The Güzelyurt to Ihlara Valley Cross-Country Walk is an adventurous plateau traverse linking two of the most distinctive destinations in Aksaray Province, Turkey. The route covers 10 to 12 kilometres one-way across the open volcanic plateau separating Güzelyurt (historically known as Gelveri) from the northern entrance of the Ihlara Valley. Unlike the riverside canyon trails within Ihlara, this cross-country walk takes hikers through open countryside with sweeping views of the central Anatolian landscape before descending toward the canyon.
The walk begins at Güzelyurt town centre and heads roughly northwest, climbing gently to the plateau between the two destinations. The surface is variable — compacted earth, agricultural track, and open grassland — with very limited waymarking. A navigation app with downloaded offline maps or a pre-loaded GPS track is essentially required for route-finding. The route crosses open farmland and dry scrub plateau, with occasional seasonal streams that may require stepping across in spring. Exposure to sun is constant; there is minimal shade between the two towns.
The elevation profile is broadly flat on the plateau section, with a modest descent in the final few kilometres toward the Ihlara Valley rim. Hikers intending to finish inside the canyon can continue down the main stairway, adding the canyon entry fee and extra descent. Key landmarks en route are sparse — the walk is valued for its cross-country solitude, wide Anatolian skyscape, and the rewarding sense of arrival at the canyon edge after a sustained plateau crossing.
The starting point in Güzelyurt is straightforward to reach by dolmuş from Aksaray bus station (45 km, approximately 1 hour). Hikers should arrange a taxi pickup at the Ihlara Valley main entrance or pre-book a private transfer for the return to Aksaray or Güzelyurt. Departure before 08:00 is recommended to complete the exposed plateau section before peak midday heat. Carry at least 2 litres of water from Güzelyurt; there are no reliable water sources en route.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Güzelyurt to Ihlara, Aksaray Province
- Best season
- May-June, September
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- 2L water
- Navigation app or map (limited signage)
- Snacks
Location
Güzelyurt Merkez, 68500 Güzelyurt, Aksaray, Turkey
38.2749, 34.3701 View on map
Highlights
- Cross the open Anatolian volcanic plateau between Güzelyurt and Ihlara Valley on a largely trailless route
- Sweeping views of the central Anatolian landscape with no road traffic or crowds on the plateau section
- Rewarding sense of arrival at the Ihlara Valley canyon rim after a sustained cross-country traverse
- Option to continue directly into the Ihlara canyon and finish at the Belisırma riverside restaurants
Tips for visiting
- Download an offline GPS track before setting out — there is no signage on the plateau and the route is not marked
- Depart Güzelyurt before 08:00 to complete the exposed plateau section before midday heat peaks
- Carry a minimum of 2 L of water from Güzelyurt — there are no reliable sources between the town and the Ihlara entrance
- Pre-arrange a taxi or private transfer from the Ihlara Valley entrance; return dolmuş from Ihlara is infrequent
- May and June offer the most enjoyable conditions — the plateau grasses are green and temperatures are mild
When to visit
May and June are the optimal months — the plateau grasses are green, temperatures are mild, and wildflowers are present. September is the next best window. Avoid July and August unless departing before sunrise, as the exposed plateau offers no shade and midday temperatures regularly exceed 35°C.
Accessibility
The Güzelyurt to Ihlara cross-country walk is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The route traverses open, unmarked farmland and plateau terrain with no paved surface, uneven ground, and seasonal obstacles throughout its length.
Frequently asked questions
Does this walk require a guide?
A guide is not mandatory but is recommended for first-time visitors. The plateau section has no signage and in poor visibility the route can be difficult to follow. A local guide from Güzelyurt can be arranged through accommodation in the town.
What navigation tools are needed for the plateau section?
A GPS-capable smartphone with a downloaded offline map (such as Maps.me or Gaia GPS with a pre-loaded track) is essential. Paper topographic maps for this area are difficult to obtain locally; a compass as backup is advisable.
How do visitors return from Ihlara Valley to Güzelyurt after the walk?
There is no direct dolmuş route from Ihlara Valley to Güzelyurt. The practical return is by taxi to Aksaray city with an onward dolmuş to Güzelyurt, or by arranging a private transfer for the full day in advance.
Can the route be walked in reverse from Ihlara to Güzelyurt?
Yes, though the reverse direction involves a climb from the canyon rim to the plateau, which is more strenuous. Starting from Güzelyurt (at higher ground) allows a more gradual approach and is the most commonly used direction.