Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia: A Complete Guide

Hot air balloon rides are often termed as a ‘once in a lifetime experience.’ And rightly so, for they encompass the surreal escapade of soaring and floating in the air with stunning landscape views below and mesmerizing aerial sceneries highlighted by the works of the sun above. However, the ride has to be complimented by the astounding surrounding terrain and the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia does just that. And we are here to help you discover why!

Cappadocia is a region in Central Anatolia, Turkey, and is home to fantastic fairy chimneys or cotton castles. Millions of years ago volcanic eruptions in the region laid the foundation for the formation of today’s gorgeous landscape. The eruption created tuffs (soft rocks formed after the solidification of ash). These tuffs over the years have been eroded to create thin, tall spires of rock formations called fairy chimneys. These natural fairy chimneys along with rock structures created by civilizations in the early centuries have given rise to a unique cultural, natural, and heritage landscape that is not only characteristic of Cappadocia but has put it on the list of World Heritage Sites. Of course, hot air balloon rides are one of the best ways to discover the beauty of the region.

Types of Hot Air Balloon Flights in Cappadocia

Many hot air balloon flights take off each day in Cappadocia. Most flights are scheduled in the early mornings to view the sunrise from above. Around 100 balloons take off each morning before sunrise, and different tour companies offer different services. Another 50 balloons are allowed to take off by the aviation authorities half an hour after sunrise. The number of people in each balloon, its cost, and its duration depend on the type of hot air balloon flight you opt for. About 2000 people avail of the hot air balloon flight each day!

There are economy and deluxe flights that visitors can choose from. Economy flights can have up to 28 people, while deluxe flights may carry only 2 people in each compartment with a total of 8 or even 4 passengers only on board. Overall the hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia can be divided into three broad categories –

1. Standard – 16-24 people
2. Deluxe – Lesser than 16 people
3. Private – The number of people is dependent on the passenger’s request. Private hot air balloons are usually hired for private celebrations or occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Also, some flights fly at an elevation and then descend, whereas, some also approach the valleys and come closer to the fairy chimneys. Flying in and out of the valleys is a better experience and you must check with your tour operator before boarding to include it in your flight package.

Duration

The duration of the hot air balloon flight varies according to the type of balloon booked. Duration of the flights can vary anywhere between 45 minutes to 2 hours. Standard program flights usually take 45 -65 minutes. On the other hand, deluxe programs can last up to 90 minutes. Similarly, private bookings can go up to 2 hours and more. 

Cost of Hot Air Balloon Flight

The hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are not really cheap. Compared to other countries, such as hot air balloon rides in Luxor, the flights in Cappadocia are relatively expensive. Again, depending on the type of air balloon and the duration of the flight the rates vary. Also, the price of the flight depends on the time of the day and the year when undertaken. The rates are higher during the peak tourist season than during the off-season. On average, the price of a hot air balloon ride can range between $140 to $250. Standard hot air balloon flights may cost around $140-$180, whereas deluxe flights can be anywhere from $200-$250 per person. However, private flights can cost $1400 or above.

Besides, some tour operators may offer added services, such as sightseeing tours or tasting the local cuisine along with hot air balloon rides. In such cases, the price of the entire package would increase.

How to Book Tour Operators?

Tour operators for hot air balloon flights can be booked both online and offline. For online booking, all you need to do is a Google search for tour operator websites and book the hot air balloon rides as per a convenient time and date. The payment is also usually made online. There are also specialized search platforms, such as Tour Scanner, Viator, etc. where different tours and offers are on display for one to choose, compare and book accordingly.

You can also book the hot air balloon after arrival with the help of the hotel service or visit and meet local operators face to face. One should remember that the hotel may have contact with only a few tour operators who they would contact. Also, only limited flights are allowed to take off each day, so pre-booking in advance is highly recommended. Additionally, if you chose to book the flight offline, then you should book the hot air balloon ride immediately after arriving in the region. This will give you some buffer, in case the flights of the next day or the day after are already booked or not available.

A little advance planning is recommended since the hot air balloon rides are usually full, especially during the peak tourist season. Pre-booking is hence the best option.

Timings

All the flights take off in the early morning since the wind conditions for flying are the most apt then. The flight timings could be as early as 5:00 AM and as late as 6:30 AM depending on the season. The hot air balloon flights take off in 2 slots – one before sunrise and the other about half an hour after sunrise.

Best Time for Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia

Hot air balloon flights operate for approximately 250 days a year. However, the best time to plan a visit is during the spring season from April to June, or during the autumn from September to October. The summers can get quite hot, however, the winters, on the other hand, offer snow-covered views of the landscape below.

Since the flight is heavily dependent on the weather and wind conditions, April to October is also the time when there are the least flight cancellations.

Hot Air Balloon Take-off Sites in Cappadocia

Almost all tour operators offer to pick and drop service from the hotel. But the exact take-off site for the hot air balloon flight also is not always fixed. It varies according to the weather, wind conditions, and wind speed. However, most of the flights take off and fly over the towns of Goreme, Urgup, and Uchisar. Tourists prefer to stay in these cities too, especially Goreme which is well connected to the other cities of Turkey, such as Istanbul and Ankara. Goreme is the main center for hot air balloon flights and bookings and is also popular for the rock churches and stunning fairy chimney landscapes. Similarly, Urgup is often designated as the wine capital of the Cappadocian region and Uchisar is where the Uchisar Castle offers fantastic views. You can book a stay in one of these villages to enjoy the hot air balloon flights and sightseeing of the region’s physical and cultural attractions.

Cancellations

Since hot air balloon flights depend on the climate and wind conditions, cancellations are not uncommon. Also, the safety of passengers and crew is of utmost importance; hence, slightly unfavorable conditions result in flight cancellations. Most tour companies offer a full refund or re-book another flight for the following days. However, during peak season, all flights may be pre-booked to full capacity. In such cases, the companies may not be able to reschedule your bookings. You would have to call other tour operators to arrange a seat.

Flights also can get canceled at the last minute. There are times when passengers are taken to the take-off point and just minutes before takeoff flights are canceled. For all these reasons, you must book your hot air balloon flight for the day you arrive or the next, so that in case of cancellations there is still time to re-book. Also, consider staying for at least 3-4 days in Cappadocia to ensure that you do not miss the hot air balloon flight.

What You’ll See on a Hot Air Balloon in Cappdocia

The hot air balloon flies over the wonderful natural landscape of the Cappadocia region. Most of the hot air balloons fly over Goreme. Some of the stunning valleys that one passes include the Love Valley, Red Valley, Pigeon Valley, Sword Valley, and more, each looking splendid with its deep rock and valley formations.

The hot air balloon can go up to 1500 feet high, however, more than the elevation it is the skill of the pilot to take the balloon across the valleys for passengers to view the geological formations closely. The fairy chimneys are, of course, the most discernible highlight of the flight. You will not get enough of watching these amazing natural structures. Besides, the rock formations have been cut to build churches, homes, cave hotels, etc., visible from above. 

Hot Air Balloon with Children

A hot air balloon ride for children can be quite exciting. However, most tour companies do not allow children below the age of 5-6 years to board the flight. This is because they might be too short to see over the basket edge and in that case someone would have to hold them for the entire flight duration. It could also cause dangers during landing and thus only children who are more than 110 cm tall are usually allowed to take the flight. Also, since the flight on average can take around an hour, children must be able to stand for this duration for safety reasons, as well as, to enjoy the flight themselves.

However, you can check with the tour company while booking to make sure if your child can board the flight. Also, women in and after their 28th week of pregnancy or those using a wheelchair are not allowed to board the hot air balloon flight.

Best Places to View Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia

Flying in a hot air balloon is the ultimate experience. However, also just watching the scores of balloons rise up and float in the air is a sight to behold. Different vantage points across the region are ideal for watching this spectacular event every morning. The simplest way to watch the balloons afloat can be from the balcony or window of your hotel.

Cave hotels are one of the finest and most unique hotel experiences in Cappadocia. These hotels’ architecture is laid around the topography and terrain of the region. The cave hotels are in the heart of the region over which the hot air balloons fly; hence, stepping out of your hotel room can provide a stellar view of the sky dotted with the balloons above. Some of the cave hotels from where the hot air balloon views are remarkable are the Mithra Cave Hotel, Koza Cave Hotel, Sultan Cave Suites, Osmanli Cappadocia Hotel, etc.

There are several other locations where one can go for excellent viewing of the hot air balloon. Besides, these places are also ideal for exploring on the ground and soaking in the beauty and culture of the region. Some of these are:

1. The Goreme Hill

Also, known as the hill above the village, has the red country flag over it and gives one of the closest views of the balloons above. The hill is visible from almost anywhere in Goreme and is one of the best spots to shoot the hot air balloons above.

2. Love Valley

Love Valley has a designated viewing point for visitors. It is also one of the rare points where if lucky, you can watch balloons take off and land as well. However, you will have to hike to the valley as vehicles cannot reach here.

3. Sunset Point (Rose Valley)

This is a specific spot for sunset views. However, in the mornings, the sun rises from behind lighting up the entire valley.

4. Sword Valley

With the largest number of rock cut-out castles and cone-shaped homes, the Sword Valley is a mesmerizing sight. Add to that the morning sunlight, the hordes of colorful hot air balloons and the views of Goreme and Uchisar in the background – You cannot ask for more!

5. Pigeon Valley

Nestled between Goreme and Uchisar, the Pigeon Valley is one of the longest valleys of the region. The weather conditions here are often great making it one of the amazing spots to view the hot air balloons against the wondrous natural landscape. However, not many of the balloons come too close to this valley and usually stay afloat at a higher elevation.

6. Red Valley

Hot air balloons that take off from Goreme Valley pass over the Red Valley making this spot an excellent balloon sighting location. The balloons appear to come closer to the ground before rising up again.

7. Rose Valley and Akdag Summit

Both the Akdag Summit and Rose Valley are situated close to each other. And both these locations are ideal for hot air balloon sightings. The balloons descend lower into the valley since there is not much flora or fauna around here. This offers enough opportunities for photographing the balloons up close. However, both these locations are a little far from Goreme and therefore it is a good idea to camp the night at Akdag to view both the sunset and the sunrise with balloons the following morning.

What to Wear?   

There is no specific dressing required for a hot air balloon ride. Wear something that you are comfortable in, probably comfortable cotton pants and a t-shirt. However, wearing a hat is advisable, especially if you are standing close to the hot burner. Pilots too perhaps wear hats for the same reason. Also, wearing closed shoes helps, especially during landing, which can get rough and unpredictable. Besides, since one must continuously stand for a long time, wearing comfortable shoes is a must. And carrying a pair of sunglasses can be handy too when the sun rises and the glare gets a bit strong.

Since the flights are early morning and mostly before sunrise, one can expect a chill in the air. Carrying a shawl or light jacket can be useful, just as wearing a full-sleeved one. Again, if you are embarking on the flight during the winter months, you will definitely need warmer clothes. The landscape below is snow-covered; hence, warm clothing, proper shoes and socks, pullovers, and caps to cover the head and ears are essential.

Tips

• Book the hot air balloon ride in advance. Flight cancellations can happen or flights may be full during peak tourist season. Make sure to book a flight in advance and keep a few days in hand for rescheduling in case of cancellations.
• Be prepared to start off early. Tour companies can arrange to pick you up from your hotel as early as 4:00 to 4:30 AM.
• Listen to the safety briefing and instructions before take-off. Also, the landing may not always be smooth. In fact, landing on the back or having a ‘chase crew’ on the ground literally chasing the hot air balloon are common sights.
• The hot air balloons can go up to more than 1000 feet in height. However, even if you are scared of heights or have air sickness, the ride in a hot air balloon rarely is scary or nauseating.
• The viewing points may get crowded during sunset and sunrise. Walking or hiking along a little ahead is always wise to find other less crowded spots.
• Photograph and click away! The best way to capture memories is to take photos and thus do not forget to carry your best camera with you. At the same time, loop in your camera strap to avoid mishaps of it falling off the basket.
• Flight routes change and differ from day to day. Depending on many factors, such as wind speed, and weather conditions the take-off and landing destinations may change, and the elevation and speed of the balloon may also vary. Thus, enjoy your ride as it is without too many comparisons.
• Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is safe. Just as the risks one takes in any other activities, such as driving or flying in an airplane, the same risks apply to hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia as well.
• After landing, the tour companies provide light snacks and also a flight completion certificate. It can take a total of 3-4 hours starting from pick up, the hot air balloon ride to drop off at the hotel.
• The hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia explore the region’s lunar landscapes from up above. Watching the magnificent landscape below with the interplay of the sun's rays and the early morning hues is probably one of the best memories and experiences of a lifetime. We recommend you do not miss it.