Canyon Scrambling (Selime Fairy Chimneys)

The volcanic tuff formations between Yaprakhisar and Selime represent the westernmost extension of the Cappadocian fairy-chimney landscape, and this stretch of the Aksaray side of the Ihlara canyon contains some of the most accessible and least-visited scrambling terrain in the region. The activity involves leaving the main valley trail north of Selime Monastery and ascending the eroded tuff ridgeline, where free-standing chimneys of consolidated volcanic ash capped by harder basalt create natural scrambling problems of Grade 1–2 difficulty. No ropes or technical climbing gear are required; the primary skill is route-finding on soft, crumbly tuff, which demands careful foot placement and three-point contact on steeper sections. The distance covered is short — typically 2–4 km — but the vertical relief adds complexity, with some chimney flanks involving 10–20 metre climbs to reach elevated viewpoints over the canyon. The scrambling can be combined with a visit to Selime Monastery, an extraordinary rock-cut monastic complex believed to be the largest cave cathedral in Turkey, which sits at the canyon's southern portal. A combined visit makes for a 1–3 hour activity depending on pace and how many chimney systems are explored. The tuff is fragile — visitors should avoid pulling on loose cap rocks and should not climb the very tops of the chimneys themselves, to preserve the geological structures and avoid dislodging material onto others below. No formal trail exists on the ridgeline; the route follows the contour of exposed chimney clusters visible from the road between Yaprakhisar and Selime. The activity is entirely self-guided and free of charge; the only cost is the Selime Monastery entry ticket (approximately ₺230) if the interior is included.