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Vatnajökull Ice Cave

Adventures No Limits — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:41:42 +0000

12.12.2025

VATNAJÖKULL ICE CAVE

Iceland is called by some the land or kingdom of fire and ice. Fire alludes to the volcanoes located on the island, and ice alludes to the glaciers that cover the local terrain. There are approximately 269 of them. But there is something else that this beautiful land is famous for. Namely, the wonderful ice caves with their unusual winding shapes and blue color. In this guide, we will focus on the Vatnajökull ice cave and the glacier of the same name.

DESCRIPTION

The Vatnajökull ice cave is one of the largest natural ice caves in Iceland. It amazes tourists with its size, beautiful blue colors, enchanting structure, and the peace that reigns within it. The play of light that takes place inside it creates a surreal atmosphere, making it a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.

The Vatnajökull glacier, sometimes called the “Vatna glacier,” is one of the largest ice caps in Europe, covering approximately 7-8% of Iceland’s surface area (data varies depending on the source). Its area is 7,700-8,300 square kilometers (data depending on the source), and the average thickness of the ice is about 380-400 meters. Its landscape is very diverse, consisting of mountains, valleys, canyons, waterfalls, glacial rivers, and even volcanoes, which are located beneath the thick layer of ice. Grímsvötn, Bárðarbunga, and Öræfajökull are volcanoes that are still active. At the southern end, you can see the majestic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, part of the Vatnajokull National Park, one of the most visited nature reserves in Iceland. The lagoon consists of icebergs that break off from the glacier and drift towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Glacier Vatnajökull is classified as an ice cap, meaning that the ice mass covering a given area often has a relatively flat surface with bulges at the tops of the mountains and volcanoes it covers. Ice caps such as Vatnajökull form in polar or high mountain regions where snow accumulation is greater/faster than melting, leading to a gradual accumulation of ice over time. Such glaciers are in relentless “motion” because the ice frequently crumbles under its weight, which means that ice canyons and the edges of the glacier never look the same and their form often changes. In addition, Vatnajökull has numerous outlet glaciers that extend from its center and flow down valleys, sculpting the landscape there. The outlet glaciers in Vatnajökull are responsible for the formations that make up the local glacier tongues and amazing ice caves.

HOW VATNAJÖKULL WAS FORMED

The Vatnajökull glacier was shaped by geological factors over thousands of years. Its formation began during the ice ages, especially during the last glaciation, approximately 110,000 years ago, and ended about 12,000–14,000 years ago. During the ice ages, snow accumulated in central Iceland, where it gradually turned into ice under the influence of very low temperatures, thus creating a huge ice sheet. Over time, the layer of snow and ice became thicker and more extensive, forming a large glacier covering an increasingly larger area of the island.

Under the weight and pressure of the accumulating ice and snow (which contributed to the growth of the glacier and its “movement”), the glacier under its cover began to comprise U-shaped valleys and canyons. About 20,000 years ago, the ice sheet began to melt and gradually retreated inland, and 10,000 years ago it covered only the highest mountains in the central highlands of the island. Since then, Vatnajökull has been the largest glacier in Iceland and the second largest in Europe (after the Severny Island ice cap on Novaya Zemlya in Russia).

HOW ICE CAVES FORM IN ICELAND

In some countries, ice caves look almost the same year after year because temperatures don’t fluctuate significantly. However, caves in Iceland are different. Ice melts in the summer due to rising temperatures and sunlight, which contributes to the formation of water channels that form within the glacier or at its base. Water then flows through the glacier, creating crevasses, tunnels, chambers, and passages that together form the local caves. In summer, these caves are usually filled with water and inaccessible to visitors. When temperatures drop in autumn and the glaciers stop melting, the water flow in the caves begins to decrease and often stops completely in winter, when temperatures drop below freezing. This is how ice caves are formed. Then the guides start looking for new caves, large and safe enough so that they can be made available to tourists. However, when winters are warmer, rainier, and with strong winds, the caves may still be partially flooded with water, and in such a case, for safety reasons, such caves are not open to tourists.

WHY IS THE ICE IN A CAVE “BLUE”?

One of the most distinctive features of Iceland’s ice caves is undoubtedly their beautiful blue color. Glacial ice appears blue, and the main factor contributing to this is its density, which is much greater than ordinary ice, such as that taken from a freezer. This ice is also significantly thicker. This is the result of a process standing thousands of years, in which snowflakes that first fell on the frozen ground and then on the ice, snowflakes are compressed by the next snowfall, which fell and then refreezes, turning into ice. When under the influence of masses of ice and snow striking compression, air bubbles are stuffed to the surface, whereby the ice becomes thicker and thicker. When a block of ice is too dense to contain air, light can penetrate deeper. And the deeper light penetrates such ice, the more red color (and other colors) it loses along the way, except blue, giving the ice such incredible color. That’s why glacial ice in Iceland has this magical shade of blue, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere inside caves.

LOCATION

Vatnajökull glacier is located in the southeast of Iceland, and the Vatnajökull cave itself is located on its rim, concretely in the area of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, which is the outlet glacier for the much larger Vatnajökull glacier.

The drive from Reykjavík to the ice cave takes about 5 hours, and the road follows the beautiful coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The meeting point for most tours, whether to Vatnajökull glacier or the cave, is the parking lot at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

It’s recommended to book your tour in advance to ensure that we will book the date that suits us best.
Before setting off, check the weather and conditions in the glacier area.
If you want to drive yourself or explore other beautiful places in Iceland on your own, recommended car rental sites include: Iceland Cars, Cars Iceland, Lotus Car Rental, Reykjavik Cars, Star Car Rental, and Zero Car.
Always take a guided tour of a cave or glacier.
Avoid touching the cave walls and leaving garbage.

WHAT TO BRING

Hiking boots, insulated and waterproof, are essential for exploring ice caves. If you don’t have such footwear, travel agencies that organize cave and glacier hikes often offer equipment rentals for a fee.
Remember to wear warm and waterproof pants, a jacket, and gloves. It’s best to dress in layers.
If possible, it’s recommended to bring a helmet with the possibility of attaching a headlamp to it.
Photographers will need a tripod, because low light makes it difficult to take sharp photos.
You can bring snacks like energy bars or nuts. A thermos of hot tea is also a good idea.
Bring your camera 😊, but don’t use a flash.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CAVES?

Ice caves in Iceland are best explored in winter, specifically from mid-November to mid-March. Outside this period, higher temperatures cause glacier melt, which makes exploring the caves dangerous due to the flowing water in the crevices and glacier corridors.

ATTRACTIONS NEAR VATNAJÖKULL CAVE

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions on the route to Vatnajökull. This beautiful glacial lake formed in the 1920s and continues to grow. Currently, it is the deepest lake in Iceland, with a depth of 248 meters (814 feet). Icebergs from the tongue of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier drift across the lake’s surface, eventually reaching the North Atlantic.

Diamond Beach is a spot near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where pieces of drifting icebergs that break off from them settle on the beach. But this is no ordinary beach. The sand is black because it is of volcanic origin. This creates a beautiful sight of diamond ice cubes scattered across the black beach, and that’s where the name comes from.

USEFULE LINKS

Vatnajökull ice cave trips:

https://www.cafevatnajokull.is/tour/vatnajokull-premium-ice-cave-tour

https://ice-guardians.com/tour/crystal-ice-cave-adventure/

https://crystalcavetours.is/our-tours/

bit.ly/g1wet9

bit.ly/zq37lw

TIDBITS

Vatnajökull is pronounced as “Vat-nah-yer-kutl.”

Eruptions beneath the ice can lead to so-called jökulhlaups, that is, violent glacial floods.

In summer, boat and amphibious vehicle tours take place on the Jökulsárlón Lagoon. The offer can be found on the official websites of companies that provide this type of service. These are: Ice Lagoon and Glacier Lagoon.

SUMMARY

Vatnajökull Ice Cave is undoubtedly a beautiful place on the map of Iceland. Thanks to its incredible labyrinths and the blue color of the ice, visitors to this cave will certainly be mesmerized by its charm, and photographers will spend long moments here capturing beautiful shots. Considering the fact that there are organized hikes to the Vatnajökull glacier and boat trips on the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon nearby, this is certainly not a place that can be ticked off your travel list in just one day of sightseeing.

Author David Phan, source flickr.com.

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LORD HOWE ISLAND

HALLASAN VOLCANO

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Tham Lod Cave

Adventures No Limits — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:06:27 +0000

10.10.2023

THAM LOD CAVE

Tham Lod Cave is one of the most famous caves in Thailand. This wonderful place, about 880 kilometers from the country’s capital Bangkok, attracts crowds of tourists who, in addition to exploring this cavern, want to take a canoe trip on the local river. While in the country, it is definitely worth adding this point on the map to your touring repertoire in this region of Asia.

DESCRIPTION

Tham Lod is one of the most impressive and accessible caves for tourists in Thailand. It is located in the province of Mae Hong Son. It owes this to its size and underground passageways, its limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations, and the so-called “coffin cave”, which is hidden in its deepest part.

Tham Lod is a system of three caves with a total length of 1,666 meters. The caverns are home to colonies of bats and common swifts, which can be seen in the cave’s vault. For almost its entire length, the Lang River (Nam Lang) flows through its center. Inside the cave, you will see more than 20-meter-high limestone formations in the form of columns, which were formed from the joining of stalagmites with stalactites. There is no lighting in the cave, and the only source of light when visiting this place is the guide’s lamp/flashlight. This makes the cave even more mysterious to visitors, and artificial light (if it had been installed) would probably take away from the charm of the place.

To get into the cave, we need to purchase entrance tickets with a guide. It is not possible to purchase the entrance ticket alone without a guide. Groups are limited to a maximum of three people. The limitation on such a number of people is because, at the beginning, the guide has to transport us on a bamboo raft to the cave so that we can explore the rest of the cavern. First, we will have to take a 15-minute walk from the ticket office, then cross several wooden bridges to get to a makeshift platform inside the cave, from where we will then take a raft along the river to walk down later into the depths of the cave. The parking lot is less than 500 meters from the ticket office.

At the beginning of the cave is a huge “entrance” hole, which is almost 50 meters high. This is where most common swifts are, and there is usually quite a lot of noise, but the effect is spectacular. The first cave is the so-called “Column Cave”. It owes its name precisely to the columns formed of stalactites and stalagmites. In addition, we can find limestone pillars and fossilized “waterfalls”.

To get to the next, second cave, the so-called “Dolls’ Cave”, we have to walk through a narrow and long corridor. There, in turn, we will encounter various rock formations, some of which may resemble the creatures of dolls or animals. In addition, we can see here faded cave paintings that show deer.

The last cave is the “Coffin Cave”. It got its name from the teak coffins found there, which are about 1000–1400 years old. In addition, bronze jewelry and metal tools were also found, suggesting that there was a tribal settlement in the area. This section of the cave is called “Pi Man” in Thai. Locals believe that these caves were created by spirits. If we want to go back to where we started the tour, we have to go over the bamboo bridge to the left of the entrance, and within fifteen minutes we will reach the first part of the cave.

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THIS PLACE

Tham Lod cave was inhabited by the Hoabinhian tribe in ancient times (9,700 BC–5500 BC). However, some scientists claim that it may have been inhabited by representatives of Homo sapiens as early as 40,000 BC. The tribe was a community of Stone Age hunters and gatherers who used primitive tools such as short axes, stone hammers, tools made from animal bones, etc. The caves were first discovered in the 1960s by Chester Gorman, an American anthropologist and archaeologist. According to him, Hoabinhians learned to cultivate legumes and many other fruits or vegetables, such as almonds, betel, pepper, and lagebaria.

LOCATION AND HOW TO GET THERE

Cave Tham Lod is located about 11 kilometers north of the Pang Mapha District Office. Driving from Pai (which is less than 50 kilometers away) on road 1095, just at the entrance to Pang Mapha, turn right, heading for Cave Lodge and Tham Lod. In Pai, we can rent a car (about 1,200 THB for a full day), a scooter (about 150 THB for a full day), or a motorcycle (about 800 THB for a full day). However, due to the rather steep climbs and sharp turns, it is not recommended to rent a scooter for such a trip. The reason is that there is not much engine power in such a vehicle, so we may have a problem driving up the mountain itself (road No. 1095) in addition to our luggage. On the other hand, much lower rental prices, reaching about 20–25%, are in Chiang Mai. However, in this case, we must remember that this town is almost 180 kilometers away from Tham Lod. On the way, it is worth stopping at the beautiful viewpoint of Doi Kiew Lom.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CAVE

The best time of year to visit Tham Lod Cave is during the dry season (January–July). During this period, there are bamboo boat tours to the inside of the cave. During the rainy season (August–December), boat tours may not be available due to high water levels, and some deeper parts of the caves may not be accessible. Pending the rainy months, of course, you can still explore the caves on foot.

During the rainy season (July–August to December, depending on the river level), Cave Lodge organizes interesting canoe trips. Some canoe routes pass through Tham Lod and then continue downstream for 6–12 km. On some tours, you can visit other deserted caves along the way.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TOUR THAM LOD?

The Tham Lod cave tour takes about 2 hours, including the time it takes to walk from the parking lot to the cave and return from the cave back to the point where the ticket office is located.

PRICE LIST AND OPENING HOURS

If you plan to visit Tham Lod cave on your own without any tourist bureau, then the cost is 650–800 THB (about £15 or $20 for 2023). This amount includes:

Entrance ticket: 200 THB per person for entry to the first cave (column cave), 250 THB per person for the two caves (column cave and doll cave), and 500 THB per person for all three caves (column cave, doll cave, and coffin cave, including rafting).

Rafting: 400 THB (up to 3 people if you choose the option to visit one or two caves).

Guide: 150 THB (you cannot enter the cave without a guide).

Each person must purchase an entrance ticket, but the price of the guide and boat can be shared among the group. Example: If a group of three people wants to visit Tham Lod Cave, the total price is as follows: 600 baht (for three entrance tickets), 400 baht for the boat, and 150 baht for the guide. A total of 1150 baht for the group (about £24 or US$30).

Tham Lod Cave is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m.

Please note: the cave is inaccessible to wheelchair users.

If you would rather not take care of organizing the trip yourself, you can look for a tourist office in Pai town along the main road that organizes trips to Tham Lod.

ACCOMMODATION

If we would like to stay longer in this place, the best option would be to look for accommodation in Pai village. The village is a beautiful little locality located in the jungle. Pai has many places to stay, plenty of charming little restaurants and cafés, and a market selling food, clothing, and souvenirs. The village also has a very picturesque river with bamboo bridges.

Recommended apartments:

Oia Pai Resort – a tidbit, we move around the hotel in canoes.

Reverie Siam Resort – is a 5-star hotel.

Golden Hut Chill Bungalows – bungalows next to the bank of the river.

Pencave Homestay, Jungle Guesthouse, Pai Village Boutique.

USEFUL INFORMATION

We will mainly walk around the cave on slippery rocks and wooden bridges. It is advisable to wear footwear with a good sole/lug (not athletic shoes).

Be sure to check and monitor your fuel level before traveling, as there are no gas stations near the cave. Gasoline in Thailand costs about 40–50 THB per liter (2023).

If you plan to stay there for a longer period of time, don’t forget to take some essentials such as snacks, drinking water, sunscreen, headgear (a hat, cap), sunglasses, and, of course, a camera 😊. You can take a flashlight with you into the cave, BUT we only use it if we will be walking through the cave to shine under our feet as we walk. We do NOT shine it on the walls or the vault to avoid scaring the birds there and the bats.

Remember to tell the ticket agent at the checkout what kind of ticket we want to buy (how many caves we would like to see). If you forget to do so, don’t be surprised if you get an entrance ticket for only one cave when, for example, you wanted to visit all of them.

Plan your visit around 5:00–6:00 p.m. because at this time hundreds of bats fly out of the cave for their nightly insect hunt and about 300,000 common swifts return to their nests.

TIDBITS

There are plenty of fish to feed in the shallow waters of the cave. Food for them costs 50 THB per bag.

If we would like to get from Pai village to Tham Lod cave by cab, it is possible. The price per person is about 800 THB.

Several scenes for the movie “Thugs of Hindostan” (filmed by Bollywood) were shot in this cave.

More than 100,000 people visit this cave every year.

SUMMARY

In conclusion, Tham Lod Cave is a must-see for anyone visiting the northern part of Thailand. Its natural beauty, cultural significance, and rafting on the river that flows through its center make it an unforgettable experience. In addition to exploring the cave and marveling at the local limestone formations and paintings, let’s not forget that every evening a fantastic spectacle takes place here in the form of bats flying out to hunt at night and common swifts returning to their hiding places.

Author Vyacheslav Argenberg, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Author icon0com, source pxhere.

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MARTVILI CANYON

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Artykuł Tham Lod Cave pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Martvili Canyon

Adventures No Limits — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 18:39:48 +0000

14.12.2022

MARTVILI CANYON

Georgia is well-known for its beautiful scenic views and attachment to nature. Other than the mountains, valleys, and beaches of the Black Sea, you can also visit the in this country numerous canyons. One of them is Martvili Canyon, located in the northwestern part of Georgia, shy of than 300 kilometers from the capital, Tbilisi. This canyon owes its popularity, not thanks to the turquoise and clear water, but also the opportunity to swim one of its sections rafting boat under the tutelage of a tutor.

DESCRIPTION

Martvili Canyon have been discovered by the Dadiani princely family in the 19th century. They were so enchanted by the local area that they ordered the creation of a path to the canyon along the river. The Dadiani family, which ruled Georgia until 1867, loved to take a bath here. To get to the pools, they used private paths and stairs, which can still be walk today. This historic path has been transformed into a paved walking trail about 700 meters long, which starts directly at the visitor center. Special care should be taken when arriving at the trail during the rain, as the stones can be slippery, and it is easy to have an accident in these cases.

The canyon’s visitor center is located in the village of Inchkhuri. Today there are 2 bridges, 3 viewing platforms and a 30-foot limestone historic stairs. The path offers good views of the Fur Bridge, Dadiani Baths and a 12-meter waterfall. The biggest attraction, however, is a short pontoon boat ride (mandatory with a guide) down the Abasha River, which shows us the true beauty of the place. Carved by the river, the 2.4-kilometer gorge has 50-70-meter rock walls and several cascading waterfalls. You can read about rafting by pontoon later in this article. The time to explore the entire canyon not counting the Abasha River rafting is less than 1.5 hours.

There are some things which make Martvili a different canyon from the rest of Georgian gorges. First, its “presence.” In the canyon, you’ll find beautifully twisted trees with spindle-shaped branches and giant boulders covered with moss that hang over the sparkling turquoise-blue water. The vegetation here is dense, and the slopes are winding. The whole area resembles a fairy tale world. High humidity and subtropical climate make, that it is “green” here practically all year round. Secondly, Martvili Canyon is a Protected Area of the National Parks of Georgia, so you won’t see any vandalism carried out on the local flora and fauna.

LOCATION

Martvili Canyon is located in the municipality of Martvili, in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svanet region. It is located 50 kilometers from Kutaisi. The gorge there is between the village of Gachedili and the town of Marvili. At the entrance to Martvili there are paid parking lots (GPS 42.45856, 42.37752). The price in 2021 was 2 Georgian lari (GEL) per hour.

ACCESS

From the Central Bus Station in Kutaisi to the Martvili area, there is a bus on average every hour between 8am, 6pm. There are no typical bus stops in Martvili, so you have to ask the driver to stop in this town (we have to watch our way!). The trip takes about 1.5 hours. The price of the ticket for 2022 was about 5 Georgian lari.

You can take a cab in Kutaisi and buy a ride to Martvili. Prices in 2022 started at 100 GEL.

Besides, on the GoTrip website, you can look for transportation to Martvili Canyon from anywhere in Georgia. However, you should keep in mind that the driver may, not know our language, so it may happen that we will have difficulty finding suitable a connection for us. On the other hand, if we know although some Russian or English, then there should be no problem with finding transportation.

You can also use Local Rent if you want to rent a car in Georgia. Prices are attractive and often deposit is no required.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CANYON

The canyon is open all year round. Most people visit Martvili between June and September. The downside, of course, is that during this period there are definitely more people on the trail than usual. The walking paths are cramped, so the moment they fill up with tourists, visiting the place becomes unpleasant. Like most popular tourist sites in Georgia, it is better to visit during the off-season. There will be certainly fewer what, will allow us to enjoy the walk and the views. Martvili is famed for its wonderful autumn weather and this is undoubtedly the best time to visit this place. To avoid crowds in summer, it is recommended to visit this place in the morning, when the canyon is open, or at lunchtime. The boat trip takes 15-20 minutes, so the latest possible rafting is half an hour before the canyon closes.

HOW TO DRESS AND WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

Comfortable walking shoes with soles with good traction are a necessity. In summer, you can take trekking sandals instead of boots. If there is even the little chance of rain, it is worth to take with you a cape or rain jacket with you. The route is mostly shaded, but in summer, it won’t hurt to take a hat or cap.

You can stock up on snacks or sandwiches for the road. In summer, it is mandatory to take water with you, whereas in winter, it will be a good idea to take a thermos with warm tea.

Of course, it’s a good idea to take a camera 😊. For the pontoon, you can take only small-sized bags (well, they should be waterproof).

TICKET PRICES AND OPENING HOURS

Ticket prices for Martvili Canyon for 2022.

Adults: 17.25 GEL.

Children (6-18 years old): 5.50 GEL.

Children under 6 years of age enter free.

Georgian citizens and residents qualify for discounted tickets in hight 10.35 GEL. Georgians who buy tickets with a discount must show their ID card or passport to the staff controlling the entrance. In case of lack this a document, a person will have to buy a regular ticket.

Tourist agency guides can visit the canyon for free if an deal is signed between the tourist agency and the Protected Areas Agency.

Rafting by pontoon – 15 GEL.

Entrance tickets can be purchased at the visitor center mediately cash or credit card. Tickets can also be purchased online. The link to the sites is here and here.

Gorge opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00

RAFTING

The rafting trip takes 15-20 minutes and is 300 meters long. The route passes through the northern part of the canyon, which cannot be seen from the walking route, as it leads south. In addition, the cruise gives a different perspective of admiring the canyon. The path is high up, so the only way to see the rock walls and waterfall from below is rafting the boat. Before boarding the boat, we will be given a life jacket, paddles and a safety helmet if we want. A maximum of 6 people can fit into the pontoon. During the rafting we have to paddle ourselves, but there is a helmsman on board who will help when it will be need. If the water level is too high or the current too strong, rafting in the gorge is canceled. This usually happens in spring and always after heavy rains. Children under the age of 5 or shorter than 1 meter are not participated in rafting. The boat trip ends at the same place where it begins, and there is a waiting area near the pier for those members of the group who did not want to attend in the rafting trip. If we are lucky and there are not many people and there won’t be many keen to cruise, we have a chance to get at ownership the pontoon where, we will be and the helmsman. This gives you a lot of freedom while of making stops, to take souvenir photos.

WHAT NOT TO DO IN THE CANYON

Martivili Canyon is under protection, so it is forbidden, among other things: swimming, climbing rocks, littering, making noise, destroying nature and infrastructure, digging up plants, smoking, fishing and bring animals along.

DAY TRIPS

In Kutaisi are dozens of companies that organize day trips to Martvili. An often recommended agency that organizes trips to the canyon (and other places in Georgia) is Budget Georgia. Prices are affordable and the guides are reputable.

You can find an other offer for a trip to the canyon here.

USEFUL INFORMATION

One of the best and recommended restaurants near Martvili Canyon is Oda Family Marani. It specializes in preparing delicious regional dishes and serves excellent Georgian wines. Previous reservations during peak season are a must.

In addition to the canyon, other interesting places await tourists. In the area there are The Nokalakevi Archaeological Museum, Levan Dadiani Palace in Salkhino and Dadiani Wine Cellar.

Before traveling, check the weather forecast. In case of rain and snow, rafting trips are canceled. You can find the current weather in Martvili here.

WHERE TO STAY ON NIGHT

In the canyon area there are many apartments where, you can stay. Some of the most recommended residences by tourists are:

Karma Hostel enjoys one of the best reviews in Martvili. They serve delicious homemade food here, and also the prices are not exorbitant.

In the town of Balda near Martvili is Parna Cottage. The decor of this place is typically Georgian, which makes that the atmosphere here is unique.

TIDBIT

Martvili Canyon is called Gachedili Canyon by some. However, at the official website looms the name “Martvili Canyon”.

SUMMARY

Undoubtedly, a country like Georgia has a lot to offer tourists, such things as showing beautiful “monuments” of nature. One such place is Martvili Canyon. Although the whole canyon can be visited in 2.5 hours, including with swimming a 300-meter section in a pontoon, it is worth seeing this place. Not because only of the lovely turquoise water, but also to see how beautifully nature has can be incorporated the local vegetation among the 50, 70-meter high vertical rock walls.

Lasha Ge, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Paata Vardanashvili, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Nika Tchokhonelidze, source Unsplash.

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UÇHISAR CASTLE

Artykuł Martvili Canyon pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Uçhisar Castle

Adventures No Limits — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 13:10:00 +0000

21.11.2022

UÇHISAR CASTLE

Uçhisar Castle is to some extent a rock formation, located in the Nevşehir province of Turkey. The area is characterized by numerous caves, as well as rock depressions that have been formed naturally. Due to the fact that the rock here is relatively soft, the old settlers of the province bored numerous tunnels into the mountain. From the hill of the citadel, there is a breathtaking view of virtually all of Cappadocia.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Uçhisar Kalesi (Uçhisar Castle) is the highest point (1270 meters above sea level) in Cappadocia, excluding mountain peaks. “The castle” is honeycombed with many underground corridors and rooms. Many of them are further connected to each other by stairs, tunnels and passages. At some entrances to the rooms, there are stone doors, just like in underground settlements. However, due to erosion, reaching to all places is unfortunately not possible. Most of the rooms, located on the north side of the castle, were used as dovecotes. Farmers used them to collect pigeon droppings, which are an excellent as natural fertilizer for vegetable and fruit crops. In Byzantine times, the underground rooms served as flats, shelter during enemy invasions, and as homes for soldiers. The castle was inhabited by about 1,000 people in medieval times. At the terrain of Uçhisar town there are a number of “chimneys/posts”, which are still developed and serve an important function in the region. One of them is the Jandarma police station, and another the 6th-century St. Basil’s Church (the only rock-cut church in the area). The village is also known for its old stone houses, decorated with fine carvings. Many of them have been converted into hotels since 2000. The town of Uchisar is full of souvenir stores and there are a lot of local cafés where you can try many Turkish dishes.

There is a tunnel in the center of the town, which is located about 100 meters below the houses. It was hollowed out of volcanic tuff in medieval times and probably served as a connection between the castle-fortress and the “outside world” during sieges. Many people visit the castle not only for its history, but also for the beautiful views of Cappadocia, which on a clear day allow also spy Mount Erciyes in the distance. This mountain is snow-capped for most of the year. From the summit, there is also a great view of the town of Goreme and the Pigeon Valley. This is one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Turkey, so it is worth going to the castle in the evening. There are many hand-carved rooms and tunnels in the Pigeon Valley that you can also visit.

HOW WAS UCHISAR CASTLE CREATED?

The rock in Cappadocia consists mainly of volcanic tuff, which is very easy to working and shaping. Thereupon, many of the chimneys/posts here, as well as Uçhisar Castle, were “made” by hollowing out the structures, influenced including by wind and water. The fortress is a large cylindrical mound on top of a hill and is surrounded by several other cave structures, in which there are currently hotels and restaurants. The best-preserved rooms, hollowed out of the rock, are on the north side of the castle.

SOME HISTORY

The first mentioned Uçhisar was in the 14th-century chronicle of Aziz ibn Ardasir, when Turkey was under Ottoman control. People inhabited the area from the 7th-8th centuries AD, because they were fleeing areas affected by civil wars and from Islamic armies. The castle was built probably before the 14th century. In the 7th century, the Byzantines established a “buffer zone” in the area against Islamic expansion. The nature of the area was conducive to protecting, and the camouflage of the buildings provided better defense against attackers. When the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans ruled the region, Uchisar was used as an early warning system to protect other nearby areas from attack. These included cities such as Ortahisar and Ürgüp. It is said that these settlements were connected to each other by tunnels, and some of them reached far into the surrounding countryside. Unfortunately, many of them have collapsed, so this theory cannot be confirmed. All three villages are located in an upland area, making them perfect for military bases. During Persian and Seljuk times, Uchisar Castle was used mainly as a control center for the trade road, known today as the Royal Road and Silk Road. The Byzantines conquered Uchisar between the 11th and 12th centuries. The fortress has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, and has also been under protection as a National Park since 1986.

WHERE IS UCHISAR CASTLE LOCATED?

Uçhisar is a town in Cappadocia, in Nevşehir Province, in Turkey. It is located 9 kilometers east of Nevşehir, less than 14 kilometers west of Ürgüp and 13 kilometers south of Avanos. The castle is located on the edge of the Göreme National Park. The town Göreme is apart 5 kilometers from the fortress, and the easiest way to travel between them is by local buses. Like most of Cappadocia, Uçhisar formerly maintained on agriculture, but now tourism is the main source of income for the region.

HOW TO GET TO UCHISAR?

A bus leaves from Göreme Bus Station (Göreme Otobüs Terminali) to Uchisarco every half hour. The duration of the trip is only 10 minutes. You can also rent a car, taxi, bicycle or scooter. On average, a bus passes through Göreme every 20 minutes, running from Avanos to Nevisher.

If you decide to travel by car, be prepared for a long search for a free spot, as there are not many parking lots in the city. A reasonable option is to park the car outside the town and walk to the castle or leave the car in the hotel parking, where we have ransom accommodation.

You can walk from the town of Göreme to Uchisar Castle. You can take the longer route, leading through the so-called “Love Valley,” which is 9 kilometers long, or the shorter route through the Pigeon Valley, measuring 6 kilometers. In either case, the route is not difficult and is devoid of steep rise. Most of the time you walk on slightly hilly terrain.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CASTLE

If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to go early in the morning. On the other hand, if you want to hunt for a beautiful sunset, it is only after 3 pm that the sun begins to slowly sink toward the horizon.

Cappadocia is very hot in summer and cold in winter, so spring and autumn are better seasons if you want to enjoy a more moderate climate.

FEES AND OPENING HOURS

Unfortunately, there is no official information anywhere about how much costs an entrance ticket to Uchisar Castle. However, from the reports of people who have visited the place, the price was 20 Turkish lira in 2021, while in 2022 it was already TRY 50. Why such a price? In 2022, the official inflation rate (according to different sources) in Turkey is between 86 and 100%. Hence, the ticket price be up more than doubled in just one year. During the season, the entrance to the fortress is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., while in winter it is open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CAPPADOCIA TOURS

If you don’t want to explore Uchisar and its surroundings on your own, you can purchase a guided tour of Cappadocia. One of the most popular tours of the local monuments and valleys is the so-called Cappadocia Red Tour. Below are links to several agencies that organize tours in Cappadocia, including the Cappadocia Red Tour. Prices hover from 35 to 50 euros.

https://excursionmania.com/excursions/cappadocia-red-tour/

https://www.goreme.com/cappadocia-red-tour

https://www.getyourguide.com/cappadocia-l1400/goreme-small-group-full-day-cappadocia-red-tour-t131628/

https://www.klook.com/activity/11661-historical-cappadocia-red-tour/

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

Here’s a list of things that will come in handy during the Uçhisar Castle tour:

– a camera, of course 😊;

– if you have a tripod, it is also worth taking;

– bag or backpack;

– if you will be taking pictures with your phone or filming, you can take a power bank with you;

– drinks and something to eat if you don’t plan to visit the local restaurants;

– sunscreen, sunglasses;

– optional hat or cap;

– if there will be cloudy skies before entry for the castle, it won’t hurt to take a rain jacket with us.

PIGEON VALLEY

Pigeon Valley (Güverçinlik Vadisi) is located between Uçhisar and neighboring Göreme town. Over the years, many pigeonholes have been carved into the slopes of the valley. Most of the small caves carved for birds were painted for white to attract them. Pigeon droppings were used as fertilizer until the 1970s. They were also used to enhance the colors of frescoes in cave churches. To this day, a few tiny rooms remain, serving as pigeon houses, and occasionally local farmers collect these discharges to fertilize the soil in their orchards.

KAYMAKLI CITY

One of the best preserved underground cities in the region is Kaymakli, which is about 19 kilometers long, although tourists can only see a small part of it. The town is located 21 kilometers from Uchisar Castle. As of today, 4 floors have been made available for tourists to explore. It is estimated that in Kaymakli can have lived a few thousand people.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Below is a list of hotels with a brief description, which are worth recommending during your stay in Uchisar and neighboring cities. The list includes cheaper and more expensive hotels, thus everyone should be found something for myself.

Koza Cave Hotel – the hotel in Göreme is housed in a historic cave house overlooking the Pigeon Valley. Rooms are built into the volcanic rock with vaulted ceilings. It offers rooms furnished with traditional Turkish carpets and furniture. It has a tour desk that offers information on local attractions and can help with car and bicycle rentals.

Cappadocia Caves Hotel – This hotel has become famous for its ability to view from the rooftop the epic sunsets and sunrises that spread over Cappadocia. Guests can lie down on traditional cushions and carpets, watching the hot-air balloons that fly over the valleys.

Other recommended hotels:

Charming Cave Hotel, Hotel Cappadocia Stone Palace, Design Cave Suites, Local Cave House Hotel, Emre’s Stone House, Wings Cappadocia Hotel.

VEHICLE RENTALS IN GÖREME

In Göreme town are rental company car, bicycle and scooter with good opinions.

https://www.silkroadrentacar.com/index.html

If we would like to enrich themselves a little stay, we can rent an ATV vehicle or go in for an ATV tour of the local highlands and valleys. This can be a nice break from the constant walking on the rocks and the towns 😊

http://www.goremeatvtour.com/

WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND

The castle is “made” of soft volcanic rock and can be slippery in places, especially on the stairs. If you plan to explore the caves and formations, be careful and do not let children run around the castle, as it is very easy to have an accident in some places.

Wear sturdy footwear with soles about good traction. Taking sandals on the road is unreasonable.

If you visit Cappadocia during the summer, always take plenty of water and sunscreen with you.

Remember to be courteous to other visitors at the top of the fortress and don’t in haste to take pictures. Let’s take care of common security. If you want to avoid crowds, visit the castle early in the morning.

The paths at Uchisar Castle are not adapted for wheelchairs or baby carriages.

TIDBITS

History says that there was a secret tunnel under the city that led to a water source. This was a very useful solution during a siege, for example.

Path which leading to the top of the castle, it has 120 stairs.

SUMMARY

Uçhisar Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions not only in Cappadocia, but also in Turkey. Through its natural formation, somewhat “distorted” over a few centuries by man, this place is unique and certainly original. A big plus for this place is that there are many other attractions in the area, such as the city of Kaymakli, Love Valley and Pigeon Valley. You can also ride quads on the local rough terrain. It’s also worth to remember that for photographers, this is a real paradise if we want to photograph picturesque sunsets. It’s not without reason, word is that, this is one of the best places to take pictures of the hiding sun in Turkey.

Author momo, Cappadocia, source flickr.

Source pxhere.

Author Hans, Göreme town, commons.wikimedia.org.

Source pxhere.

Author prilfish, filckr.

Source pxhere.

Author prilfish, ballooning in and around Göreme, flickr.

Source pxhere (photo edited).

Ludovic Courtès, view of Uçhisar, Cappadocia, Turkey, source commons.wikimedia.org.

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AL QUDRA LAKES

MARTVILI CANYON

YALA NATIONAL PARK

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Partnach Gorge

Adventures No Limits — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 19:23:57 +0000

17.05.2022

PARTNACH GORGE

The Partnach Gorge was declared a natural monument in 1912. It is one of the most beautiful ravines located in Bavaria. This amazing place is open for tourists all year round, where in winter the scenery is even more magical. Being there, a person can feel the power of nature which is in it in the form of noise of flowing water.

CREATION OF THE GORGE

During the Triassic period, about 240 million years ago, when part of today’s Alps was a sea bed, shelly limestone was settled here. By the “overlapping” of mudstone and limestone was formed the so-called saddle (anticline). The gorge was formed during the last ice age about 10,000 – 12,000 years ago. From now on, the Partnach River has managed to cut into the hard limestone bedrock, creating the remarkable Partnachklamm Gorge. The river begins at Reintalanger and is one of the largest karst springs in the Bavarian Alps. It is mainly power by meltwater from the Schneeferner, a remnant of an Ice Age glacier on the Zugspitzplatt.

WHAT WAS THE RIVER PARTNACH ORIGINALLY USED FOR?

Centuries ago, people used the torrential stream to transport tree trunks felled in the mountain forests. At the top the tree was felled and cut into meter long pieces. In spring, when the water was higher, they were thrown wood into the Partnach so them could be let down into the valley. In 1886 was built here, a makeshift path. This made it easier for highlanders and lumberjacks to access felled trees when it accidentally got stuck. Such river transport was maintained until the mid-1960s. Later, however, “drifting” – transporting wood on water – was discontinued. The reasons were that it was too dangerous and not profitable.

APPROACH

If you decide to come to the Partnach Gorge by car, it is best to park in front of the Olympic Ski Stadium (large parking lot and local bus stop), because entrance to the gorge it is impossible. The parking area can be reached via the B2 road.

(Satellite navigation: Karl-und-Martin-Neuner-Platz, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen).

The Partnachklamm can be reached on foot in about 25 minutes or can be reach by barouche, which leaves directly from the parking lot.

From the station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can reach your destination using the local bus lines 1 and 2.

Here you can find an exemplary route from Munich to the Partnach Gorge (train, bus and car).

PARTNACHKLAMM GORGE IN NUMBERS

HOW TO WEAR

It is worth taking rainwear with you because in many places you can be “splashed” by water flowing from the waterfalls. You should wear shoes with a good sole to avoid slipping. Taking an umbrella is not advisable as the trail often leads through tunnels. In winter, you should dress warmly because the temperature there falls well below zero.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Opening hours:

June – September: 08:00 – 20:00.

October – May: 08:00 – 18:00.

* Last entrance to the gorge is 30 minutes before closing time.

Before visiting in winter, please make sure that the gorge is open (e.g. due to icing, it may be temporarily closed).

Prices (2022):

Adult: 6,00 EUR

Adult with guest card: EUR 5,00 EUR

Children from 6 to 17 years: EUR 3,00 EUR

People with disabilities: 4,00 EUR

Dog: 1,00 EUR (leash compulsory)

Current prices and opening hours can be found here on the official website.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Dogs must be kept on a leash.
For safety reasons, kayaks, bicycles and baby carriages are not permitted in the gorge.
Wheelchair access is unfortunately not possible.
Shoes with a good sole and rainwear are necessary for the hike through the gorge.

WHERE ELSE CAN YOU GO?

When visiting the Partnach Gorge, you can also climb the Ecbauer. It is a small mountain with a height of 1237 meters above sea level with views to the Zugspitze, Alpspitze, Wetterstein and Karwendel. The hike takes around 1 hour (one way). From there it is not far to the ski lift which takes you down to the parking lot next to the Olympic Ski Stadium.

TIDBITS

About 200,000 people visit the Gorge each year, what making, that this place is quite popular.

On June 1, 1991, about 5,000 cubic meters of rock broke away from the western rock wall at the southern end of the gorge and formed a 15-meter-high wall.

In March 2003, another landslide of rock of about 500 cubic meters occurred in the northern part of the gorge.

SUMMARY

When you are near the ski jumps in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Partnachklamm Gorge is worth a visit. The gorge is located less than 30 minutes from the ski jumps and can be reached on foot or can be reach by barouche. It’s a great idea for a trip for the whole family in order that to see closely the power of rushing water. Visiting this place, you can break away for a moment from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Alex Holzreiter, source Unsplash.

Patrick Baum, source Unsplash.

Mike Bowman, source Unsplash.

Daniel Sessler, source Unsplash.

Sara Kurig, source Unsplash.

Daniel Stuben, source Unsplash.

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GERLACH PEAK

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

THE CITY OF ROCKS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Artykuł Partnach Gorge pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Brandberg Mountain

Adventures No Limits — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 18:15:30 +0000

26.10.2022

BRANDBERG MOUNTAIN

The Brandberg mountain massif is located in Namibia in its northwestern part. There is also located, the country’s highest peak, Königstein, measuring 2573 meters above sea level. You can get there only after obtaining the appropriate permits and under the charge of a guide. Due to that the Brandberg mountains are a few dozen kilometers away from “civilization” and there are very high temperatures, except in winter, less than 50 tourists a year venture into this area. But thanks to this, the place still remains wild and untouched by man.

DESCRIPTION

The Brandberg Mountains are shaped like a large, circular granite intrusion, measuring about 30 km by 25 km. They are the remains, dating at 100-120 million years ago (data depending on the source) of a volcano that was covered by today’s waters of the Atlantic Ocean (it is not known if in its entirety). The mountains are located in the Erongo region, in the western part of Namibia, and cover an area of approximately 750 km². With very good air clarity, the Atlantic Ocean, which is about 90 kilometers away, can be seen from the highest peaks, such as Königstein. The mountain range has an average altitude of 2,500 meters, by which it exceeds the nearby surroundings by about 2,000 meters. The land around the mountains is virtually flat and consists of steppe and plains. Brandberg means “fiery mountain.” This refers to the red color that covers the mountain during sunset or during the intense summer heat. Some of the more popular peaks in this mountain range are Horn, Numasfels, Aigub, Orabeskopf or Zisabspitze. These mountains are uninhabited, there are no villages, and the only people who venture here are tourists and groups of explorers with guides.

LOCATION

The closest town to stay overnight and make shopping for the trip is Uis, less than 35 kilometers away. This town lies 330 kilometers northwest of Namibia’s capital Windhuk. By car, the distance can travel in less than four hours. The route can be driven with a single-axle drive, but to get from Uis to Brandberg, it is better to get an off-road vehicle. The road towards the mountains is not paved in entirety and there are numerous bumps. On the way from Windhuk to Uis there is no problem with refueling the car, and there are ATMs at stations where you can withdraw money It is worth has a cash in wallet, because while you can pay for lodging or shopping by card, the guides no accept this form of payment.

WHO CLIMBED TO THE TOP FIRST?

German explorer Reinhard Maack was the first person which documented the ascent of the highest peak of Namibia, Königstein (2573 meters above sea level). Maack climbed the mountain in February 1917. He also discovered the famous “White Lady,” which, along other rock paintings, testifies that the area was previously inhabited by Bushmen. Some sources say the painting was discovered by Reinhard in January 1918. Others, however, indicate that in 1917 Reinhard wanted to do topographical and trigonometric work to draw accurate maps of the mountains, so he had to organize a second expedition, which Maack led in December 1917.

On the evening of January 2, 1918, Maack, Ernst Gries and Georg Schulze were already standing on the highest peak of the Brandberg mountain range, enjoying the incredible views and silence. Reinhard wrote about the mountains Brandberg in his diary that: “If you want to get to the top of the Brandberg […] three things are necessary: firstly, water […], secondly, a thick skin that allows you to rest comfortably on bare rock, and thirdly, irrepressible energy to cope with the seemingly endless trek through wild rock debris.”

PAINTINGS

Excavations on the Brandberg massif have revealed that the area was already inhabited by San people nearly 5,000 years ago. Mountain streams and caves may have served as a massing area for dispersed groups of hunter-gatherers or shepherds. The increased social and ritual activity associated with the concentration of people probably contributed to the emergence of rock art. After that, you can conclude, that the Brandberg was an important cultural place for indigenous Namibians.

Guides are usually stationed at the park office on the east side of the Brandberg mountains, where the trail to the “White Lady” painting begins. The artwork is located in the Tsisab Gorge and is about 2,000 years old. You can walk both ways in less than 3 hours. Tours to this place are only with a guide. It is best to view the paintings there in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat (except in winter). The drawings there paint depict Bushmen, medicine men, warriors, and animals. The paintings have been painted between 2,000 and 4,000 years old. The “White Lady” figure was so named in the 1950s, or more precisely in 1955, by Henri Breuil (1877-1961), a French archaeologist and prehistorian. He compared the figure with paintings found in Crete, using the Palace of Knossos as an example. Although the “White Lady” does not have any typically female forms, Breuil concluded that the figure must have been a woman, due to her posture and the objects she held. It was a vessel or lotus flower. However, if you look closely at the figure, you can see the physical features of a man, holding a bow and arrows in one hand and something resembling a wine glass in the other. The hair is straight and light, completely non-African. The body, on the other hand, is painted white from the chest down. The rest of the painting depicts other women during of some ritual, with one of them impaling a small animal on a stake. It is now assumed to be the figure of a hunter or shaman, who carries hunting fixture. Some say it is a medicine man, considering the white coloration of the figure.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO KÖNIGSTEIN PEAK?

If the participants of the group are very good condition and reach to the mountain massif by car, it will take one day to reach the highest peak. On the other hand, if somebody wants to see the paintings and take photos along the way, simultaneously not imposing a fast pace on oneself, then in that case one should count two days for the hike. On the first day you approach the summit, where you set up camp, and on the second day you climb to the top. After reach the summit is the descent back to your car.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The necessary permits and “hiring” of a guide can be done on the website of the Namibian National Heritage Council in Windhoek. This can be done through the contact form, or you can call and speak to a representative (if you call, the response time is much shorter). You can also try to obtain permits at Brandberg Rest Camp in Uis. The whole process of acquiring permits and filling out the relevant documents, which you have to send back, takes from two to three weeks. The total cost (guide and necessary documents) is several hundred US dollars, but you need to inquire about the specific price, as the rate depends on the length of the trip and the places which you want to visit.

Considering the average temperature in the Brandberg mountains, which is about 30 degrees Celsius, in a span of a day of hiking, an adult is able to drink up to 5 liters of water.

When you are going to the Brandberg mountains, it is necessary to take with you strong mountain boots, hiking poles, high-energy snacks and appropriate sunscreen clothing (hat, sunglasses, cap, creams, etc.). If we want to overnight, you should also take a sleeping pad, a tent and a sleeping bag. You can always ask your guide before setting out what you will need during the hike.

The cost to enter the trail that leads to the “White Lady” painting, in 2022, is N$60 Namibian dollars per person and N$20 for parking. You can check current prices here.

It’s a good idea to whip a filter or water purification tablets with you to purify the water when you take it from the stream.

WHERE IS THE TRAIL TO KÖNIGSTEIN LOCATED?

The trail to the top of Königstein starts from the entrance to the Gaaseb Gorge. This is a shorter version that takes 1 to 3 days of hiking. The length of the hike depends on the condition of the participants, the number of stops for rest, viewing paintings or photo shoots. One should remember that the trail is poorly marked and has many branches, boulder fields and smooth rock slabs. Therefore, it is so important to have a guide at our side. Once in a while you may see small bushes and individual trees of acacia, aloe or quiver trees scattered over the rocky terrain. These can serve as landmarks on the trail. Impressive rock formations, steep cliffs and angular boulders are other elements of the local landscape. The ideal place to spend the night below the summit are areas where there are flat rocks so that you can sleep fairly comfortably near watercourses to replenish your water supply. Namibia’s highest mountain offers a magnificent 360-degree panorama that shows the many dark gray peaks and ridges, forming the Brandberg massif and light brown plains and deserts.

There is also a second option, which takes from 4 to 5 days of hiking. The trail starts from the entrance to Amis Canyon on the southwest side of the Brandberg. Amis in the local language means “Ostrich.” Along the way, you can visit the so-called Snake Cave, which pictures paintings of animals. When choosing this option, be sure to keep your backpack as light as possible and carry one or two empty bottles so that to in case encounter a stream, it will, can make water supplies for the rest of the hike. The summit is chilly, and the wind often blows, so a good option is to leave your backpacks at camp and climb the peak without them. It is better to dress warmly or at least take a sweatshirt with you. Amis Canyon is steep and very rocky, so you need to be extra careful here (especially when descending). You should also remember to take your cell phone with you that can call to the rest camp on the way back to be taken away from there. At the top of Königstein Mountain and after descending from the Brandberg massif, there shouldn’t be a problem with coverage.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO NAMIBIA?

The recommended time to go to Namibia is winter, which lasts from June to August. During the daytime, the temperature averages 21-22 degrees Celsius, and at night it is around 10 °C. It is advisable to take warm clothes with you then, as nights are chilly at this time. Some tourists also come to the country in April, May and September to avoid larger clusters of tourists in popular places, but then temperatures are higher.

TIDBITS

It is said that there are more than 900 documented sites with rock paintings in Brandberg and countless others that have not yet been “discovered” (or at least reported).

The official currency in Namibia is the Namibian dollar. However, you can often also pay in Namibia with the Rand (South Africa’s currency), as their currency rate are very often identical. It happens sometimes be a difference of a few cents, but this is a rarity. In South Africa, however, you can’t pay with the Namibian dollar.

The Brandberg Massif, which contains 43,000-50,000 paintings (data depending on the source) and cave figures, is seen as a treasure trove of prehistoric art. People who spread information about these paintings were Ernst Rudolf Scherz, who published three books on the local figures, and Harald Pager, who made 43,000 – 45,000 drawings of figures from 879 sites.

In the old days there were mines in Uis where tin was mined, but now the area mainly burns clay bricks.

USEFUL LINKS

SUMMARY

For lovers of mountains and wilderness, the Brandberg Massif is an ideal destination. The fact that no more than 50 people a year venture there guarantees travelers coming to the area a complete distraction from civilization. Persons interested in ancient painting will certainly not omit the open-air museum of painting near the famous “White Lady”. It is worth paying attention that Namibia is a relatively cheap country, and English is the official language. Despite that, for example for Europeans, Asians and Americans, is a remote country, it is not as foreign as other regions of Africa.

Ji-Elle, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Tsisab River Gorge, author Thomas Wagner, source wikiwand.com (photo edited).

Königstein peak, author Mariusba, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Thomas Wagner, source commons.wikimedia.org (photo edited).

Olga Ernst source commons.wikimedia.org.

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TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DADES GORGE ROAD

GERLACH PEAK

Artykuł Brandberg Mountain pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Dades Gorge road

Adventures No Limits — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 18:13:57 +0000

29.09.2022

DADES GORGE ROAD

The Dades Gorge is located practically in the center of Morocco. The road that runs through it is ranked among the most dangerous in all of Africa. It consists of numerous serpentine, bumps in the road and outstanding by the lack of barriers and shoulders. Therefore, persons with weak nerves or suffering from motion sickness, advise against driving this road. However, for people who feel comfortable behind the wheel and are not scary by driving in unfavorable conditions, a reward will await in the form of magnificent views of Morocco’s Dades Gorge.

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY

Millions of years ago, today’s gorge area was flooded by ocean waters. Eventually, tectonic plate movements led to the formation of the Atlas Mountains and the Dades/Wadi Dadis River. Streams of water carved a path in the soft sedimentary rock, contributing to the widening and deepening of the gorge. Today, the Dades River is nearly 350 kilometers long (about 220 miles), and its source is in the High Atlas Mountains. The river flows into the Sahara Desert, where it joins the Wadi Dara/Draa River. The walls of the gorge reach heights of nearly 500 meters (about 1,600 feet) in some places, and the local Berbers use the river to irrigate their rose fields, olive groves and almond trees. In the surrounding mountains, people still live in caves, leading a nomadic lifestyle and using the valley as a seasonal route to pasture in the High Atlas Mountains.

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE GORGE

The Dades Gorge is known for its amazing rock formations and kasbahs, erected several centuries ago along the gorge. It is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Dades Valley is characterized by a wild landscape, with snow on the peaks of the Atlas Mountains and a semidesert landscape in the lower parts of the canyon. The Dades Gorge is also known as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, and it has less than 130 kilometers long (about 80 miles) from Boumalne Dades to Agoudal. If you want to drive the entire gorge, it is essential one should own or rent a vehicle with drive 4×4 or an off-road motorcycle because as you pass the village of Msemrir (driving from the town of Boumalne Dades), the road becomes gravel. The rock formations change to various colors in shades of brown, beige, gold, orange, red and dark purple. Many of the historic kasbahs and ksars, that are old Berbers strongholds, have been converted into hotels and restaurants.

DADES GORGE-WHERE IS IT?

The gorge is located in Tinghir province, in the Drâa-Tafilalet administrative region. The easiest to reach the Dades Gorge is from the small town of Boumalne Dades, located 122 km northeast of Warzazat and 53 km from Tinerhir. The road is marked R704 on maps. It is paved (not all), but full of sharp curves. There are many viewpoints along the way where you can take photos. The best time to visit the lower parts of the valley is from March to June, while the mountains are the best gain from May to August. The gorge begins just north of the quiet town of Boumalne Dades, from which the road leads to the canyon. Be sure to visit the Tisdrine restaurant at the top, as there is a great spot with a view at all the way.

HOW TO DRIVE IN MOROCCO

DON’T EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT, NEITHER THE SOLID LINE

Police patrols are often view in larger cities and on roads with intensity traffic. Police most often stop drivers who exceed speed (probably like everywhere 😊) or cross the solid line. Speed limits in Morocco that 50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h outside cities and 100 km/h on highways. If someone flashes headlights before us, it usually means that police officers are behind the next corner.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE AND DON’T RELY ON TURN SIGNALS

Moroccans have a very relaxed approach to traffic laws. They are not overly attached to turn signals. Rather, they prefer to drive without signaling directions. So, when driving on Moroccan roads, it is better to keep a large distance ahead of the car in front of you. Moroccan drivers will not necessarily pay attention to our turn signals.

DON’T CARE THE HONKING

Moroccan roads are noisy, almost everyone honked. The reason is not only to warn of danger, but also the impatience of drivers at traffic lights, honk at pedestrians who walk all over the road, word of thanks for dropping into a lane or paying attention, that someone is letting someone on the roadway.

RENT THE RIGHT CAR

If you are going to Morocco not in your car or motorcycle, it is worth taking care of what kind of vehicle you rent. If you want to drive around cities or tourist regions, suffice an ordinary single-axle drive car. On the other hand, if you want to drive on the roads in the Atlas Mountains, then here you should to rent a vehicle with drive 4×4 or an off-road motorcycle. The reason is this, that in higher parts of the mountains there are few paved roads and there may be snow in the mountains even in summer.

DOWNLOAD MAPS ON YOUR PHONE BEFORE YOUR TRIP

It is important to keep in mind that Morocco is a poor country compared to, for example, European countries, whereby the Internet network is poorly developed. Therefore, it’s a good idea, that before traveling to this country to download maps of the regions where you will be driving and use offline navigation. It is also a good option is to buy paper maps.

AVOID WINTER IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE THROUGH MOUNTAIN PASSES

Snow in the Atlas Mountains falls annually. Although the main roads are open year-round, roads in the higher portion can be blocked for short periods after heavy precipitation. If you intend to drive through a pass such as Tizi-n’Tichka or Tiz-n’Test, be aware, that these roads may be closed from December to March due to heavy snowfall.

AVOID DRIVING AT NIGHT AND DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL

Roads in Morocco are poorly lit, even the main roads, therefore, when driving at night, special care must be taken. Sometimes you may pass donkeys, oxen or pedestrians without any reflections in the evening. Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited in Morocco, and for this violation you can get a ticket or go to jail.

HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION WITH YOU

When picking up your rental car, make sure that you have your passport and a valid driver’s license with you Worth also own a credit card or extra cash, to pay the deposit for the rental car. Have all documentation with you when you drive, in case of a police check. The minimum age to drive in Morocco is 18, but many car rental companies require in order that the driver has at least 21-23 years old. It’s a good idea to have an app installed on your phone to translate texts, as the contract will often not be written in English. In the beginning, it is also a good idea to take a video of the car before renting, to “document” the condition of the vehicle, in case the owner wants to tell us that, for example, Somewhere we scratched the car after returning it.

USEFUL INFORMATION

If we want to book a car online in Morocco, we can do it, for example, on Rentalcars.com.

Due to the disobedience of traffic regulations on the issue of priority right by Moroccan drivers, it is better to rent a car with full insurance.

It is advisable to take food and plenty of drinks with you on the road, as stores are rare in the more remote areas.

It’s a good idea to print out a proof of reservation, in order that avoid unpleasantness, just before renting the car.

In Morocco, there is practically no exist something this as priority right, and you usually give way priority right to the more “aggressive” driver.

When driving in rural areas of Morocco, there will be many stalls and huts on the side of the road selling various goods. Often there are fruit, Moroccan tagine, argan oil, and jewelry – don’t forget to haggle!

Gas stations are not self-service. A service employee pumps fuel into the cars and then takes money. Many stations do not have the prospect to pay by card, so it is a good idea to carry cash in a wallet.

You can check current gasoline prices in Morocco here.

Moroccan signs are similar to the European signs. Often, unfortunately, lack street names.

Because of lack of sidewalks outside the cities in Morocco, you have to be careful and watching for pedestrians, especially driving on local and intercity roads.

WHERE CAN TO STAY?

There are many hotels and guesthouses to choose as well as in the Boumalne Dades and along the Thousand Kasb Road. Most often these are motels or 3-star hotels. One of the most prestigious places along the road is the Auberge Chez Pierre. It is a traditional kasbah, built into the hillside, transformed into a 4-star hotel, set among terraced gardens full of fruit trees. It also has a swimming pool, a bar and beautifully decorated at Arabian-style rooms and suites.

TIDBITS

If you don’t feel good to driving a car through the gorge, you can make use of the 4×4 tours that several hotels in the town of Boumalne Dades organize up the Dadès Gorge and along the dirt road to the nearby Todra Gorge.

In place, it’s also worth exploring the canyon on foot. There are several dozen of hiking trails to choose, some lasting from a few hours to even a few days. For example, the route connecting the Dades and Todra gorges takes from two to three days. Most hotels have the option of hiring a guide, and some also offer mountain bike tours.

Police unfortunately not infrequently catch drivers for trivial offenses, such as driving on a solid line. Of course, in the name of the law, but really reason it is extorting money from the driver. Often a “bribe” of $10 or $15 takes care of that.

From the 19th century until 1956, that is, until the local population regained independence, Morocco was a French colony. For this reason, it is possible to communicate in French in many places in Morocco.

SUMMARY

The Dades Gorge road is undoubtedly beautiful, but also dangerous. Measuring almost 130 kilometers in length, whence half of the road is not paved and is covered with gravel, it certainly requires composure and concentration from the driver. Due to the construction of many hotels and guesthouses in recent years, it certainly can’t be said, that it is a desolate place, despite the fact that the Dades Gorge is located among the Atlas Mountains. For a more comfortable drive, it’s best to drive this section early in the morning, when traffic is at its lowest, and you can take many pictures. Certainly, transiting this a route will provide an unforgettable experience.

jonl1973, source flickr (photo edited).

Nawfal Kharbach, source commons.wikimedia.org.

jonl1973, source flickr (photo edited).

Rigel, source Unsplash.

Frida Aguilar Estrada, source Unsplash.

Rigel, source Unsplash.

Nuno Silva, source Unsplash.

Rigel, source Unsplash.

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TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DAEDALUS CORAL REEF

TRUNK BAY

Artykuł Dades Gorge road pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

The City of Rocks in the Czech Republic

Adventures No Limits — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:29:28 +0000

06.04.2022

THE CITY OF ROCKS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The City of Rocks is situated in northeastern Bohemia, not far from the Polish border in the Adršpach region. The area of the City of Rocks is situated in the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area. It is one of the most famous places for climbing in Europe. The whole City of Rocks is naturally built of sandstone.

HOW THE CITY OF ROCKS CAME TO BE

The strongly stratified plateau that is so characteristic for the City of Rocks originated in the Mesozoic era. At that time, the whole area was a sea bed, on which a layer of sandstone was formed in the process of sedimentation. The rocks are made of a softer variety of sandstone, which is why the City of Rocks has a particularly stark character (making it popular with rock climbers) and has many aesthetic shapes and fissures. When the sea disappeared from this region, the rocks were affected by water in the form of rain and wind for millions of years. This resulted in beautiful rock formations resembling towers and columns.

SOME HISTORY

At the beginning, this place was known only among the local community. They would venture there only in the face of danger or to escape from invaders. The first climbers and foreign visitors appeared only at the beginning of the 18th century. Many famous people visited the place then, such as: Queen Louise of Prussia, King Frederick Augustus of Poland, and Emperor Joseph II.

However, for most of the ordinary inhabitants, the place was still unknown. Only after a great fire in 1824, which lasted several weeks, did the rocks begin to emerge from among the bushy forest. In the 19th century, the Adršpach Rocks became more accessible when paths were built and the first visitors arrived.

One story says that in 1772, two Englishmen visited the Adršpach Rocks. They wanted to view thunderstorms from an overlook (it is not known from which one specifically). They waited a total of eight days to see this beautiful but dangerous phenomenon. When it finally came, the storm was so powerful that the English quickly began to search shelter. They were hiding under a rock overhang when lightning struck near them. The lightning struck the precipice opposite them, knocking loose a piece of rock that fell directly in front of the frightened Englishmen. Apparently none of them were injured, and they described the whole dangerous adventure in their “chronicles.”

FIRST ASCENTS

The first mountaineers came to Adršpach from Saxony. A group led by Willi Adam made the first ascent of the rock called “King” on 20 May 1923. However, they did not stop there, deciding also to climb The Battlements, The Saxon Head, Martin’s Crown, and The Eagle. The German mountaineers enamored with the Adršpach Rocks and returned to them many times.

WHERE IT’S WORTH STOPPING

In Adršpach you’ll find many beautiful views. From one of the many lookout points within the City of Rocks you can admire such rock formations as The Lovers, Mr and Mrs Mayor, Štěpánek’s Crown, and the Small and Large Aldermen. Set out on the natural trial “Under Cross Hill”, you will be rewarded a magnificent panorama of the rocks. The trail starts at the main parking lot. A panorama of the entire City of Rock can be enjoyed on Starozámecký Hill, where the ruins of Adršpach Castle are located.

ATTRACTIONS

The Gothic Gate

The Gothic Gate appeared in the City of Rock for the first time in 1839. It was built by Ludvík Karol Nádherný with a network of paths, bridges, footbridges and stairs. At present, the Gothic Gate guards the former entrance to the park.

A boat trip

In the past, the local lake was used to transport lumber. But more than 150 years ago, tourists were taken to the lake, thus beginning the first boat cruises. The Great Waterfall flows out of the lake, which is especially spectacular in winter because it freezes over every year.

The Crystal Sand Quarry

Anyone looking for romance will not want to miss Crystal Sand Quarry. This small lake with crystal clear water was created after a former sand mine was flooded. A scenic path leads around the reservoir.

The 16-meter-high Great Waterfall

A beautiful view is found at The Great Waterfall, which flows into a rocky gorge from a height of 16 meters. The waterfall’s flow rate is regulated, as a lake is situated directly above it, where the boat rides take place. In winter, The Great Waterfall turns into a lovely icefall.

The Sugarloaf

One of the most peculiar formations in the City of Rocks is the so-called ‘The Sugarloaf’. Its curiosity is that it stands on the tip. The upper part is 13 meters wide, and the lower part is 3 meters wide, thus creating the form of an inverted bowling pin. For fear of it toppling over, tourists stick small sticks under it.

The Mouse Hole

While hiking on the rocks, you can try to squeeze through a 50 cm wide crack. It is called The Mouse Hole and is the narrowest alley in the City of Rocks.

The Jug

One of the most impressive rocks in the City of Rocks is certainly the “Jug”. This massive “tower” was first ascended in May 1935 by Josef Janeba, Miroslav Jedlička and Rudolf Otto Bauš, a climbing pioneer of the time. The initial ascent was along a crack on the left side of the wall, leading to a large window and then to the summit. The unique six-meter window forms the “handle” of the Jug, thanks to which gave the tower its name. It’s also often said that the formation has the likeness of a dolphin.

The tallest rock: The Lovers

One of the most interesting rock formations in the Adršpach Rocks is also the highest. Again, the first people to climb its summit were Germans. Otto Rülke, Otto Dietrich and Wilhelm Fiehl made the first ascent of the highest Adršpach Rocks, which is 81.4 meters high, on June 18, 1923.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CITY OF ROCKS?

The best time to visit Adršpach Rocks is of course summer because then the weather is the most reliable (no rain). However, we must remember that this is one of the most popular places in the Czech Republic and there are always a lot of tourists at this time.

If we want to avoid crowds, it is the best to go in winter. Then there are not many people on the trail, and the winter scenery adds to the magic of this place.

PRICE LIST AND OPENING HOURS

Current price list can be found here on the official website.

Current opening hours can be found here on the official website.

TIDBITS

The City of Rocks of Adršpach has been enchanting filmmakers for decades with its unique atmosphere. Besides shooting shots for several Czech feature cartoons, scenes for “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” were shot here.

The rock about named “The Sugar-Making Chimney”, which resembles fingers reaching up to the sky, was first climbed using a special technique. It was wrapping a rope around the stone again and again. Today, this way of climbing is not used.

In the area of the City of Rocks near Adršpach, the Metuje River has its source. It has a beautiful, unusual orange color.

With a bit of luck and patience, the Peregrine Falcon can be spotted in the Adršpach Rocks.

The City of Rocks or the Adršpašské Skály are part of the Stołowe Mountains.

SUMMARY

Adršpach Rocks is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the Czech Republic that is worth seeing. Maps are available on site and are described in detail. We will find in them information about the attractions that await us and descriptions and names of individual rock formations. Rock Town is fully adapted for tourists, so it’s the perfect place for a trip with children.

Viktor Hanacek, source picjumbo.

source pxfuel.com

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GERLACH PEAK

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

PARTNACH GORGE

Artykuł The City of Rocks in the Czech Republic pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Archiwa: Rocks - Adventures No Limits

Vatnajökull Ice Cave

VATNAJÖKULL ICE CAVE

DESCRIPTION

HOW VATNAJÖKULL WAS FORMED

HOW ICE CAVES FORM IN ICELAND

WHY IS THE ICE IN A CAVE “BLUE”?

LOCATION

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHAT TO BRING

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CAVES?

ATTRACTIONS NEAR VATNAJÖKULL CAVE

USEFULE LINKS

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

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SEE ALSO

CUESTA DEL LIPÁN

LORD HOWE ISLAND

HALLASAN VOLCANO

Tham Lod Cave

THAM LOD CAVE

DESCRIPTION

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THIS PLACE

LOCATION AND HOW TO GET THERE

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CAVE

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TOUR THAM LOD?

PRICE LIST AND OPENING HOURS

ACCOMMODATION

USEFUL INFORMATION

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

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AL QUDRA LAKES

MARTVILI CANYON

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Martvili Canyon

MARTVILI CANYON

ACCESS

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CANYON

HOW TO DRESS AND WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

TICKET PRICES AND OPENING HOURS

RAFTING

WHAT NOT TO DO IN THE CANYON

DAY TRIPS

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHERE TO STAY ON NIGHT

TIDBIT

SUMMARY

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AL QUDRA LAKES

YALA NATIONAL PARK

UÇHISAR CASTLE

Uçhisar Castle

UÇHISAR CASTLE

SHORT DESCRIPTION

HOW WAS UCHISAR CASTLE CREATED?

SOME HISTORY

WHERE IS UCHISAR CASTLE LOCATED?

HOW TO GET TO UCHISAR?

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CASTLE

FEES AND OPENING HOURS

CAPPADOCIA TOURS

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

PIGEON VALLEY

KAYMAKLI CITY

ACCOMMODATIONS

VEHICLE RENTALS IN GÖREME

WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

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AL QUDRA LAKES

MARTVILI CANYON

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Partnach Gorge

PARTNACH GORGE

THE CITY OF ROCKS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC