The sweeping beauty of Cappadocia’s bizarre valleys is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions, and one of the most popular ways to see it is from above. Cappadocia is a stunning and amazing environment that has been formed over thousands of years by erosion. These cave-like houses and rock-hewn sanctuaries date back to the 4th century, during the Byzantine post-Iconoclastic period. What’s remained now are stunning troglodyte settlements, underground civilizations that once housed human dwellings, and breathtaking valleys that stretch for a considerable distance. Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is what people remember the city for. Let’s spotlight the things to know before having a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia,
Year-Round Hot Air Balloon Season
Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is spectacular not just because of the distinctive and rocky environment, but also because the balloons fly for 250 days out of the year, contrasted with 60 days elsewhere in Europe. You may soar above the terrain not only in the summer and spring, but also in the winter to explore the winter wonderland. The greatest time to go hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is from April to November, when the weather conditions are the most suitable.
♦ 1 Day Cappadocia Tour With Hot Air Balloon Ride
Heavy Duty Training of Pilots
Balloons, like planes, must be registered with the aviation authority and undergo regular safety inspections to guarantee that they are safe to fly. Pilots for hot air balloons in Cappadocia must also pass tests, have a certain number of flight hours under their belt, and pass flight tests and medical exams.
Many Cappadocia hot air balloon pilots have been flying for decades; ours, with Voyager Balloons, had over 20 years of experience! However, there have been a number of mishaps in the past, some of which resulted in casualties; mishaps can still occur even with the best pilots and ground workers, just as they can when stepping into a plane.
More than 100 Balloons in Air
Cappadocia may be the only spot on the planet where hundreds of balloons fly practically every morning, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience to over 2000 people. Up to 100 balloons are permitted to launch before daybreak, with another 50 permitted to launch half an hour after sunrise.
Early Booking for Hot Air Balloon Ride
Since hot air ballooning is the most popular activity in Cappadocia, you must reserve as soon as possible and plan ahead, as balloons sell out months ahead of time. You are not guaranteed a seat only because 100 or so balloons are released every morning. One of my top recommendations for visiting Cappadocia is to stay for at least two to three nights to increase your possibilities of getting on a flight in the event if your flight is interrupted due to bad weather.
♦ 5 Days Turkey Tour – Istanbul Cappadocia Tour
Landing on Your Back
If you’ve never had a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia before, you’ll be startled to learn that this is a frequent landing position, particularly if the basket bounces or tips at an angle in heavy winds. Because catastrophic mishaps have occurred during landings, it is critical to follow the pilot’s directions to the instructions.
Landings take place on any large surface, like parks, empty fields, school grounds, or roadways, because hot air balloons fly with the wind and their flight trajectory is nearly totally reliant on wind speed and direction. “Chase crews” follow the balloon via radio communication with the pilot in order to meet you with the balloon trailer at the landing place.
3,000 Feet above Ground
If you’re afraid of heights, you should know that hot air balloons in Cappadocia can travel anywhere from tree level to 3,000 feet above earth – we reached 800 metres on our hot air balloon journey in Cappadocia! Experienced pilots may even take you down into valleys with “fairy chimney” rock formations and into Goreme town. Based on the wind, the balloons can move at rates ranging from 2 to 22 kilometres per hour.
♦ 7 Days Turkey Tour Package – Highlights of Turkey
Flight Cancellation
Indeed, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is available all year, however flights are occasionally cancelled due to inclement weather. Flights take place on average 250 days a year, however if there is rain, heavy wind, fog, snow, or thunderstorms, the Civil Aviation Authority can block all balloon flights.
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia is Expensive
A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia costs between US$145-200 per person, depending on which firm you choose and how many people are in the basket. Because of the strong demand, prices are usually fixed, so don’t expect any discounts.