Kapadokya Ranch is happy to propose a new camp trail (Ihlara, wild Cappadocia) in the South of Cappadocia, organized and guided by Ibo and Ali from Cappadock. This trail is run by Cappadock and guided by Ibrahim. Leaving from Guzelyurt ranch, the trail takes you around the south of Cappadocia. From the peasants' Cappadocia to the most beautiful valleys, a succession of fantastic rock formations, lush canyons, high plateaux, and steppe-like landscapes, along with vineyards and orchards, compose a surprisingly varied route.
Overlooked by the Mont Hassan, the villages reflect the Anatolian way of life while frescoed churches and other troglodytic treasures testify of the rich past of the area. Accommodation in camp. The Ilhara trail is for every autonomous rider, who wants to discover the beauty of Cappadocia, in a safe and friendly environment.
The riders will not lead their horse on long walks uphill or downhill, only on a few rough passages where they need to dismount from the horse and a short walk in the morning before getting in the saddle. The description below is an example of a trail Kapadokya Ranch often does, but for a reason like the weather forecast or a safety reason, the guide can choose to change the itinerary of the trail at the last moment.
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Avanos.
Day 2: High Church - Monastery Valley - Çardak
You leave the hotel and drive to Güzelyurt where you meet the horses at the equestrian center. You will do a short warm-up to the High Church, located on a hill; it has a wonderful view of Old Karbala and Mount Hassan. Then you will continue via the Monastery Valley to your camping site at Çardak. (four hours)
Day 3: Çardak Village - Kitreli - Yenipinar - Eghrikuyu
On your second riding day, you will follow the Melendiz Mountain path, passing Kitreli and a historic Greek village called Ilemi at the corner of Melendiz. Then, you go through Yenipinar, where the shepherds used to bring their sheep to water, and finally, you will reach your camp in Eghrikuyu on the edge of Mt Hassan (3268 meters). (five hours).
Day 4: Plateau of Sarnich - Mokyssos - Ihlara
You leave Mt Hassan and ride past the water cisterns in Sarnich and on to Mokyssos (known as Helvadere today). From the sixth century, this was a Roman military base that controlled the passage from Anatolia to Jerusalem. You will take your picnic here and continue to Ihlara. Actually, this canyon is 14 kilometers long and was occupied by Christians who needed to hide from persecution in years gone by. You will camp on the riverside in Ihlara. (five hours).
Day 5: Ihlara - Selime Monastery - Uzunkaya - Çeltek
You will enter the Ihlara Canyon via the village of Belisirma, and ride through, following the Melendiz River. Parts of this amazing gorge have a depth of 150 to 200 meters. You will arrive at Selime Monastery, which is probably the biggest monastic village in all of Cappadocia. You then continue your ride to Uzunkaya and Çeltek where you camp overnight. (five hours)
Day 6: Çeltek - Kizilkaya - Aşıklıhöyük - Akyamaç
Today you continue your ride on this historical trail and visit Aşıklıhöyük, which was one of the first urban settlements in the world, dating from 10,000 years ago. Afterward, you will continue the ride and finish in Akyamaç, a village where you will set your camp. (five hours)
Day 7: Akyamaç - Sivrihisar - Red Church - Guzelyurt
For your last day of riding, you will be returning to the farm. Riding through the old Greek village of Akyamaç and continuing to Sivrihisar. You will pass by the Red Church (a Christian orthodox church from the seventh century) and finish at your ranch in Guzelyurt, where you will say goodbye to your horse (five hours). Overnight at hotel.
Day 8
Transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport.
Fitness and horse riding level
The difficulty of this trail is 2/4 with several fun canters every day.
- Riding level: Intermediate to advanced riders
To take part in all trails, you must have a competent riding level to be able to stay in control during group canters on forward-going horses, ride or lead your horse on short technical passages, get on or off your horse several times a day alone and groom, tack and untack your horse without assistance. Good physical condition is essential.
Rhythms of the trail
- Six riding days
- Five to six hours on horseback each day, except day four (ride in the morning and afternoon at leisure in Uchisar)
- 28 kilometers (average) each day
- Pace: mostly walk, with opportunities for trots and canters each day
Maximum weight
Riders' weight on the progressive trail is limited to 90 kilograms (on riding clothes). Riders upper 90 kilograms could book with an extra charge for the loan of a second horse. This option is only on demand and it will depend on the horse riding level of the rider and the availability of Kapadokya Ranch's horse.
Riders's contribution
Riders are in charge of their horses. They will be asked to tack and untack their horse, water and feed their horse, and take care of their horse equipment.
Horses
The stable is composed of forward-going Arab horses who will surprise you with their robustness and agility. They are small (1,50 meters on average - the ideal size for trailing on tortuous paths). Responsive, well-balanced, and respectful of the rider, they are trained with natural horsemanship methods. The horses live together in a herd, which contributes to their well-being. Do not look for boxes, when they are not on the trail, horses are grazing in the fields around the farm.
Equipment
The riding equipment includes standard bits and pelhams, McClellan light trailing saddles, and saddles made by Kapadokya Ranch. These are fitted with two saddle bags for you to carry personal belongings for the day.
Luggage
Your luggage will be transferred by a logistics vehicle. You should pack several, lighter bags rather than one large heavy suitcase.