Starlit Trails: The Ihlara Expedition

After departing from the hotel, we journey to the charming village of Güzelyurt, where our horses await. Once you've been paired with your horse, we’ll ease into the ride with a gentle warm-up trail leading to the High Church, perched on a scenic hilltop. From here, take in breathtaking views of Old Karballa and the majestic silhouette of Mount Hassan.

Our adventure continues through the peaceful paths of Monastery Valley, winding between ancient stone walls and untouched nature, before arriving at our first campsite in Çardak. Settle in under the stars after around 4 hours on horseback, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Cappadocian countryside.

Today, we ride along the wild, winding trails of Melendiz Mountain, where nature and history blend beautifully. Our path takes us past Kitreli, and into İlemi, a tucked-away Greek village steeped in history at the foot of Melendiz—a place where time seems to have paused.

From there, we continue through the peaceful hamlet of Yenipınar, once a traditional watering spot for local shepherds and their flocks. As we ride, the impressive Mount Hassan (3,268m) draws ever closer, its silhouette growing on the horizon.

After around 5 hours in the saddle, we reach our tranquil campsite in Eğrikuyu, nestled on the edge of the mountain. Here, surrounded by vast skies and rugged landscapes, we settle in for another night under the stars.

Leaving the slopes of Mount Hassan, we ride through the open landscapes toward Sarnıç, where ancient water cisterns still dot the countryside—reminders of the region’s deep-rooted agricultural past. Our trail leads us to Mokissos (modern-day Helvadere), once a powerful Roman military base dating back to the 6th century. Strategically positioned, it once guarded the sacred route between Anatolia and Jerusalem.

We’ll pause here for a relaxing picnic lunch, surrounded by echoes of history, before continuing our journey toward the legendary Ihlara Canyon—a breathtaking 14-kilometer gorge carved into volcanic rock.

By late afternoon, we reach our peaceful riverside campsite in Ihlara, where the soothing sounds of the water accompany a well-earned rest under the stars.
(Approx. 5 hours on horseback)

This morning, we enter the majestic Ihlara Canyon through the quaint village of Belisırma, beginning a truly unforgettable ride alongside the Melendiz River. Towering canyon walls—rising up to 200 meters high—surround us as we follow ancient paths once trodden by monks and hermits seeking solitude and sanctuary.

We continue deeper into the gorge until we reach the awe-inspiring Selime Monastery, a vast, otherworldly complex carved directly into the rock. Believed to be the largest monastic settlement in Cappadocia, it’s a surreal place where history and landscape merge into pure magic.

From there, we ride onward to the quiet villages of Uzunkaya and Çeltek, where we set up camp for the night. After around 5 hours in the saddle, we settle into another peaceful evening under Cappadocia’s endless sky.

Today, our journey takes us even further back in time as we follow ancient trails toward Aşıklı Höyük—one of the oldest known urban settlements in the world, dating back nearly 10,000 years. This extraordinary archaeological site offers a glimpse into early human civilization, long before written history began.

After exploring the area and soaking in the powerful sense of the past, we continue riding through the open Cappadocian landscape. Our destination is the peaceful village of Akyamaç, where we’ll set up our final camp and enjoy a well-deserved rest after another 5-hour ride through history and wild beauty.

Our final day in the saddle begins as we leave Akyamaç, riding through its peaceful streets lined with echoes of its Greek heritage. We continue toward Sivrihisar, enjoying the last views of Cappadocia’s rolling landscapes and timeless villages.

Along the way, we’ll pass the striking Red Church—a 7th-century Orthodox Christian church that stands proudly in the open plains, a quiet monument to the region’s spiritual past.

By afternoon, we return to the ranch in Güzelyurt, where it all began. Here, it’s time to say a heartfelt goodbye to your horse—your loyal companion on this unforgettable adventure.

After the ride, a comfortable minibus transfer will take you back to your hotel in Avanos, with memories (and maybe a bit of dust) to take home.