Ihlara Vadisi, A serene trek through history and nature

Ihlara Vadisi Yolu, Ihlara Aksaray, Turkey

The creek in the ravine murmurs

Introduction

This was a secret place for Christian practice during the Byzantine period and now preserves many painted rock churches. The canyon is ideal for hikers. Starting from the village of Echerahe, follow the Melendiz Suyu stream, and along the way, you will see various monasteries and churches, including the Kokar Church and Snake Church. The final destination is the Selime Monastery, a spectacular complex of rock buildings worth seeing. The entire journey takes about 7-8 hours, and lunch can be had in Belisirma at noon. The best time to hike is from May to June.

Address

Ihlara Vadisi Yolu, Ihlara Aksaray, Turkey

Opening hours

8:00-18:30

Transportation

There are ten daily round-trip buses between Akşaray and Guzelyurt passing by here. The bus will stop at the village of Echerahe, and it's only a few hundred meters' walk to enter the valley. To leave Selime, you need to take a ride back to Echerahe village, which costs about 25 Turkish liras.