This twelve-day trekking expedition runs as a scheduled group departure, joining a small team of hikers on fixed, guaranteed dates to link the painted valleys of Cappadocia with the high wilderness of the Aladaglar range of the Taurus Mountains, finishing at the thundering Kapuzbasi Waterfalls. Built in-house by Inca Tour, a TURSAB-licensed operator, it is one of Turkiye's most complete mountain-trekking holidays — four nights in cave hotels followed by five nights under canvas, crossing passes above 3,400 metres to the 3,723-metre summit of Mount Emler — shared with fellow trekkers at a set per-person price.
The opening days explore Cappadocia on foot: the White Valley (Akvadi) beneath Uchisar, the Love Valley and Pigeon Valley, the Ihlara Valley river gorge, the deep Derinkuyu Underground City, the sunrise balloons over the Kizilcukur (Red) Valley, the viewpoint of Bozdag and the old village of Cavusin. These gentler walks acclimatise the body before the mountains begin.
From Cukurbag village the trail climbs into the heart of the Aladaglar: the pine-scented Emli Valley, the nomad pastures of the Alaca Plateau and Eznevit Plateau, the base camp at Sokulupinar, the dramatic Cimbar Canyon under Mount Demirkazik, the Celikbuyduran Pass and the summit of Mount Emler, the glittering Yedigoller (Seven Lakes) plateau, the Hacer Valley and Sogukpinar, and finally the cascades of Kapuzbasi before the return to Cappadocia. Mules carry the equipment, camp gear is provided, and every summiteer receives a certificate.
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
You are met at Nevsehir or Kayseri airport and transferred to your cave-style hotel in Cappadocia. The remainder of the day is free to rest before the trekking begins. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
A warm-up walk through the Akvadi (White Valley) beneath the fortress village of Uchisar, continuing into the dovecote-lined Pigeon Valley with its panoramic viewpoints. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
You walk the Ihlara Valley beside the Melendiz river, past rock-cut chapels, with a riverside lunch, then descend into the multi-level Derinkuyu Underground City before visiting a traditional craft workshop. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
An optional dawn hot-air balloon flight opens the day, followed by a walk through the Kizilcukur (Red) Valley, over the Bozdag viewpoint and down to the old village of Cavusin. Lunch included. This is the last night in a hotel before the mountains. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Transfer to Cukurbag village and begin the trek into the Taurus Mountains, climbing through pine forest to the first camp in the Emli Valley at around 1,850 metres. Lunch on the trail. Camping overnight in Emli Valley.
A day hike up to the Alaca Plateau at about 2,450 metres, through pine woods and open pasture where nomadic Yoruk families still graze their flocks, returning to the Emli Valley camp. Camping overnight in Emli Valley.
Trek through the forest to Aksam Pinari and the Eznevit Plateau at around 2,500 metres, then descend to the base camp at Sokulupinar at roughly 2,000 metres. Lunch en route. Camping overnight at Sokulupinar.
A circular trek to the Arpalik Pasture and down the spectacular Cimbar Canyon beneath the sheer north face of Mount Demirkazik, passing Demirkazik village before returning to Sokulupinar. Camping overnight at Sokulupinar.
The expedition's great day: a climb to the Celikbuyduran Pass at about 3,450 metres and on to the summit of Mount Emler at 3,723 metres, the highest point of the tour, then down to the jewel-like Yedigoller (Seven Lakes) plateau and a nomad camp at around 3,100 metres. Lunch on the mountain. Camping overnight at Yedigoller.
A gentler day walking among the plateau lakes before descending through the Hacer Valley and a long forest trail to the camp at Sogukpinar. Lunch included. Camping overnight at Sogukpinar.
A final mountain day trekking through pine forest and along the river to the magnificent Kapuzbasi Waterfalls, a set of cascades plunging from the cliffs, where the last camp is pitched. Lunch on the trail. Camping overnight at Kapuzbasi.
After breakfast you transfer back to Nevsehir or Kayseri airport for your departure. Those who reached the top of Mount Emler receive a summit certificate. Farewell to the Taurus Mountains.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category — the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Cappadocia → White Valley, Uchisar, Pigeon Valley → Ihlara Valley, Derinkuyu → Kizilcukur, Bozdag, Cavusin → Emli Valley → Alaca Plateau → Eznevit Plateau, Sokulupinar → Cimbar Canyon, Mount Demirkazik → Mount Emler, Yedigoller → Hacer Valley, Sogukpinar → Kapuzbasi Waterfalls → Kapuzbasi, Cappadocia
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
👥 54 Seats
👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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👥 46 Seats
👥 37+2 Seats
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👥 35 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 12+1 Seats
👥 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route — Cappadocia, White Valley, Uchisar, Pigeon Valley, Ihlara Valley, Derinkuyu, Kizilcukur, Bozdag, Cavusin, Emli Valley, Alaca Plateau, Eznevit Plateau, Sokulupinar, Cimbar Canyon, Mount Demirkazik, Mount Emler, Yedigoller, Hacer Valley, Sogukpinar, Kapuzbasi Waterfalls, Kapuzbasi, Cappadocia.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!