Timna National Park in Eilat is not only a huge open-air museum, but also a real natural phenomenon that tourists who come to Israel are eager to see. Let’s look here and we will.
General information
The Timna Valley with its stone park is located 23 km from the ancient city of Eilat (Israel). It is a large depression made in the form of a horseshoe and surrounded by mountains on almost all sides. Scientists say that life in these parts began to emerge more than 6 thousand years ago. The rich copper deposits known as “King Solomon’s mines” were the “culprit”for this. Of course, most of them are just memories, but the Israeli valley already has something to be proud of. Now there is a beautiful National Park, which has collected several ancient sites on its territory and is famous for its unique natural and plant world.
So, the most common tree in Timna Park in Israel is the wavy acacia, whose flowers look like small yellow balls. The leaves, trunk and branches of this plant are almost the main source of food for the animals inhabiting this area.
As for the fauna, its main representatives are polorogye mountain goats, which can climb steep slopes as well as professional climbers, wolves, which are exceptionally active at night due to the intense heat, and the mourning kamenka, a small bird of the order sparrows, whose length reaches 18.5 cm.
And the Timna stone Park in Israel became the only place in the world where the semiprecious “Eilat stone” was found, which is based on 2 natural minerals at once – lapis lazuli and malachite. Under the influence of various external factors, they not only combined into one whole, but also gave the Eilat stone its basic properties.
What to see in the park
Timna National Park is known not only for its unusual landscapes, but also for its unique sights, which will leave you with the most vivid impressions of Israel. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Spiral Hill
The stone spiral hill can be called without exaggeration one of the most visited objects of the park. Formed as a result of erosion, it is the clearest example of how unlimited possibilities nature has. Spiral Rock owes its name to a narrow spiral staircase that encircles it along the entire diagonal and thus gives the appearance of a huge screw sticking out of the ground.
Mushroom
No less interesting attraction of Timna Park in Eilat (Israel) is considered to be a fantastic rock, formed as a result of centuries-old leaching of rocks by underground waters. And since the destruction of the lower layers of sandstone proceeded a little faster, a “cap” appeared on top like a large mushroom. Once at the foot of this rock was an ancient settlement of Egyptian miners. You can learn more about its history at the nearby visitor center.
Chariots
A tour of the stone park can not do without getting acquainted with another historical artifact-rock carvings found in one of the local caves. Scientists claim that these petroglyphs depicting hunting on Egyptian war chariots appeared here no later than the 12th-14th centuries BC.
Arches
The list of the main natural attractions of Timna Park in Israel is continued by arches created from light sandstone. Most hiking trails pass through these arches and exit on the other side of a large cliff. Not everyone will be able to overcome this path, because you will have to climb up along iron brackets, and go down through a narrow crevice with steep walls.
Ancient mines
Another interesting tourist attraction was discovered near the sand arches. We are talking about the huge mines in which the Egyptians extracted the world’s first copper. These hand-cut wells didn’t even have stairs! Their role was played by small recesses located on both sides of the descent.
From each of these mines, several low and narrow passages branched off, which provided the movement of ancient copper miners. A detailed study of these objects showed that the longest passage reaches 200 m, and the deepest shaft – 38 m. If you want, you can safely go down to some of these mines – it is completely safe there.
The Pillars of Solomon
The next point on the route is the Solomon Pillars. Majestic columns, made of solid red sandstone and formed under the influence of erosion, are an integral part of the stone cliff. The name of this typical landscape formation, associated with the name of the legendary King Solomon, causes a lot of controversy. The fact is that scientists have not been able to come to a consensus. While some claim that the mining and production of copper in these parts was really carried out under the leadership of the third Jewish ruler, others categorically reject this fact. Anyway, the Pillars of Solomon are considered the most visited place in Timna Park in Eilat.
Temple of the Goddess Hathor
After a short hike, you will come to the Temple of Hathor, the ancient Egyptian goddess of love, femininity, beauty and fun. This once very beautiful structure was built during the reign of Pharaoh Seti and rebuilt during the reign of his son Ramesses II. On the remains of its walls, you can find an engraving depicting a donation to the goddess Hathor by one of the Egyptian rulers.
Lake Timna
The tour of Timna B Park ends with a hike to the lake of the same name, which, unlike other attractions of the park in Israel, is man-made. Despite the fact that the water in it is not suitable for drinking and swimming, Lake Timna is very popular. And all thanks to various entertainment events taking place on its shore. Here you can not only sunbathe or sit in a cafe, but also ride catamarans, take a walk on a rented mountain bike, mint a coin and even make a souvenir in the form of a bottle of colored sand. The area of the lake is about 14 thousand square meters. m., so there is enough space for everyone, including animals that come here every day to drink.
Practical information
Timna National Park, located at Eilat 88000, Israel, is open to the public all year round. The entrance fee is 49 ILS. Opening hours:
- Sunday-Thursday, Saturday: from 08.00 to 16.00;
- Friday: from 08.00 to 15.00;
- Pre-holidays, as well as July and August: from 08.00 to 13.00.
On a note! For more information, please visit the official website of the Timna Stone Park in Eilat — http://www.parktimna.co.il/.
Useful tips
If you decide to visit Timna Park in Eilat, listen to these useful tips:
- You can get to the Timna Park complex either with an excursion or independently (by your own transport, bus, rented car or camel). If you choose the latter option, you will be able to walk around its territory for an unlimited amount of time (even though it is closed).;
- The park has both hiking and cycling routes with different levels of difficulty. You can rent a bike and buy a map at the information center located at the entrance.;
- To get acquainted with the sights of Timna, you should choose the appropriate equipment – comfortable shoes, clothing made of natural fabrics, a headdress, glasses. The skin is best treated with sunscreen lotion. And don’t forget about the water – it won’t hurt here;
- Moving around the park is not easy, so before you go to a particular object, you should really evaluate your strength and capabilities;
- The complex has a mini-cinema where you can watch a documentary about the history of this place. However, it is only in Hebrew;
- Sometimes evening and night excursions are held in the park, but they can only be booked by prior arrangement;
- Tired of long walks, stop by the local souvenir shop to enjoy real Bedouin tea for free. If you are noticeably hungry, find a small cafe located by the lake. Of course, you will definitely not find meat dishes there, but you will certainly be offered a kosher menu;
- The best time to visit Timna National Park is considered to be spring-autumn. But in the summer months, when the temperature in Israel rises to +40°C, it will be better to refuse visits to this zone.;
- Don’t forget to bring your camera with you. They say that here you get really fantastic pictures-as if from another planet;
- To explore the local beauty, it is better to hire a personal guide. If you plan to make do on your own, pay attention to the information signs installed near all natural objects.;
- While admiring the colorful desert landscapes, do not forget about basic caution. Many spiders and other dangerous reptiles live among the rocks and in the sand.
Timna Park in Eilat (Israel) is a place where the stories of old times are intertwined with modern entertainment, and the desert landscapes fascinate with their extraordinary beauty.
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