There’s much to see and do in Cappadocia. So much, in fact, that you’ll probably have to make some choices during your stay in this incredible region of Turkey. One activity you simply shouldn’t miss is taking a hot air balloon ride. Balloons have become an inseparable part of Cappadocia’s identity; almost every morning, between 100 and 150 balloons rise into the sky. It’s amazing to photograph balloons from a rooftop terrace in Göreme, but it’s even more magical to step into the basket yourself. I take a balloon flight at sunrise in Cappadocia and in this article, I’ll tell you all about the experience.
Read this article in DutchWaking up early for your sunrise balloon ride in Cappadocia
The name of the activity says it all: you’re meant to be hundreds of metres above the ground as the sun rises. That means an early wake-up call! The exact time depends on the season. In June, the sun rises around 5:15 a.m., while in January it’s closer to 8:00 a.m. About an hour to an hour and a half before sunrise, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation by the company operating your balloon flight.
When you arrive at the launch site, preparations are already in full swing. Crews are busy filling the balloons with gas and the baskets are being attached. It’s a spectacular sight, dozens of balloons slowly inflating around you, glowing in the pre-dawn light and rising like giant mushrooms into the sky.
By the time the balloon is filled with enough gas, it’s time to climb into the basket. A small step ladder is placed next to it to make boarding easier. The basket is divided into separate compartments to evenly distribute the weight. In ours, there are about four or five people per section. Once everyone is inside, the pilot gives a short safety briefing on what to do in case of an unexpected or rough landing.
And then, things move quickly. Several crew members hold ropes around the balloon to keep it grounded for a few moments longer. As soon as they release the lines, you feel the basket gently lift off the ground, an incredible moment! The movement is so peaceful, so calm, it feels as if you’re gliding through the air rather than flying. No wonder it’s called sailing instead of flying.
Hundreds of metres above the ground
How high you go depends on the type and duration of your flight. Generally, the cheaper balloon rides are shorter and stay at lower altitudes to save fuel, while premium operators fly higher and longer. In Cappadocia, balloons are allowed to ascend up to about 2,400 metres, depending on the day of the week.
I join the deluxe flight with Kapadokya Balloons. The upgraded experience means fewer people in the basket, a longer flight and higher altitudes. From above, it’s easy to see that many other balloons are staying quite low, while we float high above them in peaceful solitude. The sense of calm and serenity is incredible; it’s truly an unforgettable experience.
Photographing from the hot air balloon
When it comes to photographing from a hot air balloon, it really depends on your personal preference. If you want to capture those breathtaking panoramic views where the balloons look like tiny dots in the landscape, then a longer flight is ideal. If you prefer close-up shots of balloons gliding low over the ground, then a shorter flight might be the better choice.
During my flight, I notice that I get a little impatient while we are still high up. I can already see other balloons landing and I am eager to photograph those that float low through the valleys, close to the unique rock formations. Still, I cannot be disappointed because I am genuinely happy with the photos I take. I feel like I get the best of both worlds: calm, serene shots from high above and beautiful images of balloons drifting just above the ground. Both have their charm, though the latter kind of images can also be captured perfectly from a scenic viewpoint.
Hot air balloon landing, a true display of skill
Towards the end of the flight, we glide so low for several minutes that we keep thinking we are about to land. Each time we take the position we were shown at the start, but it turns out this is only necessary for a rough or emergency landing. The pilot remains calm and tells us we can just keep standing. Flying so close to the ground is another special experience, as the sensation of gliding feels even stronger here.
The tension rises when we approach a truck with a trailer. I admit I feel a little nervous, afraid we might bump into it. But there is no collision at all. These pilots are so skilled that they actually land the balloon right on top of the trailer. What a feat of precision. Truly incredible. Immediately, several crew members grab the ropes around the basket to prevent the balloon from lifting off again. We can step out calmly while a small table with champagne is set up and certificates are handed out.
How much does a balloon ride in Cappadocia cost?
The price of a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia can vary quite a bit. On average, you will pay between €180 and €250 per person. In winter, flights are often cheaper and you can sometimes find offers for half the price on platforms like Get Your Guide. With a bit of luck, you might be able to take a flight for around €80 and if you are really lucky, there could even be snow… such a magical experience.
During the summer months, it is worth paying close attention to what is included in the price. Ask how many people will be in the basket, how long the flight lasts, how high you will go and whether champagne is served afterwards if that matters to you. It is also a good idea to check in advance whether the balloon takes off before sunrise, since the cheaper flights often start later. In general, the rule applies that the more expensive a balloon flight in Cappadocia is, the more you get in return.
360º video recording of your Cappadocia balloon flight
In addition to staying in the air longer (my flight lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes) and having fewer people in the basket, there is another fun perk of booking a premium balloon flight. Most higher-end operators include a 360º camera on board. Whether you have to pay extra for this depends on the company, but one thing is certain: having a 360º video recording of your own Cappadocia balloon flight is an amazing keepsake.
Are balloon rides ever cancelled?
Although you can book a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia every day, flights can be cancelled due to weather conditions. On average, balloon rides go ahead on about 250 out of 365 days a year. The weather tends to be less stable in winter, so between November and March many more flights are cancelled than between April and October. You can check the year-round cancellation rates, the available operators and daily flight forecasts on Balloonscanner.
If you are unlucky and your balloon flight is cancelled, there is still plenty to do. Take a Jeep tour through the rugged landscape, visit an underground city or discover the flavours of traditional Anatolian cuisine. There is more than enough to keep you entertained!
Is it cold in a hot air balloon?
You might expect it to be quite cold hundreds of metres above the ground, but it is actually not that bad. The gas burners give off a lot of warmth and it often feels like a gentle heat is radiating over you. Standing closely together with others in the basket also helps keep you warm.
You might also expect wind at that height, but since the balloon moves at the same speed as the wind, you do not feel it at all. On top of that, the sun rises while you are in the air, adding even more warmth. So you really do not need to bundle up, especially in spring, summer and autumn. In winter it is a different story, so it might be a good idea to check in advance what to wear if you plan a balloon flight during that season.
Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, a once-in-a-lifetime experience
A few years ago, I took a hot air balloon ride in Portugal, so the experience was not entirely new to me. I remember how deeply impressed I was at the time. There was only one balloon: ours. It felt amazing to be completely alone in the sky, surrounded by endless views over a vast and desolate landscape.
What I did miss back then was the sight of other balloons around us. In that sense, a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is the complete opposite. Here, you are surrounded by dozens of balloons, creating fairytale-like scenes that are a dream to photograph. It almost feels unreal.
Can I say which experience I liked best? No, definitely not. Each has its own magic. It is wonderful to experience it in different places: surrounded by many balloons, with just a few or completely on your own. I hope to do it again someday, in a completely new place, for a whole new experience!
