Skip to main content

Nugget & The Mountains

On: By:
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!

Labels:

Comments

  1. Unknown1 June 2017 at 15:43

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown1 June 2017 at 15:45

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

      Delete
  2. Shalima7 June 2017 at 06:20

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown7 June 2017 at 06:56

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

      Delete
    2. User Profile Private7 June 2017 at 06:57

      Love the nugget's blog!

      Delete
  3. User Profile Private7 June 2017 at 06:58

    OMG!!! I DID THE TROLLTUNGA AND PREIKESTOLEN HIKES AND I DIED! LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown7 June 2017 at 06:59

      lol that's not exactly motivating travel-addict!

      Delete
    2. User Profile Private7 June 2017 at 07:00

      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. Unknown7 June 2017 at 07:01

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

      Delete
  4. Shalima7 June 2017 at 08:45

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown7 June 2017 at 11:06

      are u and your bestie build for hiking Ms Ali?

      Delete
  5. Blessed Child10 June 2017 at 09:43

    Wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Auto Frenzy12 June 2017 at 06:43

    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. Unknown19 June 2017 at 19:52

      thanks dareem! subscribe for my new post updates

      Delete
  7. Ramki15 June 2017 at 17:42

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown16 June 2017 at 13:16

      :( don't unfollow me!!!! I said I'd watch it :/

      Delete
  8. MR NUGGET 1119 June 2017 at 19:51

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

    ReplyDelete
  9. User Profile Private22 June 2017 at 01:16

    such unusual landscapes...

    ReplyDelete
  10. User Profile Private27 June 2017 at 15:04

    Hot air ballooning there looks unbelievable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown27 June 2017 at 15:18

      it does :)
      have you even been hot air ballooning?

      Delete

Post a Comment

Other Travel Nugget Posts:

Nugget & The Exotic Islands

By: On:
These tourist destinations are the definition of perfection when it comes to the island vacations . They offer picturesque landscapes , breathtaking views and so many wonderful activities . If you work hard, study hard, have a hectic life, these are the places you need for the ultimate relaxing vacation . See the top five reasons why they deserve a place on your travel list! MALDIVES ~   Beautiful over-water bungalows sitting on crystalline blue waters ~  Amazing underwater wildlife and reefs and mass gathering of manta rays ~  Otherworldly blue glowing beaches (as featured in Nugget & The Beaches ) ~  Maaya Thila - popular dive site to swim with whale sharks ~  Epic sunsets over the Indian Ocean Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/521432463090776973/ BORA BORA ~   Beautiful over-water bungalows sitting over turquoise lagoons ~   Aqua Safari - explore the ocean floor of an aquatic paradise ~   Exciting ...
23 comments
Read more

Nugget & The Kaleidoscopic Mountains

By: On:
Who ever thought mountains can be so pretty. These look more like paintings or something to eat and I'd love to see them one day. ZHANGYE DANXIA LANDFORM, CHINA This amazing land form looks like a layered rainbow cake that's ready to get some icing and be eaten, with some vanilla ice cream, and hot fudge sauce and pecans and...I'm getting carried away. but just look at those colours! This colourful wonder gets it vibrant hues from minerals and primarily made of sandstones and siltstone . T he rainbow mountains were formed over 24 million years ago and some rise to hundreds of meters tall. It's so pretty. Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/229754018465068786/ RAINBOW MOUNTAIN, PERU Just like a painting sketched by an amazing artist, the Rainbow Mountains of Peru are striped with colours ranging from turquoise to lavender to burgundy and gold. However, this wonder requires a few days of hiking before one can witness it beauty. Unfortunately, I...
19 comments
Read more

Nugget & The Travertine Terraces

By: On:
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 ...
21 comments
Read more

Nugget & The Hot Springs

By: On:
Geothermal hot springs can be found all over the world, but these are some which hold most of the Travel Nugget's interest.  Although some are lethal, the colours are surreal.  THE BLUE LAGOON This shade of blue is so pretty, I can't believe that it's the natural colour of this hot spring. Yes, blue is my favourite colour. The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most popular feature and I just want to jump into it. Its spectacular shade of blue water comes from a composition of silica, algae and minerals which reflects in the sunlight. The blue lagoon drink was actually named after here. However, the water itself is actually milky white. The lagoon contains 9 million litres of water, renewing itself every 40 hours from beneath the floor. The deepest area in the spring is 1.6 meters with a temperature of 37 to 40 degrees Celsius; both perfect for Travel Nugget bathing. GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING, USA I've seen pictures of this spring before, but I didn't reali...
38 comments
Read more

Nugget & The Seawater Swimming Pools

By: On:
What's your biggest fear about bathing at the beach? Mine is being swept away by the waves...actually no, that's not true, #1 fear is definitely being bitten or eaten by a shark; I've seen Jaws. But being swept away is definitely fear #2 which is why I love these pools. Seawater swimming pools are rock pools formed by the forces of nature or even man made and are usually located near coastlines . GIOLA LAGOON, THASSOS This beautiful swimming pool was carved into the rocks of Thassos by nature to form the most exquisite seaside swimming pool. The turquoise pool is found near Astris on the island of  Thassos , Greece and is separated from the Aegean Sea by a strip of rock. Diving from the terraced shaped rocks is the only method to access the pool. Thee pool measures approximately 20 meters wide and the rocks are 8 meters from the water surface. According to legend, Giola was the eye of Zeus which he used to watch over. Photo credit: htt...
35 comments
Read more