Many people have heard about the mountain with an unusual name Chimaera. More often this location, located in Turkey (in the province of Antalya), is called Yanartash. On the slopes of the mountain, flames have been burning for thousands of years. This amazing natural phenomenon attracts travellers from all over the world to Yanartaş..
Why the flames of the mountain do not go out
Wondering why fire appears on the slopes of a mountain? The reason is colourless gas (methane). It rises from the bowels of the earth to the surface. There is an impurity in the gas that ignites in the air. This is how the burning torches - the "calling card" of the Chimera - are created. Mystical Yanartash is actually a mountain with a gas field. But the simple explanation of the miracle does not destroy the magnetic charm of the Chimera mountain.
Some burning torches go out. The reason is not in the realm of the supernatural: there is a stream flowing down the mountainside. It is not uncommon to see an extinguished torch burning again, as the mountain continues to emit methane. Chimera's extinguishing and rekindling lights inspire poets and artists. The mountain is one of the most popular attractions in Turkey. The mountain's torches have even been the origin of a legend....
The Legend of the Chimera's Victor
Photo: William Neuheisel. Source: wikipedia
It happened millennia ago. Turkey was not in the world, nor were any other modern countries. There were no tour routes on the slopes of Tahtala and Kachkar. There were no hotels and no tourists in Kemer. And Kemer itself did not exist. But there were already mountains. Then there was a monster on Earth, causing evil to people. His name was the same as the name of the fiery mountain in modern Turkey. The ancient Chimera had three heads:
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lion's;
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serpent;
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goat.
The beast resembled the present mountain only in that it was fire-breathing.
One day, a hero named Bellerophont was given a task by the king: to put an end to the Chimera's atrocities. The king wanted to destroy the hero, an incredibly handsome man at the sight of whom one of the king's daughters was struck by Cupid's arrow. The Chimera's breath was supposed to burn Bellerophonte. But, just as today's mountain fires are safe for tourists, the monster did not harm the hero. He emerged from the battle victorious. It is said that the killed monster is buried on the slope of the flaming mountain, near the village of Chiraly. That's why the mountain became fiery.
The hero married the king's daughter. Not the one who at the beginning of the story fell victim to Cupid's arrow: that one was married. And the mountain has been blazing night and day ever since. Climbing among the torches is an unforgettable experience. The mountain makes you believe in the reality of the myth ... The remains of the ancient temple with frescoes and the ancient square on the slope - as if also from the legend, from the realm of the marvellous...
If you choose a tour, one of the variants of the ancient myth will be told to you by a guide. Perhaps a guided tour is not your format? Then just walk among the torches, pondering the legend. The lights will create the right mood better than a tour. The myth will shine in bright colours. The mountain fire will also make the tour more exciting.
Mountains of Turkey
Not everyone wants to see the fire mountain: there are other natural attractions in Turkey. A vivid experience is climbing Mount Tahtali. This is part of the Western Taurus mountain system. Nearby is Kemer, a seaside resort. Let the mountain is not lit up by flames, but it was once the home of a famous pirate. Many people climb Tahtaly to see this place. A lot of excursions come to the mountain. A popular route along the slope of Takhtaly is the Lycian Trail. The area of the Taurus Range has magnificent scenery.
The slopes of the fire mountain - near Tahtala. Kemer - in the vicinity of both mountains. From the top of Tahtala you can see the famous resort, Cirali and some other tourist places in Turkey. Having made the ascent, you can check this statement. You will see: many interesting things are close by. If you wish, you can see both Tahtali, Fire Mountain and Kaçkar...
Travellers strive to get on an excursion going to Ararat. It is a dormant volcano. To be more precise, there are even 2 of them: Big Ararat and Small Ararat merged with it at the base. The first one is the highest peak of the country. But still Takhtali, Kachkar and the dormant volcano will not overshadow the impressions of the fiery mountain. Tourists, returning from Turkey, see mountain torches in their dreams.
Comparison with Tahtali
Photo: Egor. Source: Unsplash
You can describe the fire mountain by comparing it to another famous mountain. Tahtali will do. Both mountains are actually in the same area. The way to Tahtali and the fire mountain is convenient to start from Kemer. Do you want a tour? There are many guides in Turkey who specialise in Tahtali and Yanartash.
Tahtali in ancient times was called Olympus (as the dwelling of the gods in Greek myths). There is a version that it was from Takhtala that Bellerophont threw down the monster. The landscapes of both mountains are equally striking. Images of Yanartash and Takhtala are on thousands of paintings.
The height of Yanartash - 230 metres, Takhtala - 2365 metres. The figures are incomparable. Fans of exorbitant heights will prefer Takhtaly and its 2365 m. The summit of Yanartaşa is among the best viewpoints in Turkey. But the summit of Tahtala is another level, literally. 2365 metres is no joke! Tahtala has few rival mountains.
Tourists visit Yanartash day and night. There are many night excursions. In the dark, the blazing slopes are more spectacular. Tahtaly does not have this dignity. The mountain is climbed in sunlight. In total darkness on Tahtaly can be dangerous. No excursion will go in the direction of Takhtaly in the night gloom. The exception is the tourists' desire to see the mountain at dawn.
On Takhtaly you can climb (on foot) without a penny in your pocket, and for the entrance to the trail with mountain torches you have to pay. In some cases the exit is also paid. If you are travelling as a couple, you will need about 152 rubles (40 Turkish liras). The price depends on the season and the lira exchange rate. On Tahtali you will not be charged 152 roubles. Access to the mountain is open to everyone. However, the cable car to Tahtali is a paid one. As for Yanartash, 152 roubles is a small price to pay for its beauty. - is a small price for its beauty.
See, check, experience
On Yanartash romanticists, seekers of wonders will like it. Takhtals are for those who want to test themselves on the mountain trail. For them, the reward is the summit and a stunning panorama. You can talk about Tahtaly and the mountain, which the whole world knows as Chimera, for a long time. But it is better to see it once, to check everything yourself. Some impressions cannot be described, you can only experience them. Just go to the flaming Chimera mountain and Tahtaly.
You can choose a tour that covers several sights. In one day, you will see both the mountain and other attractions in Turkey. Here's what you can be shown:
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the city of Olympos;
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ancient Phaselis;
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torches on the mountain.
Don't forget to take photos: the outline of the mountain range in the sky or the seascapes of Kemer will decorate your blog. The blazing mountain in the photo will be appreciated by friends and relatives.
Not interested in a tour? You can go to the mountain on your own. In any case, looking at the world from the height of the mountain range, you will feel peace and freedom. The sky above your head and remote areas on earth will seem to become closer. An excursion to the mountain or an independent ascent is a holiday highlight.
The way from Kemer
Photo: Sole Sensei. Source: Unsplash
If you are staying in Cirali (near Kemer), go to the mountain on foot. In these conditions it is the best option. You will save money and admire the surroundings. If you go by car, after Kemer take the road to the sea. If you choose a bus, look for the sign "Cirali". Another option is a taxi. It is not difficult to call it in Kemer. You will reach the mountain path. Please note: taxi prices in Kemer are quite high. The reason is the demand. After 2019, the flow of tourists decreased, but now the situation has changed.
To the listed options, travellers sometimes prefer an excursion. Some believe: it is easier. Often the excursion is, in fact, a transfer. The trip may start in Kemer. To pay for the excursion, you will need 20-30 dollars. You will be taken to the mountain, given time to walk around and taken back. The excursion is cheaper than a taxi ride.
