Would this famous bucket list experience of a hot air balloon ride live up to its expectation and hype?
Well, that is for you to find out and for me to share with everyone my journey as I unravel the Beauty of Cappadocia.
People always say that if it is your first time in Turkey, that you must take the optional hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. I definitely, without any doubt, agree with them! Other than being a most Instagrammable spot in Turkey (and probably in the planet!), you will find yourself in awe with its rugged landscape.
To witness this beautiful event, the hot air balloon ride takes place early in the morning and is usually subject to weather conditions.
My Experience
My first time was back in October 2018. I remember the local guide asked us whether we would want to join given that its early in the morning. Back then, it costed around USD 150 and people could either pay in Turkish Lira, Dollars or Euros and if you don’t have any cash with you on hand, then you can opt to pay by credit card. However, it is a non-refundable ticket so once you pay for it, there’s no backing out or else your USD150 just flew away along with the balloons!
Early Morning
I was meeting the guide around 5:30AM, which meant that I had to an hour before to prepare all my things and to get myself ready for this majestic experience! By 6:00AM, we finally arrived at the hot air balloon site.
It wasn’t sunrise yet so don’t worry! You won’t be missing anything just yet. People were already organizing the balloons and blowing fire on it.
The balloons were huge that it could accommodate at least 18 people inside its basket. To be honest, I genuinely thought that it would only be 1 balloon per group or person but it turns out that we would be mixed with other individuals so that we can make the most out of the experience. After all, it’s always great making new friends and the more the merrier, right?
Ascension
By the time we got there, after the workers had started the fire on the balloons, we started the ascend.
This is where it got magical.
The early sun was slowly appearing creating balloon silhouettes.
In addition, the famous rock formations of Cappadocia were slowly coming into focus.
All I could hear at that moment was the burners firing up, filling our ballon with air as awe continued to ascend.
I took it all in — this wasn’t the peak. This was just the beginning.
As we ascended some more, I could feel my heart beating faster. It takes a lot of courage for someone who is afraid of heights but being 900meters high and witnessing this one of a kind moment — I am grateful and thankful for this opportunity.
Descension
By 7:30AM, we started to descend. The sun was already lit up bright and we already had enough time to take in the beauty of Cappadocia.
Upon reaching the ground, I was shocked to see that there was a champagne and a flight certificate waiting for me and my other group mates who joined the basket of fun!
Cheers to the courage, the experience and the wonderful memory that Cappadocia gave all of us!
Without a doubt, I would definitely want to redo this experience. Having to see a hundreds of other balloons flying through the sky as the sun peeks the horizon, shaping the stunning rock formation of Cappadocia whilst the burner fires through above our head flying us higher and higher to see the beauty. An experience worth while, worth your money and worth taking the risk for if you’re afraid of heights.
Thank you, Profil Holidays, for this one of a kind experience.
