Pasabag Valley - Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys & Scenic Trails

What is a fairy chimney? They are natural rock formations that look like mushrooms and the biggest fairy chimneys are in the Pasabag Valley. They are the biggest and tallest fairy chimneys in Cappadocia that look like mushrooms. Travellers can visit some of the caves and take great photos of these surreal formations.

Location & Accessibility of Pasabag Valley

These valleys are far away from the towns and one definitely needs transportation to visit. The easiest way is to visit with a guided tour. Pasabag (Monks Valley) is usually in the tour programs, so check before visiting it yourself. You can drive there with your rented car. There is also a public bus that drives through this valley, more information about public transportation in Cappadocia on this page or this video.

Zelve Valley is a 10-15 minute walk from the Pasabag Valley. You can visit both the Pasabag Valley and Zelve Open Air Museum with the same ticket. You can find the updated ticket price in the distilled information section at the top of the page.

Even though these are valleys, there is a pathway that people with walking difficulties can easily follow. If you visit only the first valley of Zelve Open Air Museum and stay on the path in the Pasabag Valley; I don't see why you shouldn't visit at least the Pasabag Valley. Wheelchairs might struggle a bit on the stone path but it's doable.

History of Pasabag & The Here and Now

Besides the fairy chimneys, a small community of monks used to live in the Pasabag Valley. You can visit some of the caves that belonged to this small community. The two small churches cannot be entered but you can see some of the red paintings from the outside.

Don't Miss In Pasabag Valley

In the middle of the Pasabag Valley, there is a fairy chimney with three basalt hats. A hermit used to live in the cave that's carved into this fairy chimney. You can still see the vertical access shaft of this hermit's shelter.

If you don't mind walking up a steep hill, the white hill you'll see in Pasabag offers fantastic views of the surrounding fairy chimneys. After you enter the museum and follow the stone path about a minute, the hill will be on your right.

In the Zelve Open Air Museum, most churches are unfortunately still under restoration. There are however some pigeon houses with decorations at the end of the third valley of the museum.