If you take the narrow road to the right while heading west from Ürgüp toward Mustafapaşa, you will eventually reach Üzengi Stream, which flows parallel to the valley and has a relatively low water level.  

There is also an entrance to the valley from the Ortahisar side. Along this stream, there are three springs where natural mineral water emerges.  

The water is known to aid digestion and has been used in the treatment of kidney diseases.  

As you continue walking along the stream, you will first be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of nature, the way birdsong draws you deeper into the valley, and the traces of life that once flourished here centuries ago.  

If you choose not to walk along the stream itself but rather parallel to it, you can visit the churches scattered throughout the valley.  

The valley was once home to tens of thousands of pigeons, and you will undoubtedly notice the dovecotes carved into the rock. The survival and productivity of the vineyards in this area were made possible by pigeon droppings, which were highly valued in agriculture.  

Dovecotes are enclosed "nests" with very small entrance holes, designed to protect pigeons from predatory birds and prevent them from abandoning the region out of fear.  

From the high panoramic viewpoints, the scenery unfolds like a mesmerizing film—but one in which you are merely an observer. It is here that you realize the only way to truly experience the magic of the Land of Beautiful Horses is to uncover its deeper meaning.  

As you venture deeper into Üzengi Valley, you feel yourself drifting away from reality, finding yourself at the heart of a fairytale world.  

During your walk, you will encounter countless water channels, wells, and tunnel entrances with no clear end in sight. You will feel compelled to look inside, making you appreciate the importance of carrying a flashlight. However, please refrain from using artificial light inside the churches, as it can damage the frescoes.  

Those who choose the road less traveled often discover hidden gems. If you are one of them, we highly recommend this route—Üzengi Valley—a place where life, time, and civilizations intertwine, and nature transforms into a visual spectacle.  

This is not merely a landscape; the soul of millions of years lies hidden in its depths.  

—Article by S. Rohlfs