Zemi Valley
Zemi Valley is one of the less frequently visited locations in the Cappadocia region, it hosts stunning cliffside caves, Early Christian rock-hewn churches, troglodyte cave homes and stunning rock formations. It's certainly an impressive sight. The Zemi Valley is surrounded by high mountains and lush valleys and the region is a haven for historians, photographers and adventurers. Travel agencies offer daily tours for trekking, horseback riding, jeep safari or quad bike excursions to explore the area.
A popular 2-3 hour marked hiking trail runs through Zemi Valley, offering visitors the opportunity to wander through the tall mushroom shaped fairy chimney that are so famous throughout the Cappadocia region. These odd cone topped pillars are made of soft volcanic tuff and their odd form is a result of thousands of years of erosion caused by wind and rain. Settlers once built their homes inside these natural formations; making their beds inside the conical rock. To reach the trail you can follow signs from Goreme, the regions major transport hub, towards the Open Air Museum, on the way you will see an official trail marker for Zemi Valley. Diverting from the trail you can make a visit to the Al Nazar Church which dates back to the 10th century and houses original frescoes.
The trail is approximately 5 kilometers long and passes between Urgup and Nevsehir on the road to Goreme; in Goreme you can find accommodation in Cave Hotels and taste the local Anatolian Cuisine. An alternative trail loops through Gorkundere and returns to Goreme, it is a shady trail which visits remarkable sites and affords spectacular view over the unique landscape.