Vallée de Çat (Turkey)

One of the Cappadocian valleys I walked through was that of Çat. Because it is far from being one of the best-known valleys, it does not attract hordes of walkers.

This is basically due to the fact that In the Çat Valley, fairy chimneys (a type of tall, thin rock formation), eroded tuff formations and other types of badlands are less in evidence than they are in the better known valleys, such as Kizil Çukurand Güllüdere. This did not prevent me from enjoying the walk however. Firstly, this valley is especially arboricultural and pastoral in appearance. Cows and apricot trees are what populate it, and the local herdsmen are less used to seeing hikers here than they are elsewhere.

Furthermore, the Çat Valley does in fact contain some beautiful rock formations, in particular an evocative group of voluptuous fairy chimneys; it's simply that there are fewer of these than in the other valleys. Additionally, the dovecotes here are also quite fascinating. The valley finally takes you to Açiksaraym, with its 9th century ruined church: a very picturesque site.