Ak Tepe

The Goreme area's dominant landmark is the mesa (table hill) of Ak Tepe (the White Hill), some 300m above the region's trademark valleys and sites, rocky weirdnesses and troglodyte chambers and dwellings. This area makes superb walking, and a wander around this high ground should not be missed while in the area.

• Skirt the western flanks, walking from the remarkable but crowded Devrent Valley to dramatic Zelve with its many dwellings and churches, to the relatively recently abandoned Cavucin.
• Cross the top of the mesa from Devrent to Cavucin: outstanding walking and huge views over the area.
• Contour the mesa flank, facing Goreme, above the eroded valley heads but below the great cliffs, on a thrilling path from above Cavucin to the south-eastern end towards Urgup.

There are no formal, signed paths as such, so, unless you can find your way reasonably easily, take great care of cliffs and other hazards. Get a guide if uncomfortable.

See our Cappadocia page for further detailed information on the area.