Overview
This valley boasts Cappadocia's most distinctive fairy chimneys, especially the three-capped mushroom-shaped rock pillars. The name 'Monks Valley' comes from the legend of 5th-century hermit monk Simeon, who is said to have practised atop one of these pillars — monks' quarters carved into the rock can still be seen. Visitors can wander freely among the rock pillars and even enter some. Admission about TRY 60 (about EUR 2). About 10 minutes by car from Göreme.
Opening Hours
08:00-19:00 (until 17:00 in winter)
Travel Tips
Morning visits allow you to photograph the pillars without backlight. Nearby Zelve Open-Air Museum pairs well with a visit here.
Hotels near Paşabağ (Monks Valley)
Hotels and guesthouses in Cappadocia, Paşabağ, Cappadocia
Other attractions in Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon Tour
A bucket-list sunrise experience as dozens of balloons paint the sky.
Derinkuyu Underground City
An ancient underground city carved into volcanic rock, thought to have housed up to 20,000 people.
Göreme Open-Air Museum
A UNESCO site of rock-cut cave churches preserving vivid Byzantine frescoes.
Uçhisar Castle
The highest point in Cappadocia, offering a sweeping 360-degree panorama.
Pigeon Valley
A scenic trekking route lined with pigeon-hole-carved rock faces.
Ihlara Valley
Cappadocia's Grand Canyon — a 100m-deep gorge with a river and hidden cave churches.
Love Valley
A popular trekking spot with uniquely shaped pillar rocks rising dramatically from the valley floor.