Skip to main content

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!

Comments

  1. Aww even though we're not built for hiking. I'll gladly do it with you my friend ��❤

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol you'll have to carry me....or drag me to the finish

      Delete
  2. Love your blog nugget :) always taking me to new places

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. aww, thanks Ali! I'm always on your blog and ig page for netflix reviews. LOVE IT!

      Delete
  3. OMG!!! I DID THE TROLLTUNGA AND PREIKESTOLEN HIKES AND I DIED! LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol that's not exactly motivating travel-addict!

      Delete
    2. lol!!!! don;t wory, when u reach to the top and see those views, it totally worth it. Check out my ig pg for pics!

      Delete
    3. lol i'll check it, but I'm not a hiker like u, u know

      Delete
  4. My childhood drawings of mountains never looked this good! I definitely have to visit with my bestie one day 💕

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. are u and your bestie build for hiking Ms Ali?

      Delete
  5. The mountains in china is definitely on my travel wish list now. Keep blogging Travel Nugget and taking me to new places

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks dareem! subscribe for my new post updates

      Delete
  6. I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU NEVER WATCH AVATAR! DONT MAKE ME UNFOLLOW YOUR BLOG MISTER NUGGETS -_- watch. it. now. -_-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :( don't unfollow me!!!! I said I'd watch it :/

      Delete
  7. My girlfriend keeps nagging me to visit turkey for the hot air balloons since I showed her your blog Nuggets

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hot air ballooning there looks unbelievable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it does :)
      have you even been hot air ballooning?

      Delete

Post a Comment

Other Travel Nugget Posts:

Nugget & Europe

My top places to visit in Europe - Greece, France, Italy and Switzerland. SANTORINI Before I begin, please watch the video below. There's just something magical about it; the way it captures the beauty of Santorini that makes my words fail. If You're already not in love with Santorini, I guarantee that video will make you. I was hoping to find a video that captures my love for Santorini, and it does it so amazingly; the combination of the music with the scences are beyond perfection . This place has my heart and I've never even been there. Maybe it's Oia with it's cascading whitewashed buildings carved into the cliffs, the hues of sapphire water, the gleaming houses or the phenomenal , yet calming, scenry. It seems like a place your soul can go to rest and one day, I'll get there.   Photo credit: foundtheworld.com THE FRENCH RIVIERA Côte d'Azur , also know as The French Riviera; where do I want to go? First stop,  Le Vieux Nice ; a small town ...

Nugget & The Natural Pools

There are so many amazing natural pools around the world, but these are just a few that caught my attention thus far.  Fairy Pools, Skye Fairy Pools is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland and I can definitely see why. The blue pools are  crystal clear  and so beautiful.  As previously mentioned in  Nugget & The Mountains , I'm not built for hiking. Thankfully for me, to get to the beautiful pools through the River Brittle takes an average  40 - 50 minutes walk  which I can make. I'll just need some company; good company of course, not boring ones to make the trail feel like 5 hours.  The Pools is the most photographed place in Scotland and considered its most magical destination. The  pristine  and unbelievably blue waters makes every thing  visible . Now, the thing with the pools, they are  deceptively inviting.  The may have the colour and appeal of a tropical oasis, but the ...

Nugget & The Tree Tunnels

Is there anything more magical than walking through a perfect canopy of the most beautiful flowers? It doesn't matter if they were formed through the grace of nature or sculpted by the hands of inspired gardeners . They are nothing short of being both beautiful and enchanting. GYENOGHWA STATION, JINHAE For me, Japan is synonymous with sakuras , commonly known as cherry blossoms and to experience a tunnels of them would be amazing. The  Gyeonghwa Station in South Korea is one of the top spots to take photos of this pale pink ocean in Jinhae.  Photo credit:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/306104105897175941/ WISTERIA FLOWER TUNNEL, KITAKYUSHU The Wisteria Flower Tunnel in the Kawachi Fuji Garden seems to be a scene taken from a fairytale. This enchanting canopy is home to over 150 Wisteria flowering plants. Walking under these multi-coloured tunnel will truly be a magical experience. Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/307300374564851444/ TUNNEL ...

Nugget & The Blue Holes

Looking for an underwater adventure? Blue holes are usually found in shallow coastal areas and the darker the shade of blue, the deeper it goes. The Travel Nugget won't venture into these depths for 2 reasons. Firstly, diving in these places has a prerequisite of logging over 25 dives so an extreme amateur, like the Travel Nugget, can't. Secondly, the mystery of the creatures that lurk in dark, deep waters scare me. GREAT BLUE HOLE, BELIZE The Great Blue Hole of Belize is the most popular blue hole and I have no idea what its appearance reminds me of. It measures over 300 meters across and 124 meters deep. The blue hole rests in the middle of Lighthouse Reef where an island of corals encircles the shallow area, giving it a beautiful turquoise colour. Many visit by boat and aerial tours while the more adventurous opt for skydiving into the waters. I imagine myself screaming at the top of my voice until I touch the water if I ever attempt that one but maybe, just maybe, ...

Nugget & The Travertine Terraces

The best J acuzzis aren't found in the fanciest hotels or the most exquisite homes, but rather, they were crafted and sustained by nature itself. These hot spring terraces have been around for many years, providing  luxurious baths for all visitors and today, they are top tourist destinations around the world. PAMUKKALE, TURKEY Literally meaning " cotton castle " in Turkish, Pamukkale is located in the Denizli Province of Southwestern Turkey . Its name was derived from the shimmering , snowy-white limestone surface which were shaped into calcium-rich hot springs. These springs are some of the most beautiful and photogenic in the world and judging by pictures, I can see why. There are 17 hot spring travertine terraces in which bathing is permitted; bathing is allowed - my favourite thing about here.  Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419749627760761453/ CLIFFSIDE POOLS, MEXICO The Las Grutas de Tolantongo is a natural spa resort and box canyon ...