Nugget & The Mountains

As a child, when you were taught to draw a mountain, it was always some form of an inverted triangle with a rounded top. Drawing a flat-top mountain or multiple pillars would definitely be considered incorrect in art class. However, these mountains prove otherwise.

CAPPADOCIA, ANCIENT REGION OF ANATOLIA

Cappadocia is a historical region which lies in the plateau of central Anatolia, Turkey. It's most amazing feature is the unique chimney fairy rocks which were formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion which shaped the pillars. Humans burrowed into these chimneys and made it their own, building underground cities which I’d like to venture into, just for curiosity's sake.
Although I’m fascinated by these structures, I don’t want to see them from standing on the ground. I’ve never been hot air ballooning and the thought of floating in the air always seems scary, but with the amazing view of the Cappadocia landscape, I’ll be willing too.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Site - Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia

TROLLTUNGA, HORDALAND COUNTY 

Trollunga, literally meaning "troll tongue", such a weird name, but fitting, given the shape of the piece of rock which extends. Found 700 meters above the lake Ringedalsvatnet of Hordaland County in Norway, the cliff was formed during the ice age. As waters from the glacier settled in the mountain's crevices, pieces eventually broke off, leaving the "troll tongue" exposed.
The cliff overlooks the valleys of the Hardanger region which  reaches up to 1500 meters high. This view must be amazing. However, due to its location, the area is obviously only accessible through a long, demanding hike with a trail of 22 kilometers. Unfortunately for me, I'm not built for "demanding" hikes, but maybe one day I'll get there. Well, one can always hope.

MOUNT RORAIMA, VENEZUELA

Mount Roraima serves as a natural triple border point for Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil and is one of the oldest mountain formations in the world. The highest point of the unusual mountain measures 2,772 meters tall and is surrounded by 400 meter cliffs. Its tabletop peak is the main attraction for me, especially when it appears to be a floating island amidst thick fog.
For the Pemon Indians, it is a place of mystery, myths and legends. They believe Roraima is the stump of a huge tree which held all the fruits and vegetables in the world. Fantasy is frequently ruined by logic and science, but it would be amazing if such a tree actually existed.

UNESCO World Heritage Site - Canaima National Park

PREIKESTOLEN, ROGALAND COUNTY 

Another phenomenal cliff of Norway, Preikestolen is found in the Rogaland Country, Western Norway. Preikestolen, literally means "Pulpit Rock"  or "Preacher's Pulpit". I'd love to make it the Travel Nugget's Pulpit one day and stand on the edge of this flat surface, overlooking the green valleys of the Ryfylke region. The surrounding mountains reaches up to 843 meters high.
This spot is also very popular for BASE jumping. Although the daredevil within is cautious, it's not something that's off the table for the Nugget. Similarly to Trolltunga, the angular shape resulted from glaciers breaking off pieces of the mountain. However, it is believed that one day, Preikestolen too will fall, but hopefully not in the near future, or at least until I experience it.

TIANZI MOUNTAINS, CHINA

The Tianzi Mountains are indeed the strangest mountains I've ever seen, but strange isn't always a bad thing. This is located in the Tianza Mountain Nature Reserve, northwest of the Wulinyuan Scenic Area. These mountains provides a unique scenic view of narrow peaks which rises successively. The legend says that the pine tree adorned peaks, were left behind by King Xiang, leader of the Tu ethic group, after his martyrdom in battle.
The mountains are sometimes hugged by a sea of clouds and I'm not certain if it'll make it more beautiful or eerie. The feature that I appreciate most is the availability of cable cars which visitors can use to admire the surreal peaks and get to natural viewing platforms. These mountains also inspired the 2009 movie, Avatar, and at this moment, I cannot believe I've never seen that movie, which I now feel compelled to watch.

UNESCO World Heritage Site - Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area

Maybe I'm not a exactly a hiking person, but the feeling of accomplishment for completing one of those in Norway will be a highlight of my life. I really hope I can survive them. I think I'll just start with the hot air ballooning for now. So, it's time to watch Avatar. Comment below and share some of your favourites!