A hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is a magical experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. A hot air balloon ride is already special, but Cappadocia might just be the best place on Earth to do it. That’s because of the stunning landscapes and especially because here, every morning during sunrise, around 150 hot air balloons take off. Do you also want to take a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia? Here are the things you need to consider.
What to Expect During a Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia?
To give you an idea of the experience, here’s a brief description of what a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia looks like.
Takeoff
About an hour before sunrise, the balloon company will pick you up from your hotel in a van. It’s a short ride to the valley where the balloons are being prepared. You’ll see balloons lying on the ground, gradually inflating with the help of large fans. Once they are sufficiently filled, the burners are ignited to heat the air inside the balloons. The baskets are divided into compartments, each accommodating four people. Typically, there are 20 to 28 passengers on board. Once everyone has climbed into the basket and taken photos, it’s time to take off. The pilot ignites the burners, and soon you’ll feel the basket gently rising as the hot air balloon lifts off the ground.
The Flight and Sunrise
The direction of your flight depends entirely on the wind, but the pilot can somewhat control the direction by varying altitude to catch different wind currents. The maximum altitude is 800 meters (2600 feet), and during the flight, the pilot will try to fly both very close to the ground and at the maximum height, depending on weather conditions. At the highest point, when the burner is off, you’ll experience complete silence and have the opportunity to enjoy the magical sunrise over Cappadocia in peace. The pilot will provide information about the area during the flight, and you can ask any questions you may have about the hot air balloon. With reputable companies, they often capture 360° photos and videos that you’ll receive for free after the flight.
Landing
After approximately an hour in the air, it’s time to descend. Since there is usually very little wind in Cappadocia for most of the year, the landing is as relaxed as the takeoff. With the assistance of the ground crew, the pilot can often guide the basket to land directly onto the trailer of the support vehicle. Traditionally, champagne is served after every balloon flight, and you’ll receive a certificate from the pilot. After a short ride back to your hotel, you can enjoy breakfast and relish in the highlight of your trip to Cappadocia.
When Do Hot Air Balloons Fly in Cappadocia?
Hot air balloons in Cappadocia typically fly every day of the year, including during the winter. However, the flights are weather-dependent, and they take place at sunrise. Flying at sunrise provides the best chance for good weather and cooler temperatures. If you’ve booked a hot air balloon flight and the weather conditions are unfavorable, the balloon company will attempt to reschedule your flight for another day. If rescheduling isn’t possible due to full bookings, your availability, or prolonged bad weather, you will receive a full refund.
What Is the Cost of a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia?
A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is not cheap. Prices start at around $200, but outside the winter months, you should expect to pay around $270 per person with a reputable organization. Prices can vary depending on the company and the services offered. Cheaper options might offer shorter flights, fewer ascents and descents to conserve gas, or take off slightly after sunrise when more balloons are allowed to fly. Only 100 balloons are permitted to take off before sunrise, with an additional 50 allowed to launch shortly afterward. While the cost might be steep, our advice is not to skimp on this experience and book with a reputable company.
Where Should You Book Your Hot Air Balloon Flight?
We recommend booking your hot air balloon flight with a reputable company like Discovery Balloons. They offer an excellent experience with experienced pilots, top-notch communication, and the flexibility to cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is especially helpful if the weather forecast predicts cloudy conditions on the day of your flight. You can adjust your date to a sunny day (if available) or cancel if you don’t want to fly in overcast weather.
Tip: If you plan to visit Cappadocia between May and September, it’s wise to book your flight well in advance as balloons can fill up quickly during the peak season.
