Picture of the Day: Meskendir Valley, Cappadocia
MESKENDIR VALLEY, CAPPADOCIA
In this breathtaking photograph by Benh Lieu Song we see an aerial view of the Meskendir valley (and Gorëme in the far back part), in Cappadocia, central Turkey, where hot air balloon tours and trekking are quite popular.
Cappadocia lies in eastern Anatolia, in the center of what is now Turkey. The relief consists of a high plateau over 1000 m in altitude that is pierced by volcanic peaks. The boundaries of historical Cappadocia are vague but results in an area approximately 400 km (250 mi) east–west and 250 km (160 mi) north–south. [Source]
The area is a popular tourist destination, as it has many areas with unique geological, historic, and cultural features. The most important towns and destinations in Cappadocia are Urgup, Goreme, Ihlara Valley, Selime, Guzelyurt, Uchisar, Avanos and Zelve. Among the underground cities worth seeing are Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Gaziemir and Ozkanak. The best historic mansions and cave houses for tourist stays are in Urgup, Goreme, Guzelyurt and Uchisar. [Source]
According to My Destination, Meskendir Valley is a total length of 4400 m (2.73 miles) and is situated near Ortahisar. The entrance is located via a camping site on the Ortahisar-Goreme road. A slow comfortable walk throughout the valley will take approximately 3 to 4 hours. Within the valley is the Meskendir Church which is worth a visit.
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