Discover Cappadocia's Captivating Charm & Alluring Underground Caves | Lydiascapes in Turkey

Discover Cappadocia’s Captivating Charm & Alluring Underground Caves

I have always seen those images online.

The hot air balloons filling the golden sky, overlooking a landscape of peculiar looking rock formations, shot from incredible lookout point/ drone. And that was what Cappadocia had always been to me – a place I saw in the pictures.

However, it always felt so far away and surreal a destination to be visited and checked off my bucket list in the near future, given I have already been to Turkey before, so it seemed unlikely I would go back any time soon.

Skies of Cappadocia
Skies of Cappadocia

But dreams come true for those who fight for it. So this year May on my 30th year in existence, I was privileged to have my chance to visit Turkey and specifically Cappadocia location amongst the many stops of my Turkey Aegean Sea Region Tour with Tempel Travel & Turkish Airlines.

Cappadocia – The Land of Beautiful Horses

Lets kick us off with the stories of fairies and turkish ice cream.

Fairy Chimney Tops and Ice-Cream Cones


It is the most bizarre and peculiar site one has ever seen. The sea of light brown rocks erected from the ground – initially makes you blush as they do resemble the phallic shaped symbol very much, but after closer scrutiny and shyly interrogating our tour guide about it, we all come to know that these features and structures are purely caused by the natural weathering process, where over time, the upper layer of lava rock breaks down slower than the rocky surface beneath it, hence you will see these little dark brown triangular rocks balancing on top of the long light brown lava rock below.

The iconic distinction of Cappadocia compared to other rocky landscape around the world is its – fairy chimneys rocks | Visit Goreme
The iconic distinction of Cappadocia compared to other rocky landscape around the world is its – fairy chimneys rocks | Visit Goreme
My Favourite turkish Ice cream, shaped very similarly to the Fairy Chimney Rocks
My Favourite Turkish Ice cream shaped very similarly to the Fairy Chimney Rocks

We had plenty of time driving through this landscape areas and relishing the beauty of them. Goreme Open Air Museum can be found in the middle of a valley of rock cones and fairy chimneys tops.

Goreme ( Or Goreme National Park) is a must-visit destination as it has that surrealistic landscape I raved about – capped pinnacles and fretted ravines in a wide range of tones of red and brown. If you are also into biblical history, you will also find out that this place is also known as The Land of the Hittites in the bible the book of Genesis.

Planning to go Turkey in the coming months? Don’t forget your Turkey Visa! Unless you are a Singaporean, then lucky you, we are visa free!

Pigeon Holes and Love Mail at Pigeon Valley

Don’t we wish we can go back to the times where there is no WhatsApp and messenger, but your only delivery is through a pigeon sending your messages?

Pigeon Valley and the tree of evil eyes | Cappadocia Turkey Images
Pigeon Valley and the tree of evil eyes | Cappadocia Turkey Images

It probably takes a very long time to train up a pigeon to be able to fly long distances and to be so trained to deliver things, without going wayward and destroying the letter halfway through. We stopped by Pigeon Valley where we could see where the old β€˜post office’ use to be, with hundreds of pigeon holes for the pigeons to arrive with their little messages. I would think the postman/ post woman must be so skilled to be able to tell apart which pigeon belongs to which owner/ comes from which area.


Nowadays, these pigeon mailing is no longer in practice, but the pigeon holes/ homes are still maintained and

Rock Cavesis also a picture point not to be missed -The Three Beauties, or Uc Guzeller, where if you have no time, this is the best spot they claim to see the best fairy chimneys.

36 Cappadocia Underground Cities

No, unfortunately, we did not have the time nor stamina to see all 36 underground cities in Cappadocia, but the one we visited is called – Underground City ( I presume it will be the best? to be able to call itself that)

Intricate underground Cave Passages and Network for the people | Turkey Caves and Underground Cities
Intricate underground Cave Passages and Network for the people | Turkey Caves and Underground Cities

This underground city is the widest amongst all 36 of them and comprises of 100 narrow, low and secret tunnels. It was so fascinating to see how all these intricate tunnel systems started, which use to be created in the past as safety passages for Christians against the Romans who are seeking them out. So people use to build these tunnels as hidden homes and passages to get to places without being arrested.

Rock Caves and Intricated Underground Passages


Cappadocia has probably one of the greatest amounts of cave hotels in 1 vicinity.

But before all these stunning hotels came about, these caves actually housed villages and towns, and we walked past quite a few that is still an operating tailor or blacksmith. Some of these houses are so fascinating and it is fun to imagine what it is like to live in one of them. In the past as far back at 4,000 NC, these use to be dwellings and churches hewn into the rock, which are actually perfect insulation against the heat as well as the cold in Winter.

Rock Caves in Cappadocia | Intricate Cave City in Turkey Above and Underground
Rock Caves in Cappadocia | Cappadocia Turkey City Above and Underground

 

Uplifting Turkish Hot Air Balloon Encounter

This is probably the one activity that I took a very long time to deliberate over whether to pay additional to do. I had the chance to try hot air balloon over in Bagan Myanmar in March this year, but given the exorbitant prices they charge there, I missed out the opportunity.

However now that I am all the way here in Cappadocia and knowing that I will be missing out the opportunity of flying over this view that probably, being a crazy rock formations/ structure enthusiasts, will one day wake up and regret it.

Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia Turkey - Lets Begin the Sunrise Adventure
Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia Turkey – Let us Begin the Sunrise Adventure

The hot air balloon gathering starts at 4 am in the morning, with everyone huddled together and piled into a small van to get to the loading site.

The sky was slowly but surely lighting up as we neared our destination, and I was so eager to quickly get there in fear we will miss the golden sunrise moment.

We could eventually see some partially inflated hot air balloons getting prepared as we drove into the zone, and I eagerly pressed my face against the foggy glass trying to spot which balloon is ours. And then one by one, we see the flicker, one after the other, as the hot air balloons start getting flashes of hot flames blazed into its bottom to fill it up. It was such a surreal sight, to see these large canvas pieces glowing in colour and getting inflated as the time passed.

We eventually arrived at our prized balloon and everyone toppled out of the van wrapping ourselves warm to prepare for the cold ride. But far from it, it was a blazing ride and we saw before us the full fire glow and heat up our orange-red-yellow balloon, as well as our cold cheeks and bodies.

Time to Take Flight – Time Waits for no one

I was too busy taking photos but I had to quickly climb/ partially hoisted into the balloon basket, one of the last few that got in. You could already feel the balloon lifting up ever so slightly and shifting its weight around as the heat is rising.

Up up up we go | Hot Air Balloon Turkey Experience
Up up up we go | Hot Air Balloon Turkey Experience

After much manoeuvring around by the Turkish crew on the ground, and a quick introduction by our balloon pilot, we were lifted off the ground and up into the sky.

And that’s where the mild excitement and fear within kicks, a mix of sheer delight yet uncertainty of what to expect. At that moment I was just suddenly very much aware of the fact that, we are being lifted up purely by hot air, and very much in the mercy of the wind speed and force. Up up up into the air so very gently but gaining height very fast.

Our pilot was one fearless man.

We were initially maybe only between the 15th to 20th balloon to get off the ground, but in 15 minutes, we were the highest balloon out of a sea of 100-150 balloons. And when I say hi, I mean really really high. I was terrified at one point of time that my hand shook quite a bit when I was taking photos, that I had to keep my camera.

Very very high up the ground and away from all the other balloons. It was frightening at some point of time. But its reassuring to know that they are careful to monitor the Cappadocia weather daily to ensure the wind movement is not too severe
Very very high up the ground and away from all the other balloons. It was frightening at some point of time. But its reassuring to know that they are careful to monitor the Cappadocia weather daily to ensure the wind movement is not too severe

The surreal view of a hundred balloons

However, I kept looking around and marvel at the sight of these glowing and flickering Turkish hot air balloons moving through the sky, and the incredible Cappadocia rock formations just right below, in its jagged odd shapes catching the morning light.

Traverse through the Canyon


We had our highs and we had our lows. At one point in time, we were so low that we could actually jump off the basket onto the grassy patch without getting a scratch. But no, of coz that didn’t happen. Thankfully I didn’t jump off either, because the next segment of the trip was so incredible that I felt like I was in a national geographic shoot. We were floating low and carefully through pigeon valley, and not only a super photo-worthy moment, it was at that moment that the sunrays burst over the ridges and filled the whole canyon with golden rays. It was an incredible moment and just left me awestruck for a while.

A good 40 – 50minutes of our fairy-tale like flight through the sky, it was sad to say we finally arrived back on the ground with our eyes wide open and big smiles on our faces.

Important Things to Note:

  • Don’t forget to apply for your Turkish Visa if your country requires one! If you are Singaporean, goo.d news, our pretty awesome passport doesn’t require us to have one. You can apply from e-visums.co.uk
  • A hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia can cost between US$200+ to US300+. Given its popular demand, it is highly recommended to book over the counter or with your tour agent you are with ( in my case – Tempel Travel), who can guarantee you a spot. Booking online can sometimes run the risk of being cancelled and no show pick up, so do your proper research before you pay.
  • Book your domestic flights in advance to get the best rates. In our case, we flew with Turkish Airlines and even though it was a full freight flight, it wasn’t too expensive.
  • Nearest Airport to Cappadocia is Kayseri Erkilet Airport.
DSC07491

Falling in love with Cappadocia Sunrise and Sky of Hot Air Balloons.

When will you be making a visit here?

You Might Also Like

33 Comments

  • Avatar of Simone
    Reply
    Simone
    June 27, 2018 at 6:40 pm

    This place is beyond beautiful! The landscape with the balloons rising, incredibly gorgeous. I’m sure it was an amazing adventure.

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      June 28, 2018 at 11:03 am

      It was an indeed awesome adventure, Simone. Cappadocia is simply mesmerizing!

  • Avatar of Miriam
    Reply
    Miriam
    June 28, 2018 at 8:31 am

    This has been on my bucket list for a very long time, I have seen so many photos of the hot air balloons & Cappadocia (love your pictures of this place too) and would love to visit one day! Have a wonderful weekend ahead!

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      June 28, 2018 at 11:05 am

      Hey, Miriam! The place is beyond words and I hope you’ll get to explore it soon and make such good pictures! πŸ˜‰

  • Avatar of Christopher OKeefe
    Reply
    Christopher OKeefe
    June 28, 2018 at 12:18 pm

    Awesome pics. I like the one where you’re underground and it looks like you’re rolling the stone. There is something very Indiana Jones about it. The shapes that nature creates on some of the rocks is so unreal. They look more like modern art. Cheers!

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      June 28, 2018 at 1:09 pm

      You made me laugh, Christopher, when I have a better look it indeed seems like an Indiana Jones moment! Thanks for the kind words. πŸ™‚

  • Avatar of abbie
    Reply
    abbie
    June 28, 2018 at 9:09 pm

    This looks incredible. Great photos!

    abbiejadewanders.co.uk

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      June 29, 2018 at 1:04 pm

      Thanks a bunch, Abbie! I appreciate it.

  • Avatar of Lifetravelsoul
    Reply
    Lifetravelsoul
    June 28, 2018 at 11:16 pm

    I love the Hot Air Balloon Ride video! I’ve never experienced this and I can only imagine how exciting it is to be up there.

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      June 29, 2018 at 1:05 pm

      Thanks a lot! It is extremely exciting and I really hope you’ll get to experience it one day!

  • Avatar of Nancy
    Reply
    Nancy
    June 30, 2018 at 3:38 am

    Hot air balloons look super fun! It’s pretty cool that you got to check out Cappadocia. There’s so much to see out there – and the caves look really sturdy. Glad you enjoyed your time out there! Thanks for sharing your experience :)!

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      June 30, 2018 at 10:53 am

      Hey Nancy, hot air balloons are very fun and unforgettable experience! Hope you’ll experience it one day! πŸ˜‰

  • Avatar of Bexa
    Reply
    Bexa
    June 30, 2018 at 7:10 pm

    Wow! Cappadocia looks awesome! Your photography is stunning and you have made me really want to visit. The Turkish ice cream looks delicious and the hot air ballon ride looks amazing. Thank you for sharing Lydia ? xx

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      July 1, 2018 at 11:41 am

      Hey Bexa, thanks for the comment! Cappadocia is indeed awesome and I warmly recommend the place! πŸ˜‰

  • Avatar of Renuka Walter
    Reply
    Renuka Walter
    July 1, 2018 at 11:20 am

    Beautiful! Being up in the air on a Hot air balloon would be an amazing experience! Lovely photos. πŸ™‚

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      July 1, 2018 at 11:42 am

      Thanks a bunch, Renuka! It is an indeed amazing and unforgettable experience. πŸ™‚

  • Avatar of Retire Early and Travel
    Reply
    Retire Early and Travel
    July 1, 2018 at 4:10 pm

    How beautiful Lydia! Have been hot air balling but would love to do it here! Great post, thanks.

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      July 2, 2018 at 9:33 am

      Thanks a bunch, Keith and Tina! Cappadocia has a certain unique charm. πŸ™‚

  • Avatar of Emily
    Reply
    Emily
    July 2, 2018 at 2:26 am

    Wow, how beautiful! Cannot believe you got to experience this in person! I always see the photos on Instagram and it looks so incredible haha.

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      July 2, 2018 at 9:42 am

      It is indeed incredible, Emily! I simply couldn’t stop taking pictures while I was there. πŸ™‚

  • Avatar of Kirsten Wendlandt
    Reply
    Kirsten Wendlandt
    July 2, 2018 at 11:49 pm

    Oh my god! Everything in Cappadocia looks absolutely stunning. I’m dying to go there now!!

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      July 3, 2018 at 9:29 pm

      It is an ultimate travel destination, Kirsten! Hope you’ll get to explore it soon!

  • Avatar of Amanda | Sushi and Gelato
    Reply
    Amanda | Sushi and Gelato
    July 2, 2018 at 10:30 pm

    Lydia, great article and amazing photos. My favorite photo is the one of the camels in front of the fairy chimney rocks. I love that in addition to the iconic balloon ride above the fairy chimneys, there is so much more to see (as if the balloon ride isn’t enough); the cave hotels and businesses and the underground cities look so interesting.

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      July 3, 2018 at 9:27 pm

      Thanks a lot, Amanda! That’s my favourite picture, too. Cappadocia has plenty of things to offer.

  • Avatar of Kat
    Reply
    Kat
    July 13, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    So beautiful it’s on my bucket list now πŸ˜€

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      July 17, 2018 at 5:11 am

      Yes, please add it Kat! Its a really magical place;)

  • Avatar of Kenyatta Swofford
    Reply
    Kenyatta Swofford
    July 16, 2018 at 5:44 am

    It was a wonderful experience in Cappadocia. I enjoyed to read your post, you took some stunning pictures of your trip. I have not visited here, but as soon as I want to find myself here to explore all the adventure thing, which you have done during your trip. Hot air balloon is my main target. I am not jealous πŸ™‚

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      July 17, 2018 at 5:13 am

      Good to hear that Kenyatta..GO experience the hot air balloons and share with me how you found it πŸ˜‰

  • Avatar of The Untourists
    Reply
    The Untourists
    July 18, 2018 at 2:59 am

    What an amazing place Cappadocia! I love those caves…

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      July 30, 2018 at 8:21 am

      It is an indeed a very amazing place, Param and Shikha! The caves are truly mesmerizing. πŸ™‚

  • Avatar of Hariom
    Reply
    Hariom
    August 19, 2018 at 4:17 pm

    So beautiful! Turkey is my dream destination.

  • Avatar of Alessa
    Reply
    Alessa
    November 22, 2018 at 7:31 am

    Woow looks like a wonderful place to visit. I wish to be there!

    • Avatar of Lydia Yang
      Reply
      Lydia Yang
      December 18, 2018 at 12:36 pm

      Yes you definitely need to pay it a visit Alessa! The hot air balloons are such a magical experience.

Leave a Reply

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from a link you click on the site that lead to a qualifying purchase. It will not cost you anything additional, but it does help us in supporting this site to keep creating great content for you. All our recommendations and reviews included in the site are purely unbiased.