. So if you go then, the sky over Pigeon Valley is a gorgeous explosion of color. Awe-inspiring sights and fantastic photo opportunities result from watching the multicolored balloons glide across this unusual environment.
You might be interested to know that, because it's mostly downhill, it's preferable to start from the Uchisar end of the valley if you want to traverse the entire region. We haven't gone on a hike ourselves, but we've heard they're amazing and not too taxing. Pigeon Valley is best visited in the spring or fall when the weather is moderate and the scenery is at its prettiest.
For hikers visiting Cappadocia, Pigeon Valley is a well-liked location. The well-marked hiking track gives breathtaking views of the valley and the nearby rock formations. Wildflowers, fig-trees, and eagles are just a few of the many plant and animal species that call the valley home. The valley is renowned for having breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that draw tourists and nature enthusiasts from all over the world. The Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, and other surrounding sites are close to Pigeon Valley.
Turkey's Pigeon Valley is a significant cultural and historical location that is safeguarded as a national monument by the government. Visitors are urged to maintain and preserve the valley's natural beauty for future generations. It is always very important to respect nature, and we know that Cappadocia Travel Pass® holders are always careful about maintaining the beauty of the sightseeing places.
What to Do in Cappadocia Next
If you enjoyed the amazing natural beauty of Pigeon Valley and get mesmerized, now it is time to join other attractions. For you to decide easily, we have gathered 35+ amazing attractions, experiences, underground cities, and museums for you and the best thing is that you will only pay a single price for them! CappadociaTravel Pass® is here for you to have the most of Cappadocia for less. Make 2023, the year you visited Cappadocia. It is the time.
FAQ
Why is it called Pigeon Valley?
The little pigeon homes that have been fashioned through time from the soft stone gave the area its name, Pigeon Valley. Although there are pigeon homes all across Cappadocia, this valley has by far the greatest concentration. Messages were once delivered by pigeons.
How long is Pigeon Valley hike?
Pigeon Valley has a 4 km-long route finishing in Uchisar at its westernmost point. The valley's trails are a little difficult, however, the area is great for hiking and trekking. Given the length of the walking trip, we advise bringing along some suitable outdoor shoes. A 45-minute hike through the valley is required. Early in the morning is the ideal time to go hiking in the valley.
What is the history of Pigeon Valley?
The numerous man-made Pigeon Houses that have been cut into the soft volcanic tuff are what gave Pigeon Valley its name. Pigeons have been employed in the Cappadocia region for food and fertilizer for the barren land since ancient times.
How long is Pigeon Valley?
Between the cities of Uchisar and Goreme, the 4 km long and up to 100 m deep Pigeon Valley is located. A well-liked trekking location in Cappadocia is Pigeon Valley.
