From Ihlara Valley to Seljuk caravanserais, starting at Neva Apart
Nature in Aksaray
Nature around Aksaray: Ihlara Valley carved by the Melendiz, the 3,268 m dormant volcano Mount Hasan, cool Helvadere, Lake Tuz — Turkey’s second-largest lake — and the Yaprakhisar fairy chimneys. Hiking routes, best seasons and access.
5 places in this category.
Map directions start from Neva Apart.
Ihlara Valley
A 14 km canyon carved by the Melendiz River into the tuff of Mount Hasan, with frescoed rock-cut churches, a green valley floor and Aksaray’s best-known hiking trail.
- By car: 40–45 min
Mount Hasan
A dormant volcano between Aksaray and Niğde whose 3,268 m summit makes it central Anatolia’s second-highest peak after Erciyes — the source of Cappadocia’s tuff and of Ihlara Valley.
- By car: 35 min
Lake Tuz (Salt Lake)
Turkey’s second-largest lake: walk on a dazzling white salt crust in summer, watch flamingo colonies and sunsets, reached from Aksaray via Eskil.
- By car: 50–60 min
Yaprakhisar Fairy Chimneys
At the northern end of Ihlara Valley between Selime and Belisırma, tuff cones with rock-cut rooms and a quiet Cappadocian village on the Melendiz.
- By car: 35–40 min
Helvadere and the Slopes of Mount Hasan
A town at about 1,350 m on the western slope of Mount Hasan, with a forest park, apple and cherry orchards and Byzantine churches — a cool nature escape.
- By car: 30–35 min
Aksaray guide
Read our in-depth guides before you plan your trip.