Levent Valley

The Levent valley is a canyon system cut into the plateau west of Malatya, several kilometres long with walls of pale banded rock rising a couple of hundred metres, and it has been used by people for a very long time - the cliffs hold cut caves, chambers, dovecotes and rock-cut tombs, some of them Byzantine and earlier, reached by paths from the village or visible from across the gorge. Viewing terraces have been built along the rim, and paths descend into the valley floor where a stream runs between orchards and poplars. Rock climbers use the walls, and the area has been promoted as a climbing and paragliding destination. Development is limited to the terraces, a café and some signage; there is no ticket. It sits about forty-five kilometres from Malatya, on the road toward Kahramanmaraş, and it makes a straightforward half day from the city, best at either end of the day when the banded rock takes colour.

What you actually see

• The canyon walls - banded rock rising from the valley floor.
• The cut caves - chambers and dovecotes in the cliffs.
• The rim terraces - built viewpoints along the edge.
• The valley floor - stream, orchards and poplars below.

When to go

April to June and September to November; the plateau is very hot in summer and cold in winter. Early or late in the day for colour on the rock.

Honest expectations

Rim edges are unfenced in places. Paths into the valley are steep and loose. There are no real facilities beyond a café, and a car is required.

Nearby

Malatya and its apricot plain are 45 km east; Arslantepe is on the way.