Although I have three alternate routes suggested on web site maps, none can address the issue of my husband's fear of mountain roads with steep drop offs and no guardrails. Which route would be easiest for him from the Nemrut Dag area to Cappadocia (doesn't matter where), the one that goes through the mountains via Adiyaman, the one that goes closer to Malatya, or the one that goes to Adana and then up the mountains? Thank you

In your place, i would rather take a private tour than drive in the area. I forgot when you are attempting tis trip, but the cold weather is coming and in November there may be some snow and ice on the mountain passes. also, Adiyaman may have a higher possibility of terrorist activity. Another reason is that these highways will not have frequent or acceptible rest stops for food and western style toilets. a tour guide would know where to find the food and the toilets, and what is safe, by conversing with the locals in addition to his own experience.

The only driving we did in the area was from Mardin to Midyat and then to Hasankeyf and then South towards the Syrian border. there was almost nothing between the cities, and even there a guide would not have been unwelcome.

A good tour organizer is Fest Travel, more expensive than most but usually preferred by upscale Turkish travelers, because of the quality of their guides and their ability to arrange according to the traveler rather than just the usual.

If you go with other organizers make sure to specify beforehand that you do not want to stop at carpet, leather or other types of souvenir shops.

I just saw that I had written almost the same things to your querry some time ago. One post on that thread was excellent with a great deal of detail also on why travel in those regions should not be attempted without a guide.

however, if you are tha adventurous, not afraid of people but mountain roads, and will not give the time you wish to travel, all i can say is take the route through adana to avoid high mountain passes and to use mor travelled roads, even if it turns out to be somewhat longer.

Thank you both. This however, is a new question because I have just now become aware of the Adana route and wasn't sure I had mentioned my husband's phobia before. If we do drive ourselves and not with a tour, does anyone have an opinion about the mountain pass to the north of Adana that goes up to Cappadocia?

The mountain passes to the North of Adana are all traversed by recently built motorways. They are winding but no precipices in sight. You can keep a minimum of 100k/hr speed on them, unless otherwise signposted.

Once over the passes, the roads become divided highways. Go through Aksaray and not Nigde. If you need to overnight before you get to Cappadocia proper, Agacli Rest Stop Hotel at the intersection of the Nevsehir road is a good choice. The bigger hotel just a bit further on the Nevsehir road is not worth the cost.