Discover Cappadocia in Turkey during the Cappadocia Trail and wrap it up with a unique hot air balloon ride at sunrise

5 hiking days
Hotel stay
Self-guided

Launch dates fall 2026

days
hours
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The Cappadocia Trail

Discover Cappadocia with a self-guided hike through rock formations, valleys, and rock churches. Stay overnight in cave hotels and wrap up your trip with a hot air balloon ride.
Highlights
  • Traverse the iconic valleys and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
  • Stay overnight in unique cave hotels and stone houses.
  • Hike independently at your own pace, with the necessary support.
  • Experience the unique hot air balloon ride in Göreme at sunrise.
  • Discover the local culture and enjoy Turkish hospitality.
hot air ballooning in Cappadocia

Hiking in Cappadocia

The Cappadocia Trail starts in Taşkınpaşa, a charming village nestled in the valley. Over five varied stages, you'll hike past rock churches and the impressive rock castles of Ortahisar and Uçhisar. You'll finish in Göreme, where you can optionally catch the highlight: a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia at sunrise, soaring high above the fairy chimneys.

Along the way, you'll sleep in cozy cave hotels and start each day with a local breakfast. Everything is arranged: a clear day-to-day itinerary, insider tips, and support from a Dutch-speaking ranger. The Cappadocia Trail offers a unique mix of nature, culture, and authenticity, allowing you to experience Cappadocia as it truly is.

More information

Weekly schedule The Cappadocia Trail

There are countless hiking trails in Cappadocia. But choosing the right route and planning everything smartly takes time. With our fully mapped-out, self-guided week plan, you won't miss any highlights of the Cappadocia Trail. Over the course of five full hiking days, you'll trek through the most beautiful spots, with a cozy overnight stay in a charming cave hotel every evening.

The Cappadocia Trail hiking route

Cappadocia Trail map - Cappadocia Turkey hiking holiday
Day 2
Taskinpasa Mustafapasa
17.2 km 420m 580m 6u
Day 3
Mustafapasa Ortahisar
14.8 km 310m 280m 5u
Day 4
Ortahisar Çavuşin
16.5 km 465m 560m 6u
Day 5
Çavuşin Uçhisar
11 km 370m 110m 4u
Day 6
Uçhisar Göreme
11.2 km 110m 320m 4u

Practical info about the Cappadocia Trail

Availability

The Cappadocia Trail takes place during the spring and autumn. You can check all the availability through the calendar at the bottom of the website.

Spring 2026
The spring edition will be from May 1 to May 31. Sign up now for the last solo spots!

Autumn 2026
The autumn edition will take place from September 11 to October 11. Pre-register to be the first to book on March 11 at 4:00 PM, 24 hours before the official opening, and take advantage of the lowest prices and free Superflex conditions.

Base price

The Early bird base price for this trip is €795 per person. This price includes:

  • Planned trail and complete trip organization
  • 6 overnight stays in hotels along the trail, including breakfast
  • Dutch-speaking ranger on-site
  • Travelbase Trail app with all the info about The Cappadocia Trail
  • Shuttle to the starting point of the trail
  • Local tourist tax

You can add various extra options to your trip.

Flights & shuttle
  • Flights

For your flight, we recommend flying with Turkish Airlines, AJet, or SunExpress.

  • Shuttle

Day 1: We advice you to take a taxi directly outside of the airport to the center of Kayseri (around €8–10).

Day 2: The shuttle will take you to the start of the trail. It leaves in the morning at 8:00 from Kayseri (Ibis Hotel).

Day 8: The shuttle to the airport will start from the hotel in Göreme around 7am to be at the aiport around 8:15am.

You can also take a taxi from Göreme to the airport (around €60).

Self-guided

Self-guided means maximum freedom. On day 1, you'll receive a clear briefing, practical instructions, and all the necessary materials from our rangers. In the Travelbase app, you'll find the complete route, GPX, and tips for your journey. After that, you'll set off on your own, with the peace of mind that our rangers are available by phone if you have any questions. The route and accommodations are set, so you can focus on the hike and the magic of the Cappadocia Trail.

Food & drinks

During the trail, you'll enjoy the local Turkish specialties.

Every morning, a generous breakfast (included) will be ready for you. For the road, you can optionally order a packed lunch. This will be carefully prepared by the families hosting you.

Along the way, you'll occasionally come across bars for a drink or snack. In the evenings, you can choose where to eat at a local restaurant close to your accommodation.

Overnight stays

You’ll sleep in a warm bed for a week in one of the carefully selected authentic Stone Houses or Cave Hotels along the trail.

Travelbase app

After your booking, you'll gain access to the Travelbase app. Here you'll find all the practical info for before, during, and after your trip: from tips & tricks and flight information to everything you need on the go. Make sure to install it in advance so you have all the info at your fingertips.

Frequently asked questions

Want to know more about this trail? Check out our frequently asked questions.

Hotels in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is world-famous for its stunning Cave Hotels & Stone Houses. During the Cappadocia Trail, you'll stay in carefully selected accommodations where comfort and authenticity come together perfectly. You'll sleep in a cozy bed, enjoy the unique atmosphere, and have all the modern amenities you need.

Every morning, a delicious breakfast will be ready for you, so you can start your next stage with fresh energy.

 

Extra options

During the booking process, you can choose to add the following options to your trail in Cappadocia.

Is this trail suitable for me?

The difficulty level of a trail depends on several factors. Based on the factors below, you can assess for yourself whether this trail is suitable for you. With certain options, such as luggage transport, you can also make the trail easier for yourself.

Plan your trip to the Cappadocia Trail.

Are you dreaming of going on an adventure with us this coming fall? Pre-register now and benefit from:

  • 24-hour early access to bookings, specifically on March 11 at 4:00 PM
  • Early bird pricing
  • Free super flexible conditions

Can't wait? Book now one of the last solo spots available this spring.

 

  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info

Frequently asked questions

Who is this trail for?

Since the difficulty of a trail depends on various factors, we've created a clear overview of these factors for you.

Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 with good fitness and a sense of adventure can take on this trail. The trip involves a reasonable amount of physical activity, so good health is a must.

With overnight stays in hotels and the option for luggage transport, this trail is accessible for beginners in multi-day hikes.

Children are not allowed. Want to go hiking with your family anyway? Then Hike Tribe is a better alternative.

Are you looking to try a multi-day hike for the first time but unsure about your fitness?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What types of physical activity do I regularly do, and for how long?
  • Have I had any recent injuries that affect my hiking ability?
  • Can I comfortably walk 15 kilometers over hilly terrain?
  • Can I train specifically over the coming months to prepare well?

If your answers give you full confidence to embark on this adventure, then this trail is definitely for you! You'll receive a training schedule one week after booking that will get you ready to tackle the path comfortably.

Still unsure and want to test yourself before going on the trail?

Try one of our micro-adventures like The Packraft Trail.

How is the trail organized and what can you expect?

The Cappadocia Trail is a self-guided trail. This means you'll be doing the trail completely on your own, but with everything you need available. We'll take care of the practical side for you, so you can mainly hike and enjoy.

Before your trip starts, you'll get access to our Travelbase App. In it, you’ll find all the routes, highlights, and practical info. Each day includes clear descriptions, navigation, and tips to ensure you're well-prepared, even in changing conditions.

This is how your week will go:

  • On the first day, you'll receive a thorough briefing from an experienced ranger.
  • Throughout the week, you'll get a short daily briefing via message.
  • You’ll hike independently on the accessible and balanced route that we’ve mapped out for you.
  • All accommodations in hotels & caves are reserved in advance for you.
  • Breakfasts are included with your hotel stays. If you choose the lunch option, your lunches will also be taken care of. For dinner, you can head to the local restaurants nearby, and the guide will always provide you with some recommendations.
  • If you have any questions along the way or something goes wrong, you can always contact the ranger for help.
When should I arrive?

On The Cappadocia Trail, you always start hiking the day after your arrival. For example, if you book for the week of September 11 to 18, you'll arrive on September 11, and your first hiking day will be on September 12.

Our departure dates already include your arrival day and your departure day. You don't need to book extra days to do the trail. If you want to explore Cappadocia or Turkey for longer, that's of course always possible.

You can add an optional hotel stay in Kayseri for your first night. In the example, that's the night of September 11 to 12.

You can add that extra night to your booking up to 2 months before departure, depending on availability.

Example week September 11 to 18

In the Travelbase App, you can see this period as your full stay.

  • September 11: arrival in Kayseri, check in at the hotel (optional night)
  • September 12: Taskinpasa → Mustafapasa (shuttle departs at 8:00 from the hotel in Kayseri)
  • September 13: Mustafapasa → Ortahisar
  • September 14: Ortahisar → Çavuşin
  • September 15: Çavuşin → Uçhisar
  • September 16: Uçhisar → Göreme
  • September 17: Göreme
  • September 18: departure from Göreme to the airport
How many kilometers will I cover in total?

Throughout the week, you'll cover about 71 km, with stages ranging between 11 and 18 km per day. The days are well-balanced and evenly distributed, ensuring a good mix between the distance covered and the elevation gained.

What do the accommodations look like?

During The Cappadocia Trail, you’ll stay in Stone Houses or Cave Hotels where you can really relax after a long day of hiking.

We offer double rooms each night with either a double bed or two separate beds.

Are you coming solo or is your group odd-numbered? Then you’ll share a room with another participant in separate beds. We always try to place participants of the same gender together in a room.

What about food and drinks?

During the trail, you'll enjoy the local Turkish specialties.

Every day, you'll be offered a delicious breakfast & lunch pack (optional). We also provide a vegetarian option, but unfortunately no vegan option. These are lovingly served by the families we stay with.

Along the way, you'll come across some bars where you can buy a refreshing drink or a snack. After a solid day of hiking, you can savor the delicious Turkish cuisine at one of the local restaurants near our accommodations.

You can refill your water at the accommodation anytime.

Is there reception during the trail?

During the trail, you will normally have limited reception. There are many sections on the trails where you will have reception, but expect occasional dead zones. Especially in deeper valleys and in more remote mountain areas, the signal can suddenly drop or switch between 4G and no signal at all.

Practical

  • Download the Travelbase App or GPX files in advance for offline map usage
  • Make arrangements with your group to respond to messages in the evening at the accommodation
  • Consider bringing a power bank (GPS and photos can drain your battery quickly)

In the evening at the hotel, you will have good Wi-Fi connection. You will receive the login details at the reception.

What's included in the base price?
  • Detailed itinerary and complete organization of the stay
  • 6 nights in a comfortable hotel at unique locations
  • Tourist tax
  • Breakfast for each day of the trail
  • Airport transfer to the hotel in Kayseri (for arrivals on Friday and Sunday)
  • Airport shuttle to the airport (optional for own flights)
  • Shuttle to the start of the trail
  • Welcome and briefing by an experienced ranger
  • Complete packing list so you don't forget anything
  • Trail app for Cappadocia with all the necessary information
Can I add or remove options from my booking later?

In most cases, you can add extra options up to 1 month before departure, as long as they are available. Try to decide as soon as possible about the extra night in the hotel and the hot air balloon ride.

Please note that the cancellation insurance cannot be changed or removed after booking.

How does the payment work and when do I need to pay the remaining amount?

Payment is made in two installments:

First, you have 5 days after your registration to confirm your booking by making a 30% deposit. If the deposit is not made within those 5 days, your booking will be automatically canceled.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before departure.

All payment details can be found in your online profile. Each installment has its own payment instructions, so make sure to use the correct reference and bank details to avoid your transfer being rejected or refunded.

What should I bring?

Identification

Cappadocia is part of Turkey, so you don't need a passport. A valid ID card is sufficient. Just make sure that this ID card is valid for at least 3 months.

Hiking Gear

Good hiking shoes are essential in Cappadocia. Choose a pair that you feel comfortable in for several long hiking days. We recommend hiking shoes in category A/B to B/C with good ankle support, as some sections are steep, rocky, and uneven.

Before departure, we'll also provide you with a detailed packing list, so you'll know exactly what to bring.

Do I have to carry my own backpack?

Luggage transport is available as an option. You just need to bring a small bag for the day, and your larger bag will be transported from hotel to hotel.

If you have things you won't need during the hike, you can leave a small bag with our ranger on the morning of day 2. He/she will return it to you at the end of your trek in Cappadocia.

If you choose not to use the luggage transport, you'll carry your large backpack with you every day. So make sure not to pack too much to stay as light as possible.

What are the super flexible booking conditions and what are my options for cancellation?

These terms are available for anyone who books early. This allows you to reschedule your trip for free to another week (if available) or cancel with a 100% refund until June 1, 2026.

If you cancel after June 1, 2026, the regular cancellation policy will apply.

What insurance options can I add?

During the booking process, you can add 2 types of insurance to your reservation.

Cancellation Insurance

Did you book early? Then you might fall under our Superflex booking conditions. This allows you to change or cancel your reservation for free until June 1, 2026, without any reason, and with a full refund.

However, last-minute cancellations can always happen. If you want to be fully covered up until departure, you can add our cancellation insurance during booking for €69.

Travel Assistance Insurance

Looking for some extra peace of mind? Add our travel insurance during booking. If something goes wrong on-site or you have an accident, this insurance can help you, for €49.

Can I get to know the other participants in advance?

About two weeks before departure, you'll gain access to the group chat for your week in the Travelbase App, under "Messages." The ranger will share all the important practical info there, and you can get to know the other participants and even start making plans for the trail.

How big is the group?

This is a self-guided trail, so you won't be walking in a fixed group with a guide. You'll be on your own pace, with all the route info at your fingertips.

If you'd like to walk together with other participants, that's usually possible. How much you connect and walk with others mainly depends on you and the group you're traveling with.

There are about 14 participants per departure date.

Can I book this trip solo as well?

Yes, it is definitely possible to book this trip solo. Depending on the departure date, there will be several solo travelers on the trail.

Is this trail suitable for people with a fear of heights?

Yes, in most cases you can. The Cappadocia Trail includes no sections where you walk right next to cliffs, and the paths are generally quite wide.

Of course, you might experience some elevation changes or have views over valleys in Cappadocia, but there are no narrow, exposed passages. If you have a mild to moderate fear of heights, this trail is usually manageable. If you're still unsure whether you can handle it, bring a hiking buddy who can support you.

What is the currency in Turkey?

In Turkey, payments are made with the Turkish Lira. ATMs are widely available, and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. So, there's no need to exchange money in advance.

A common misconception is that paying (in cash) with euros would be advantageous. However, this is not the case. Generally, an unfavorable exchange rate is applied when you pay with euros. Therefore, we recommend that you pay with your card or with Turkish Lira.

Give back to nature via Greentripper

The planet offers us so many beautiful things to admire, but if we want to continue enjoying them in the future, we need to protect it today. That's why we're making extra efforts to reduce the impact of our trips, and you can reliably contribute to a climate project from Greentripper in the booking form, which balances out the CO2 emissions of your transport. By contributing to their certified project “Wildlife Cambodia,” you help protect stunning forests and the wildlife within them, support local communities, and reduce the CO2 emissions from your transport. If you choose to contribute to offsetting your transport emissions, Travelbase will also contribute additionally to on-site emissions. After your trip, you'll receive an official carbon credit certificate.

Learn more about our efforts at travelbase.eu/impact.

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