Narman Fairy Chimneys

The valley is open to visitors all year round. In summer, the midday heat can be uncomfortable in the sandstone valley, so late spring and autumn are cooler and more suitable for hiking. The best time for the red tones to emerge with light is before noon, in the late morning. In winter, some parts of the valley may be covered with snow, so it's useful to get local information before going.

The most practical way from Erzurum city center is to go by private car via the Erzurum-Tortum highway. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. After reaching Narman district center, there are 7 km left to the fairy chimneys, and this part also needs to be covered by car. Since public transport options are limited, a rental car or a tour program can be preferred. Day trip packages are also organized in the region.

The valley tour itself takes 1.5-2.5 hours. Seeing the fairy chimneys at the entrance and going up the hiking trail at the back fills this time. Those who want to take a horse tour should calculate an additional 20-30 minutes. While in Erzurum, it is possible to combine it with nearby points like Tortum Waterfall to fill the day; some tour programs fit both into the same day.

The two fairy chimneys you encounter at the entrance are the most preferred spot for photos, but the essence of the trip doesn't end here. As you follow the hiking trails leading towards the back of the valley, rows of fairy chimneys begin to appear one after another. Most visitors state that the real view is here. The routes are clear but not flat, so walking with sturdy shoes is comfortable.

There is no fee for entry to the valley. Gazebo use at the adjacent social facility is paid, and some visitors find this price high. A short horseback tour is also a separately charged service; one visitor stated paying 200 TL for this tour, but this is not a guarantee of current price. It's wise to inquire about food and drink prices at the facility to confirm.

Comments on the social facility service vary. Some visitors write that they are uncomfortable with the staff's attitude and music selection, while others find the prices reasonable. Toilet cleanliness has been criticized in some comments. There is no electric vehicle charging station, so those going with electric vehicles need to plan their charging. The valley itself is a natural and untended area, sturdy shoes are recommended.

The two large fairy chimneys at the entrance are the most photographed spot. In the morning light, the red color appears more vibrant. The wide fairy chimney view that opens up when walking towards the back of the valley is also suitable for wide-angle shots with a phone or camera. In the morning hours when the light is low, the shadow-light contrast makes the texture of the rocks more prominent.