At Biking in Turkey we don’t just take you an a tour, we lead you there… The Cappadocian trails are often steep, but the surface is normally smooth, with plenty of traction and not many rocks. It’s perfect for riders of all abilities and experience levels, and our expert guides give you skills training and technical tips to help you make the most of your time here and take you safely on some of the world’s best singletrack trails.
If these tours are too hardcore or technical for you, you might prefer our selection of easier going dirt track and road cycling tours here.
For pricing, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.
Cappadocia Weekend Warrior (Moderate)
Route: Goreme – Gorkundere – Swords Valley – Meskendir ridge (up) – Mesekdir Valley (down) – Rose Valley 2 (up) – Grapes Church (lunch) – Red Valley Sunset – Rose Valley 1 (down) – Cavusin loop – Love Valley loop – Goreme
Distance: (27km / 780m Climbing)
Start: 09.00 Goreme
Finish: 16.00 Goreme
Grade: Physical 3 / Technical 4
Best for: Improving mountainbikers looking to ride Goreme’s best trails
Lunch: Red Valley Restaurant- wonderful 3 course meal in a paradise off-grid eco cafe
Includes: Quality bike and helmet hire, professional guide, restaurant lunch. Excludes drinks and tips.
Highlights:
- Downhilling through the tunnels, caves and rock arches of Meskendir Valley
- Discovering the 8th century Columns Church- voted by many as the best in the area
- Improving your singletrack skills and learning techniques specific to the local terrain
- Biking the Moab-like trails around Cavusin’s “table top mountain”
- Riding the 2007 XC MTB Euro Cup course through Gorkundere
- Getting rude with the massive “fairy chimneys” of Love Valley
- All the best trails with less blood, sweat and tears
Itinerary:
From Goreme we soon hit top class singletrack and ride a section of the 2007 Euro XC Cup course. Taking things slow, this is a great place to develop trail skills, and our guides will offer detailed and thorough tuition. We stay close to Goreme, enjoying some steep, smooth singletracks and through Swords Valley (Kiliclar). From there a scenic ridge climb ticks all the must have photoshoot boxes, before a technical descent brings us into Meskendir Valley. Here a fast flowing, often steep, trail descends through tunnels, canyons and steeply terraced gardens to a beautiful valley cafe where we can stop for drinks. Now climbing, we tackle the super-steep terraces of Rose Valley- stopping to draw breath and admire the phenomenal rock-cut “Church of Columns”. Crossing a grassy plateau brings us above Red Valley and onto a sheer sided rocky spur that affords a “hot air balloon” view to the valley below. We enjoy a delicious lunch in an off-grid eco-sensitive local restaurant and have time to chill on the sofas there as we digest.
In the afternoon, we ride an amazing half-pipe bowl trail down into another branch of Rose Valley, putting into practice the safe descending skills we learned earlier. We carry on to the historic small village of Cavusin and follow a challenging but hugely rewarding singletrack high above the village- through some unique and photogenic rock formations. Finally, we cross the valley plain to Love Valley, and enjoy an easy circuit amongst the “fairy chimneys” there. One final panoramic track brings us soon back to Goreme, where the ride ends.
From the Jungle to the Moon and Back (Moderate – Endurance)
Route: Goreme – Uchisar – Gemil – Kavak – Gomeda Valley (down) – Uzengi Valley (down) – Urgup (lunch) – Red Valley Sunset Point – Meskendir ridge (down) – Swords Valley – Goreme
Distance: (39km / 900m Climbing)
Start: 09.00 Goreme
Finish: 17.00 Goreme
Grade: Physical 5 / Technical 4
Best for: Fit cyclists with some off road skills looking to discover the untouristic side of Cappadocia
Lunch: Cappadocia Restaurant, Urgup: A selection of tasty local dishes in one of the best places.
Includes: Quality bike and helmet hire, professional guide, restaurant lunch. Excludes drinks and tips.
Highlights:
- Awesome panoramic views of Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley
- Meeting the locals in Kavak village’s traditional tea shop
- Choosing lines through the volcanic moonscape of the Kavak Flow
- Stream crossings, pools and splash downs in the lush paradise of Gomeda
- Drinking naturally carbonated mineral water from the Uzengi spring
- Fast, flowing panoramic downhill trails along the Kiliclar ridge
- Discovering rock cut pigeon houses and cave church complexes in Swords Valley
Itinerary:
Todays ride takes us out of the Goreme valley system and into an area of even more epic proportions. It’s a long and fairly challenging ride, roughly half on singletrack trails and half on fast and open inter-village tractor tracks. We begin with a steady climb up the hill to Uchisar and after a brief warm up enjoy a steep technical climb over Gemil hill- the highest point in the area with incredible views. Heading out to Kavak village sees us amongst rural, non-touristic Central Anatolia, and it’s nice to spend some time taking in the pace of life and local smiles in this totally authentic farming town. Before long we reach an amazing descent into the Gomeda Valley. This is like a natural BMX track with so many different lines to be ridden and natural carves and bowls like a man-made pump track! After a challenging final descent, we ride along the valley on jungle-like, overgrown singletracks (long sleeves recommended) with numerous technical stream crossings, log bridges, splash-downs and rocky river beds to contend with. Heading on into the Uzengi Valley we check out some of the finest multi-storey rock-cut pigeon lofts plus a “natural wonder” water spring. From here it’s an easy coast downhill to Urgup, where we eat a wonderful meal in one of the best local restaurants.
After lunch we ease into the afternoon with a gentle valley climb up on a shady dirt track beside uncultivated fields that are awash with wildflowers and butterflies in spring and early summer. Regaining our height without too much effort, we soon arrive at the Sunset Panoramic point high above Red and Meskendir valleys, and begin a fast, sometimes steep downhill along the Kiliclar ridge. Offering amazing views on both sides, this trail is one of the region’s best. Returning to Goreme through the undulating trails of Swords Valley, we can spend time exploring cave church complexes and stop to photograph some of Goreme’s most iconic landscapes.
Goreme Epic Singletrack (Hard)
Route: Goreme – Swords Valley – Meskendir ridge (up) – Mesekdir Valley (down) – Rose 2 (up) – Columns Church – Grapes Church (tea break) – Red Valley Sunset – Balkon – Cavusin (lunch) – Love Valley (up) – Pigeon Valley (up) – Zemi Valley (down) – Gorkundere Euro XC Cup Course – Goreme
Distance: (32km / 960m Climbing)
Start: 09.00 Goreme
Finish: 17.00 Goreme
Grade: Physical 4 / Technical 5
Best for: Experienced riders used to steep, loose terrain with some rocky sections drops and exposure
Lunch: SeyyaHan Restaurant, Cavusin: 4 course meal incl. mezes, soup, salad, pottery kebab and desert
Includes: Quality bike and helmet hire, professional guide, restaurant lunch. Excludes drinks and tips.
Highlights:
- Natural rock cut tunnels, caves and arches in Meskendir Valley.
- Steep technical climbing through the terraced gardens of Rose Valley.
- Utah-esque canyon scenery of the Balkon trail and the awesome views below.
- Fast, switchback trails, drops and jumps through the forst of Zemi Valley.
- Picking downhill lines through Gorkundere’s 2007 Euro XC Cup course.
Itinerary: From Goreme we warm up with some easy trails through Swords Valley before hitting a scenic ridge climb with stunning photo opportunities to Goreme and the “fairy chimneys” below. A technical descent into Meskendir Valley descends through tunnels, canyons and steeply terraced rock gardens. After a fresh orange juice we tackle the super-steep climbs of Rose Valley- stopping to draw breath and admire the “Church of Columns”. Crossing a grassy plateau brings us to a sheer sided rocky spur above Red Valley and nearby here we stop for a tea break in an off-grid eco-sensitive local cafe. A climb to the Panoramic Viewpoint brings us to the The Balkon: great trail riding through boulder strewn and deeply eroded gullies reminiscent of Zion, Utah, and Red Bull’s Rampage. We descend to the small village of Cavusin and relax over a great restaurant lunch there.
After lunch we head across the plains, soon arriving at the base of Love Valley, and began an awesome singletrack ascent up through the incredibly phallic “fairy chimneys” there. The climb gets steeper and more challenging towards the top, and from our vantage point just below Uchisar village we’re launched straight into it again, this time in Pigeon Valley. After another technical ascent we reach the final part of the route- an epic descent through the forested trails of Zemi- where there are drops, jumps and limbo-style tunnel obstacles… Finally a fast run out through the rutted rocks of Gorkundere (Euro XC Cup course) brings us right back to Goreme in time for a well earned beer. A tougher day than the modest km’s suggest, but world-class trail riding in every respect.
Tour Information:
Prices for all tours are as follows: 230 Euros per person (1 pax), 160 Euros per person (2 pax), 130 Euros per person (3 pax), 120 Euros per person (4+ pax).
Prices good quality bike and helmet hire, professional guide, a nice restaurant lunch and car vehicle assistance if required. Good quality E-Bikes are available on request, subject to an additional charge of 45 Euros per person per day.
Tours begin at the Middle Earth Travel office at 09.00 and return at around 16.00.
To make your booking please send us an email with your requirements: info@bikinginturkey.com
Hello:
I am interested in the CAPPADOCIA WEEKEND WARRIOR biking tour. Can you please tell me if there is availability on Oct 5th and the cost. Just an FYI, I will be going for a balloon tour that morning but should be back at my hotel before 8a.
Hi Rahul,
Thanks for your message. It’s no problem that you have the balloon flight before the tour starts, you’ll be back at the hotel by 9am, and we can also start a little later if you prefer. For October 5th, I have to check with the guides, but I think it can be possible. Will let you know soon! Best regards, Jon
I will be in Gerome for 2 days in September and am looking for a single-day mountain bike tour. I will need rentals (mountain bike and helmet). Can you give me any details on how to plan this?
Thank you
Hi Andrew, Nice to hear from you. We can organise the guide and tour for you, no problem! I’ll send you an email with some booking details. Kind regards, Jon
Hi there,
I’m a solo traveller and am interested in doing one of your day singletrack tours. I am most interested in your from the jungle to the moon and back tour. I will be in Goreme Nov 21 & 22, either day works for me. Would you be available one of those dates?
Hi Armanda, Thanks for your message. We can offer you the tour on November 21st. Please check your email- I will send some more info. Best regards, Jon
buongiorno, siamo in due e veniamo in cappadocia all hotel hermes cave a Uchisar. ci piacerebbe fare un percorso giornaliero ma se possibile avere una mtb elettrica e non una normale. che giorno organizzate escursioni giornaliere? Noi saremmo li venerdi 9, sabato 10 e domenica 11, vorremmo dedicare alle bici 1 o 2 giorni perchè vorremmo fare il percorso verde o quello rosso con un tour.
mi potete dare risposta per favore?
good morning, we are two and we come to cappadocia at the hermes cave hotel in Uchisar. we would like to do a daily route but if possible have an electric mtb and not a normal one. what day do you organize day trips? We would be there on Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th, we would like to dedicate to the bike 1 or 2 days because we would like to do the green route or the red one with a tour.
can you give me an answer please?
Buongiorno Stefano!
Thanks for your message. A daily tour is possible on either of the dates you suggest, but I’m afraid there are no e-bike options (these hardly exist in Turkey! Certainly you cannot find one for rental use!). But you would find our Goreme Valley Explorer tour very easy going… There are no hills and the wonderful landscapes will be quite different to what you would experience on either green or red tours.
What do you think?
Best regards,
Jon
Hi, im going to Cappadocia this coming November. Im a weekend MTB rider. Is’t possible to ride during that month? If yes, i would like to go for a daily ride. Can u suggest a suitable route for me? I prefer a lot of downhill but not too technical. And of course i need to know how much is the price.
tq
Hi Fahmi,
Good to hear from you. Yes, November is possible, though there is some risk of bad weather… Did you see the example itineraries on our web page here? You do have to cycle uphill as well as downhill! Otherwise, you can have uplifts, but that would be more expensive (you’d need guide, bike AND a car + driver for the day….)… I’ll send you some details by email and you can let me know. Kind regards, Jon
hi . is there an option to hire mountain bikes just for 2 self guided in kapadikia next week and what sill be the cost per day ?
Hi Schlomi. Yes, you are welcome to pop down to our office in Goreme, opposite the central bus station, next to Kapadokya Balloons… We should have something available for you- but if you want to reserve the bikes for longer, you should email in advance. Cost is 30 Euros per day. Best regards, Jon
Hi there,
I will be in Goreme for September 29 and 30th. I’m keen to get out for a ride with you and would like to do the Goreme epic if it’s available either day?
More than likely it will be just me…
Cheers,
Kellie
Hi Kellie, Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, the Epic is available. I will be in touch via email (check your spam folder if you haven’t received anything!). Best regards, Jon
Hi,
Just a question… I will be travelling alone… is it possible to join a group tour?
I a generally fit but not a super fast rider…. I LOVE my single tracks and a challenge here and there but no time pressure. I guess the weekend warrior would be a good choice for me?!
I also saw the MBUK ride video… where is that? It looks amazing!!
Thanks for your help,
Denise
Hi Denise, Good to hear from you 🙂 Yes, certainly you can join an existing group for one of our daily tours, but obviously it depends on dates, and whether there are other people interested in combining. Weekend Warrior is definitely the one to do…. You will experience most of the terrain in the MBUK video in that one ride… When are you planning on coming to Goreme? Please answer by email so we can communicate easier there. Thanks and best wishes, Jon
Are you guys still fun this tour? We are in town now and are interested in a tour tomorrow June 19th
Hi Kenneth, Thanks for getting in touch. We are still very much here in Goreme, and should be able to organise something for you for tomorrow. Please pop into our office- we are on the main road near to the bus station, as if you were heading out of the village up the hill towards Uchisar. Next to Kapadokya Balloons…. hopefully we’ll see you soon! Best regards, Jon
Hello
I am coming to Antalya area on the 16th of august
Was hoping to do a few day tours with you.
Are you open that time of the year and is it possible to
Go on your tour from where i will be staying.
Any information appreciated.
Thanks ian
Hi Ian, Thanks for getting in touch with us. Yes, we are open in August, and actually often it is not super hot in Cappadocia (ie under 30 degrees C) as the altitude is over 1000m… So you’d be very welcome to come and bike with us. However, Cappadocia is quite some distance (about 6 hours by car) from Antalya, so you wouldn’t be able to base yourself there. Is that what you were thinking? Come to Goreme for a weekend and experience the unique “boutique cave” hotels perhaps?
hi,
we (2) ‘ll arrive on may 2nd at Kayseri Airport. We ‘ld like to spend five days biking. Goreme Epic Singletrack seems to be interesting and so many others…
Could u send us a quotation for 1,2,3,…days ? do u rent bike ? which one ? rate please ?
see u soon
Hi Philippe, Thanks for your message. I will reply to you via email- be sure to check your junk box if you don’t receive anything! The daily singletrack tours (Weekend Warrior, Epic, Jungle to Moon and others) are really awesome and an excellent way to discover the best singletracks around Goreme (there are many!). Or if you’d like to spend longer (5 days) biking, you might be interested in doing a multi-day point to point tour. More info to follow in the email! Thanks again, Jon
Hi good evening.
I would love to do Biking on my visit to turkey.
21st March. How much will a day tour cost please ?
Kind regards
Lynette
Hi Lynette, Thanks for your enquiry. It’s possible to organise a day of biking for you on 21st March. Please let me know your level of fitness and mountain biking skill and I’ll recommend a good itinerary for you. The tour cost depends on how many there are in your group- the prices are on the web page, and include bike hire and a good restaurant lunch. Kind regards, Jon
hi there,
I’m planning to visit cappadocia alone with my bike on last week of the march. I can stay only 2 days so I don’t want to waste my time with searching for trails. so, do you have any offer for me ? I have bike, helmet and all other stuff, except trail knowledge 🙁
cheers!
gökberk
Hi Gökberk, thanks for getting in touch with us. We can supply you with a pro guide who will show you the best trails around Goreme. I definitely recommend taking a guide at least for the first day- the trails are easily accessible but it makes a huge difference if you know which the best ones are and which order to link them together 🙂 How does that sound? I’m sending this in an email too so you can reply directly. All my best, Jon
need cost info to reserve goreme epic for 2 persons on march 21
staying in goreme….we are in good shape, how tough are those climbs?
Hi Mark, Thanks for your enquiry. The cost is 90 Euros per person for a two person group- which includes guiding, good quality bike hire and a nice restaurant lunch. We do need payment and booking form up front please. If you have some MTB experience and are either fit, or ride regularly, you’ll find the climbs challenging but immensely enjoyable! The tour is awesome! I’ll send an email with further details and the elevation profile. Cheers, Jon