Hiking in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a breathtaking site to see, with its sculpted rocks and canyons. Its a majestic place offering a profoundly surreal looking landscape. It is even more incredible when you are able to hike this region to see every detail up close. The rain and wind, over millennia, have crafted these valleys to what we see today. From phallic rock formations, domed white rocks and rose canyons, hiking in Cappadocia provides for a stunning backdrop for every hiker to enjoy.
With that said, it is dangerous to hike this area unprepared and there is not a lot of information available to tourists wishing to hike in this region. That is one of many reasons I wanted to join forces with an incredible local tour company for our 2022 retreat through Turkey. I knew I had to include a hike through Meskendir to Rose Valley. To hike from Meskendir to Rose Valley takes about 4 hours of relatively easy hiking, covering a total of 11 kilometres. There are several different hiking trails in this area, but this hike is by far the most exciting as the views are truly breathtaking. On day 13 we will explore the Red and Rose Valleys.
Day 13 – October 13, 2022
On day 13 of our retreat, we will enjoy yoga and breakfast before we start our tour at 9:30am. We will begin the tour by hiking down through Meskendir Valley to Red and Rose Valleys. During our hike we will see different natural rock formations. Additionally, we’ll get to observe man-made ones, in the form of rock-cut churches with their magnificent murals. From there we will visit three churches. First we’ll see the Meskendir Kilise, then the Kolonlu Kilise (Church with columns). Finally, we’ll explore Haclı Kilise (Church with a cross).
After a short stop above Rose Valley, our group will continue walking along Red Valley to Çavuşin, where we will have lunch. Following lunch we will explore the old village of Çavuşin. From there we’ll visit the oldest and biggest church in Cappadocia, St John the Baptist Church.
From Çavuşin we will continue walking through picturesque vineyards to Paşabağ, where highly remarkable mushroom-shaped rock formations can be seen in the middle of a vineyard. That’s how the vineyard god its name, which means ‘Pasha’s vineyard’. ‘Pasha’ means ‘general’, a military rank, in Turkish. This sight is also called Monks’ Valley. The name came from the high tuff stone columns which stand apart, looking like monks.
The tour finishes with a cup of tea, apple tea or coffee. The total distance covered is about 12 km of relatively easy hiking. As it involves a lot of going up and down the hills, wearing comfortable walking shoes with a good grip is essential. Trekking poles can be supplied on request. Overnight in Cappadocia.
2022 Retreat through Turkey
If you’d like more information about this years Adventure, Meditation, Yoga and History Retreat through Turkey, tap here: https://olotita.com/turkey2022/
There are double and single occupancy spots available.
Retreat Leader
Krista Shirley is a level 2 authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher and the founder of The Yoga Shala in Winter Park, Florida.
Krista’s dedication to her personal yoga practice shines through in her teaching. Her energy is contagious and inspiring! Krista specializes in meeting each student where they are. She helps them create a habit of daily practice, learn the sequence of asanas, and work towards physical mastery of the postures. What’s more, Krista also helps each student go inside themselves to truly integrate the body and mind. Doing so helps students let go of the things in their lives that no longer serve them. Krista is here to help you begin or advance your Ashtanga Yoga journey and looks forward to sharing this transformational and enriching practice with you.
