Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail 2024

The Salmon Cappadocia Ultra Trail has one of the most beautiful courses, running through villages and valleys registered as world heritage sites.

This year, 2024, it was held on 18-19th October.

I had never attended a trail marathon or full marathon in my life while I was a regular road runner, but with my friend's initiative, I happened to apply for it surprisingly 3 months before the event.

With a great feeling of achievement and courage that I successfully deserved the 38km of trail running, now I would like to write down a fantastic experience and share it with you.

The main sponsor of this trail is a French sports and outdoor company, Salmon, which was established in 1974. Along with its huge support, many other cosponsors such as the Turkish Tourism Promotion Development Agency, Intersports, and Garmin are also behind this event to liven it up. The Cappadocia Trail has been running for 10 years since 2014, and there was only an extremely physically and mentally tough ultra marathon with 110km when it started. However, following the high demand for shorter distances as it gets more commercialized by the year, the 63km CUT (Cappadocia Medium Trail) and 38km CST (Cappadocia Short Trail) were additionally established in 2015.

Top Places to Stay in Cappadocia

Must-Do Activities in Cappadocia

Pickup Kit

Make sure to bring all the mandatory equipment for your running that is announced in the HP when you go to the kit station. My friends and I didn't carefully read the instructions and went there on Friday without carrying any necessary items. At the end of the waiting line, one of the staff strictly warned us that they would not give us a kit unless we had equipment. We went back to the hotel drove for 1 hour, and came back to the station with all the mandatory equipment, proper shoes, 1L of water bottle, bandaid, whistle, emergency blanket, and elastic water cup, and finally received a bag of kit after the approval. This system seems to be started this year, as my friend who joined last year said that such a strict rule didn't exist then.

Starting Line 10 AM, Adventurous route, Cakes for a break, Defend myself

You can easily find a backdrop spot right next to the starting line, where runners are allowed to drop their stuff in an official kit bag provided to all the participants. The starting position is assigned according to the registration number, but most runners do not strictly follow the rule.

On the first 1 to 2km, it was too crowded and too steep up hills to start running until we reached the grassland. Many people stop to take pictures of photogenic valleys, beautiful landscapes, and historic villages. After running through one of the cave hotels and grass fields, and crossing small streets, you find the first checkpoint at a distance of 12km. There are water, coke, bananas, and serial bars.

Personally, I could enjoy the route between the first checkpoint and the second checkpoint the most in this entire 38km. The trail became increasingly wild and untamed as the course took us deeper into nature. We had to cross logs to avoid small muddy ponds, duck through dark caves, and navigate over both large and small rocks.

At the second checkpoint, a variety of nutritious foods were served such as cakes, breads, and biscuits added to the foods served at the first checkpoint. Some people took a moment to sit, and relax chatting with others, but some just quickly grabbed essential energy foods to save any seconds. About 1km after the checkpoint, near the small farm that had houses and goats, the course got back to the wild trail again. For me, the last 14km was significantly harder than the former 24km. Every time I looked at my Garmin watch, the distance on its display seemed stuck and unmoving. It was a challenging moment to defend myself and motivate myself to keep my legs moving whether walking or running, uphills or downhills. At that time, everyone just kept quiet, with no conversation, but I felt that everyone shared the feeling of patience, discipline, encouragement, and desire for achievement.

Overcoming a fear of getting lost, falling, facing wild animals, and running unevenly prevented paths and its long-distance that is the longest in my life, I finally crossed the finish line in 5 hours 11 minutes. Running in the wild, especially in Cappadocia which is one of the World Heritage was a valuable experience that improved every element of my fitness, mental and physical well-being, and gave me a headspace to discover my own skills and capability.

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3 Days in Cappadocia Itinerary

When is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

Summer, from June to August, represents the peak tourist season in Cappadocia. During this time, prices for hotels, tours, and popular activities like hot air balloon rides surge due to high demand. The best time to visit Cappadocia is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). These months strike a perfect balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds while also generally offering lower prices for travel and accommodation.

Tourists basking in the awe-inspiring views of Cappadocia from the hilltop summit.

Is Cappadocia safe?

Cappadocia is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in Turkey. The region, known for its stunning landscapes and famous hot-air balloon rides, maintains a very low crime rate.

Tourist trap!

While the Green or Red tours in the region are marketed to showcase the area's fascinating sites, the reality does not always match expectations. Instead of exploring the promised attractions, guests often find themselves in showrooms at manufacturing sites, facing pressure to purchase leather garments. Additionally, pottery demonstrations, although part of the cultural experience, frequently end with persistent encouragement to buy products at prices claimed to be low. Also the tours include lunch, but the quality of the food provided tends to be disappointing.

Are the Cappadocia balloon safe?

Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are widely regarded as safe experiences. While there was a notable incident in 2022, such events are exceptionally rare. According to statistics from Turkey's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, 12 accidents were recorded during the flight hours happened between the summers of 2013 and 2017 in the Cappadocia region.

The safety of balloon rides hinges significantly on weather conditions, such as wind speeds; therefore, flights may be cancelled if the weather is deemed unsafe. Balloon operators in Cappadocia adhere to stringent regulations and safety standards enforced by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority, which also has the authority to make last-minute decisions on flight cancellations.

How to get a Turkish Visa?

If you hold a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Ireland, or any Schengen country, you are eligible to apply for an e-visa online.
For Philippine passport holders without a valid visa from the aforementioned countries, it is necessary to apply for a physical sticker visa at least three weeks before the intended departure date.

Standard requirements for a Turkish visa application include:

Completed Application Form
Valid passport with a minimum of six months validity
Confirmed return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation
Proof of income
Bank statement (the required period may vary by consulate, usually 3 or 6 months)
Detailed travel itinerary
Travel insurance that covers the duration of stay
An invitation letter (if applicable)
A cover letter explaining the purpose of visit (optional)

Should You Book a Hot Air Balloon in Advance?

Booking a hot air balloon ride in advance is essential, based on my personal experience. Although it might seem appealing to wait and book on-site in Cappadocia for potentially lower prices, this strategy might not pay off, particularly during the peak season. When I compared the price of pre-booking to the cost of booking upon arrival, I discovered that my advance booking was more economical and eliminated any last-minute stress associated with securing a spot.

Airport Transfers in Cappadocia

Hotel Airport Transfers: Many hotels provide their own airport transfer services. Confirm these arrangements with your accommodation prior to your arrival.
Taxi Services: As you exit the airport, you will encounter a fleet of taxis available for hire. The typical fare ranges from 1750 to 2000 Turkish Lira.
Shuttle Services: For those looking for a more economical option, proceed past the taxi area to locate shuttle services. These shuttles are shared with other passengers and can accommodate up to 16 people, costing approximately 250 Turkish Lira per person.

Top Places to Stay in Cappadocia

Must-Do Activities in Cappadocia

Itinerary

Day One: Arrival and City Wandering

Arrival is typically in the afternoon for those flying from Istanbul. Taking this opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the city centre's charm. We strolled through the streets, absorbed the local ambience, and sampled some regional cuisine.

A cute horseback riding.

Day Two: Soaring at Sunrise and Historical Excursions

Begin the day with the surreal experience of a hot air balloon ride, which means an early start—a 3:45 AM pickup from the hotel followed by a half-hour journey to the launch site. Witnessing the balloon inflation and lifting off into the twilight was a magical experience. After about an hour floating above picturesque valleys, we celebrated aerial adventure with a champagne toast.

After the balloon excitement, we embarked on the Red Tour to delve into the Cappadocia's rich history and stunning geography. Finishing around 5 PM, we returned to the hotel approximately 6 PM after a thrilling yet exhaustive day. Despite the fatigue, exploring the city centre again for dinner and drinks offered a relaxing end to the day's excitement.

Getting ready for our balloon ride at dawn.

Balloons dotting the horizon as far as the eye can see.

Experiencing the captivating sight of sunrise aboarding the hot air balloon. (excerpt the Lion King theme song ♫♫♫)

Apparently, becoming a model seems to be a part of the tour.

Choosing Your Cappadocia Adventure: Red, Blue, or Green Tour?

Cappadocia's landscape is rich with history and extraordinary geological formations, and each colour-coded tour is designed to highlight different aspects of this unique region.

Red Tour: Focused on Northern Cappadocia, the Red Tour includes prime attractions such as:

Uchisar Castle: A remarkable fortress (entry was restricted during my visit, but the panoramic views are still worth it).
Paşabağları (Monk's Valley): Home to some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia.
Avanos Pottery Workshop: Experience the region's traditional pottery craft.

The Red Tour is moderately priced, hovering around 45 Euros.

Green Tour: A tour that extends to Southern Cappadocia and is a must for those interested in subterranean wonders. It includes:

The Underground City: A labyrinthine complex that once housed thousands of people.
Other verdant valleys and sites are often part of the itinerary.

The Green Tour's price is a bit steeper, usually between 50 and 60 Euros, reflecting the expansive nature of the sights covered.

Blue Tour: Catering to those preferring a more intimate experience, the Blue Tour generally has smaller group sizes and includes:

Cavusin Village: An ancient settlement with Churches carved into rock cliffs.
Red Valley: An astonishing region known for its red-tinged rock formations.
Hospital Monastery: A testament to Cappadocia's monastic history.

This tour is the most costly due to its exclusivity and comprehensiveness, but the experience often justifies the price.

It is remarkable how ancient populations mastered the art of constructing homes within the rock. Early population had to make use of the underground cities for safety against Egyptian armies during the First Egyptian-Ottoman War.

Delving into the culture of Cappadocia through the hands-on experience of pottery crafting.

Concluding our tour with a resounding thumbs up!

Day Three: Viewing the Balloons from Above

On day three, our adventure began early, with a 5:30 AM wake-up. This time, instead of taking to the skies, we chose a different perspective by observing the awe-inspiring sight of countless hot air balloons ascending into the dawn light from a unique high vantage point. This serene experience offered a peaceful contrast to the exhilaration of being in the basket, allowing us to appreciate the majestic display of balloons dotting the early morning sky.

Enthusiastic adventurers waking early to witness the spectacle of balloons drifting across the city's skyline.

Balloon Prices — Rates vary by route and operator

Over Cat Valley/Fairy Chimneys: Starting from 100~120 Euros.
Over Goreme: Around ~160 Euros.
Extended Routes (e.g., Rose Valley, Love Valley): Between 250-300 Euros with operators such as Voyager or Royal Balloon.

Enjoying the majestic Cappadocia balloons from the ground.

Is a Three-Day Stay in Cappadocia Enough?

Indeed, three days in Cappadocia offer an ideal timeframe to immerse yourself in its wonders. This period allows for a well-rounded experience, encompassing the magical hot air balloon rides, visiting the major landmarks, partaking in scenic hikes, exploring the ancient underground cities, and indulging in the delightful local cuisine. Three days provide a harmonious blend of adventure, exploration, and cultural immersion, making it a perfect duration to capture the essence of Cappadocia.

Is The Cappadocia Balloon Ride Worth It?

While the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia may appear costly, it justifies its price with an unmatched experience. The ride provides breathtaking, unparalleled aerial views of the stunning landscape and a serene, peaceful flight over the region's unique formations. Additionally, the balloons are meticulously designed with compartmentalised baskets, ensuring both safety and comfort for every passenger. This thoughtful arrangement guarantees that everyone on board can enjoy an unobstructed, panoramic view of Cappadocia's majestic scenery. Therefore, despite the expense, the balloon ride is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment for an unforgettable adventure in the skies.