Things To Do In San Marcos – Top Activities To Enjoy!

BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2025

Pamukkale is one of the most visited regions in Turkey in 2025. With its natural beauty and historical intrigue, it welcomed 1.6 million visitors in 2025, according to a recent Travel and Tour World report.  Home to the Hierapolis spa city, Pamukkale Turkey, has snow-white travertine terraces, which look dramatic against the backdrop of blue skies. Also, it is one of the most prominent destinations in Turkey to promote nature-based tourism.  Also, resembling a winter wonderland covered with snow, Pamukkale is actually a unique landscape formed by hot spring waters in a Sun-kissed zone of Turkey.  Where Is Pamukkale Turkey?  Pamukkale is in the Denizli Province of southwestern Turkey. It has Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique landscape, including white travertine terraces.  The unique landscape is built with the carbonite mineral deposits of the hot water springs here.  Furthermore, Pamukkale is in the Inner Aegean region of Turkey and it is in the valley of the River Menderes.  How To Reach Pamukkale Turkey From Istanbul? The distance between Pamukkale and Istanbul is close to 572 km, and based on your mode of transport, it will take between 6 hours 20 minutes and 11 hours to reach Pamukkale.  1. Istanbul To Pamukkale Turkey By Train You can take a train from Istanbul to Eskişehir and then board the Pamukkale Express from Eskişehir to Denizli, where Pamukkale is located. This 8-hour journey by train allows you to cherish the beauty of central Anatolia.  Otherwise, board a train from Istanbul to Yenikapı and then a train to Pamukkale. The train will pass through stations such as Istanbul Pendik, Eskişehir, and Goncalı. 2. Istanbul To Pamukkale By Air The Denizli-Çardak Airport (DNZ) is the nearest airport to Pamukkale. It is located at a distance of 67 km. You can take a domestic flight from Istanbul to Pamukkale and then take a shuttle or a bus to reach Pamukkale by road within 50 minutes.  3. Istanbul To Pamukkale By Road Companies such as Kamil Koç operate direct buses from Istanbul to Sarayköy. From Sarayköy to Pamukkale, it is a journey of less than 30 minutes by road.  Moreover, you can take overnight buses to Pamukkale from Istanbul.  What Is So Special About Pamukkale Turkey?  With thermal springs, white hills of cascading water, and crystal lakes, the unique landscape of Pamukkale looks stunning. Furthermore, it has Hierapolis or the “Holy City.”  Fortunately, all these unique features of Pamukkale are mostly intact even today. Moreover, as the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says, it is a wonderful fusion of natural beauty and cultural richness.  “The property is largely intact and includes all the attributes necessary to express its Outstanding Universal Value, based on the strong and tight integration between the natural landscape (the white travertine terraces and numerous thermal springs) and culture (the city ruins from the Greco-Roman and Byzantine period, especially the theatre and the necropolis). The boundaries of the site are adequate to reflect the site’s significance.” - UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  Let’s explore its unique features and landmarks.  1. Cotton Castle Pamukkale Turkey Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkey, and the name comes from the travertine terraces, which have white formations with a cotton-like appearance. The terraces here form stepped pools, and together they look like a cascading castle of white cotton and crystals.  But do you know how this unique landmark was formed? Western Anatolia in Turkey has the largest deposits of calcium carbonate rocks in the world. However, it is also the region where the Earth’s crust faces the maximum pull.  Furthermore, various geothermal, seismic, and volcanic activities here create many fissures and faults. The Pamukkale plateau in the Denizli Basin is one of the main examples of this kind of geological formation.  Here, the calcite terraces and rimstone pools fall from over a 200-meter-tall cliff. Being rich in minerals, the cascading water covers the rocks with a thick layer of white sediments. These rocks look like layers of cotton and have thus got the name Cotton Castle.   According to NASA, the mineral deposition in this area is aged between 50000 and 600,000 years. The process started from the Pleistocene epoch, and the latest deposition here is related to the Laodikeia earthquake.  2. The Pools Of Pamukkale Turkey The thermal pools in the travertine terraces of Pamukkale were formed with mineral-rich hot spring water falling down the hillside and solidifying the deposits.  The vast Cleopatra’s Pool is probably the most prominent example when we talk about the pools of Pamukkale. The average water temperature of these pools ranges between 19 and 57 degrees Celsius. Sometimes the temperature can be as much as 100 degrees Celsius.  3. The Hot Springs Of Pamukkale The hot springs of Pamukkale have geothermal water, which is rich in minerals. Being mineral-rich, these waters have many therapeutic benefits. Moreover, it is a lifetime experience to swim in the geothermal pools on travertine terraces against the beautiful white walls.  4. The Ancient Hierapolis Or The Holy City Of Pamukkale  King Antiochus II founded ancient Hierapolis in the 2nd century BCE at the top of Pamukkale. Its strategic position near the thermal rings and along the trade route made it a thriving city during the Roman Rule.  Furthermore, Hierapolis became a prominent spa and healing city, and it grew in religious and cultural significance over time. The vast necropolis, the Temple of Apollo, and the Roman theater are the telltale signs of a rich history of Hierapolis, or the Holy City of Pamukkale.  Moreover, during the Byzantine era, Hierapolis experienced tremendous growth as a Christian hub, and it became a bishopric. In addition, the necropolis area saw many churches being built, and it became a chosen resting place for Christian martyrs.  Finally, in 1988, UNESCO gave the combination of Hierapolis and Pamukkale the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  5. The Gate To Hel Or Pluto’s Gate In Hierapolis View this post on Instagram A post shared by M. Tolga Akbulut (@mtolgaakbulut) Pluto’s Gate was believed to be the gate to hell or the underworld. This prominent archaeological site was associated with Pluto, the Roman God of the dead, wealth, and the underworld.  The scientific explanation behind this place is that geothermal activities in Pamukkale caused the release of a large amount of carbon dioxide. Thus, it became a lethal area, and the priests utilized this natural phenomenon to convince pilgrims of the place’s mystical power.  What Are The Things To Do In Pamukkale Turkey? As I have already mentioned, the things to do in Pamukkale are the perfect fusions of natural, cultural, and religious explorations. Try these activities here.  1. Taking A Bath In Cleopatra’s Pool Cleopatra’s Pool got its name from Queen Cleopatra taking a bath in this pool. It is surrounded by marble columns that go back 1000 years.  This pool is just a 10-minute walk away from the main ruins of Hierapolis. 2. Exploring The Roman Theater The history of the Roman Theater goes back to the 2nd century AD. It could accommodate 12,000 visitors and was the venue for theatrical performances and gladiatorial battles.  Even today, the Roman Theater is well-maintained, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of Pamukkale from this place.  3. Taking A Stroll Around The Necropolis The necropolis area of Pamukkale has tombs and family mausoleums that belong to the Byzantine, Roman, and Hellenistic periods.  The necropolis area is like an outdoor museum where you can read the plaques and learn a lot about the people who stayed here and how they viewed life and the afterlife.  4. Visiting The Local Villages The Pamukkale Village offers you a slice of the ultimate Turkish rural life. Try the mezes or appetizers, kebabs, and Pide or Turkish pizzas from local shops and restaurants here.  Also, you can explore the shops here to buy ceramic items, jewelry, and textiles.  5. Enjoying A Walk Through The Travertine Terraces Take a walk along the travertine terraces and experience the wonder of nature at its best. Furthermore, you can wet your feet in the warm waters of the pools here.  However, you have to walk carefully on the surface as it can be slippery.  Pamukkale Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Pamukkale Turkey.  1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Pamukkale Turkey? April to June, or the spring season, and September to November, or the autumn season, are ideal times for a visit to Pamukkale. However, if you want to avoid the crowd, the winter months of December to March are the best options.  2. Which City Is The Closest To Pamukkale Turkey? Denizli is the closest city to Pamukkale. The distance between these two places is around 17 km. Today, Denizli City is a bustling hub of textile production and export.  3. Is It Possible To Swim In Pamukkale? Yes, swimming is allowed in the travertine pools in Pamukkale. However, there are only some designated pools, such as the Cleopatra Pool, where you can swim.  4. Is 1 Day Enough In Pamukkale? Yes, one day is enough to explore the Pamukkale. You can take a bath in the travertine pools, explore the ancient ruins, and visit the local villages within 5-6 hours.  5. Which One Is Better? Cappadocia Or Pamukkale? Cappadocia and Pamukkale both have stunning landscapes. However, Cappadocia is famous for adventurous activities, like hot air balloon rides. On the other hand, Pamukkale is a place for natural exploration, visiting the ancient ruins, and taking a bath in the travertine pools.  6. What Language Is Spoken In Pamukkale? Turkish, the official language of Turkey, is the main language in Pamukkale. However, people here also speak in English.  7. Is Pamukkale Good For Skin? Yes, Pamukkale is good for the skin. The presence of silica, sulfur, and calcium in the water improves the elasticity of the skin, cleanses the skin, and alleviates eczema and other skin conditions.  8. Can I Drink Water In Pamukkale? The water of the thermal springs and pools of Pamukkale is rich in minerals. So, it is better to avoid drinking the water from the hot springs and pools in Pamukkale.  9. Do I Need To Pay Entry Fee To Visit Pamukkale Yes, you will need to pay an entry fee to visit Pamukkale. Furthermore, there will be an additional fee if you want to swim in the Cleopatra Pool.  Read Also: You Cannot Miss These Unique Things To Do In Indiana | Explore The Hidden Gems To Visit Your Visa Guide: Turkey Transit Visa Information & Hong Kong Visa Processing Time Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In 2025: Let’s Know The Names

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 22, 2024

Utah abounds in natural wonders that will astound even the most seasoned traveler. Encompassing millions of acres of breathtaking views with sandstone arches, towering buttes, expansive canyons and valleys, surreal salt flats, and lush mountains, the state is home to five national parks: Bryce National Park, Arches National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, as well as Zion National Park. It might seem that Alaska should be your first choice when looking for a place to live if you enjoy being outside. If you are not fond of colder climates, Utah's adventurous offerings might be more to your liking. Let's just say that Utah has it all, with parks like Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, and Zion National Park. Salt Lake City, one of the state's great natural wonders, even inspired the name of the state capital.  Furthermore, even though Utah recorded over 15 million visitors in 2022, the Beehive State is even more well-liked among recent arrivals. Utah grew at the fastest rate in the United States between 2010 and 2020, according to U.S. Census data, primarily because of out-of-state migration. The state's economy is another major lure. Utah's economy grew at the second fastest rate in the nation between 2017 and 2022, with the biggest industries being manufacturing, real estate, and scientific and technical services. But what are the best cities to live in Utah? Utah has many desirable neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality and redeeming qualities. Here, we have compiled a list of some of the best places to live in Utah. Best Places to Live in Utah There are certain needs that go beyond demographics when looking for a new house. These include things like accessibility to commuter routes, crime rates, and access to healthcare facilities. These needs apply whether you're looking for a retirement community or a suburban area in which to raise a family. We have created a list of the best places to live in Utah based on all the factors important to you to make your life easier. Park City Our list of the best places to live in Utah starts with Park City. You'll have breathtaking views of the Wasatch mountains and the town's ski resort from your home in Park City. Park City residents can access a variety of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and multiple shopping establishments. You will be enthralled by the town's magnificent museums and art galleries as you stroll around it. Park City has emerged as one of the best places for families to live thanks to its year-round perfect weather and low crime rate. You will create lifelong friendships when residing in Park City. Park City's unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is significantly lower than the national average. You can't beat Park City's views and safety, even though its cost of living is about 86% higher than the US average.  Fruit Heights One of the best places to live in Utah is the beautiful city of Fruit Heights. Located right outside of Salt Lake City, this property offers plenty of space for outdoor enjoyment, a tranquil neighborhood, and stunning views of the mountains. Living in Fruit Heights, you'll soon see how friendly the locals are to one another and how many eateries and coffee shops there are. Fruit Heights' great school system, pleasant weather, abundance of recreational options, and picturesque surroundings are all highly regarded by its residents. Fruit Heights' unemployment rate is 2.5% lower than the national average. You can overlook this city despite its 31% higher cost of living than the national average due to its wonderful community and top-notch schools. Greater Avenues One of the best places to live in Utah for families in is Greater Avenues, a charming neighborhood in Salt Lake City. With a population of about 17,000, this community enjoys the benefits of both a suburban atmosphere and many big city amenities, like restaurants and bars. Greater Avenues is a great place for families to relocate because of its top-notch school system, low crime rate, and favorable reviews. With an average value of at least six figures, families are well off in this area. If you enjoy living in the suburbs or downtown, you will adore The Greater Avenues! Summit Park Summit Park is among the prettiest cities in Utah. It is a stunning mountain town. Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains offer up from this serene, gorgeous town. Residents of the town take pleasure in outdoor pursuits, including biking, snowboarding, skiing, and hiking. You may expect to see moose, elk, and deer in and around the town. distinct from the large city. Families will also love Summit Park because of its many parks, open areas, and top-notch educational system. Summit Park has a 2.8% unemployment rate and a 58% higher cost of living than the national average. But Utah has so much to offer that the cost is well worth it! East Bench Next up is the homely Salt Lake City residential neighborhood known as East Bench. Nearly 7,000 people live in East Bench, which is at the foot of the Wasatch Range. The neighborhood includes the Salt Lake Country Club and the Bonneville Golf Course. Families will enjoy a day at the Hogle Zoo, which is home to tigers and giraffes. In East Bench, real estate prices do differ. This is advantageous because there are homes to fit every budget. Go to Ambassador Way, where a four-bedroom, four-bathroom grand family home with an estimated cost of over a million dollars, if you have seven figures to play with. A modest 2-bedroom family home with a sun-trapped garden might be a better fit for you if you have less money to invest. It costs just a little bit more than the average. Snyder Ville Located in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Snyder Ville is a rapidly expanding community. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing against the stunning backdrop of the area. For its size, this little town has a lot, like restaurants serving fresh food from nearby farms. It's connected to neighboring cities despite its small size, so you can always find what you need when you need it. Snyder Ville is an ideal place to live in peace and quiet without having to worry about crowds. Highland One of the greatest places to live in Utah is Highland, east of Provo. Highland is home to well-known locations like Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Highland is well-known for its picturesque surroundings, highly educated populace, and projected job expansion. With a 2.5% unemployment rate, it is significantly lower than the national average. It doesn't get much better than living in a picturesque state like Utah, even though the cost of living in the Highlands is also 57% more than the national average. Wasatch Hollow Wasatch Hollow is a neighborhood located just south of Yalecrest. In Salt Lake City, this little suburb is regarded as the greatest place to purchase real estate. As members of the millennial generation look to buy their first homes, it is growing in popularity. Thus, the value is increasing in addition to the high demand. Wasatch Hollow's properties are what make the neighborhood so coveted. It's the kind of place you picture classic American avenues lined with trees, detached homes painted white, and children selling lemonade on the sidewalk. Although the median home value is higher than the national average, more expensive homes appear to be listed for sale more frequently. North Logan North Logan, which has about 8,000 residents, is in Cache County. In addition to some of the greatest outdoor pursuits, like camping and fishing, North Logan provides its residents with stunning views of the mountains. North Logan is renowned for its varied economy, close-by recreational opportunities, and lovely surroundings. North Logan's unemployment rate is 2%, which is significantly lower than the national average. By contrast, the cost of living is approximately 7% greater than the average for the country. Considering the views of the mountains you'll get from home, this is still an amazing choice! North Logan is easily one of the best places to live in Utah. Farmington In Utah, Farmington is a small city home to about 18,000 people. You can engage in many outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, and fishing, while in Farmington. Moreover, Farmington is home to some of the top public and private schools in the state! One of the best places to live in Utah is Farmington, if you're looking to relocate there for leisure. Farmington is renowned for its lovely surroundings, close-by recreational opportunities, and wonderful climate. Farmington has a 2.5% unemployment rate and a cost of living that is roughly 26% higher than the national average. Cedar Hills Cedar Hills is a quaint and serene suburb located west of Highland. The neighborhood is home to ten thousand one hundred sixty-five people, who take great pride in maintaining the small-town atmosphere they have established. On paper, Cedar Hills is a suburb of Salt Lake City, but it's not. Utah's Cedar Hills is a very family-friendly place with lots of chances to spend quality time with your family. The community is centered around the church, and gatherings based on religious beliefs inspire community members to get together. There are a lot of public schools in Cedar Hills (78 to be exact) and this is one of the best places to live in Utah for young adults. Foothill It should come as no surprise that Foothill/Sunnyside, with a population of a little over a thousand, is Salt Lake City's safest neighborhood. If not by name, everyone recognizes each other by face. Starting a family in this area is becoming increasingly popular for couples. Since this is a Salt Lake City suburb, there are no sacrifices to be made. There are adequate public schools nearby, and there is convenient access to the city for employment from this base as well. Even though the average monthly rent is slightly less than $1,000, purchasing a home demands a more resolute investment because home values are higher than the national average. The selection of properties is superb, ranging from cozy three-bedroom condos to expansive five-bedroom family mansions. North Salt Lake City Given that Salt Lake City is the epicenter of the universe in Utah, it only makes sense to end our list of the best places to live in Utah with a suburb near the center of activity. North Salt Lake is every bit as charming as the other suburbs we've already shown you. This little town of its own has eighteen thousand residents. There are plenty of homes on the market at any given time with views of Rotary Park, and the median home value is reasonable. It appears that North Lake is the preferred location for millennials to purchase their first home, so be sure to return in a few years to see how North Salt Lake does on the list. Eagle Mountain Eagle Mountain, one of Utah's fastest-growing cities, draws young people and families looking for a superior public school system and a peaceful, safe atmosphere south of Salt Lake City. With 50 square miles, the city offers easy access to open spaces and outdoor recreation, as well as 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. Developers are also continuing to build new homes despite the low real estate inventory. Eagle Mountain's median sale price is $480,000. "You have everything from ranchette properties to mountainside homes with amazing views of Utah Lake, Cedar Valley, and the Wasatch Mountains, to carefree living in beautiful townhome and condominium communities," said Connie Elliott, a realtor. Draper The primary attraction of Draper is its thousands of acres of open spaces and protected land, which makes it a sanctuary for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. The city is renowned for its growing cultural scene and family-friendly amenities. The Point, a multi-billion-dollar mixed-use development with hotels, a retail promenade along the Jordan River, thousands of housing units, offices, and green spaces with hiking trails, one of the most significant real estate developments in Utah, was recently given the green light by Draper's government. Wrapping Up Utah provides a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year, with five national parks serving as highlights. Utah, which the U.S. Census Bureau listed as one of the states with the fastest growth, is a significant hub for government services, mining, information technology, and cattle ranching. Provo, West Jordan, Ogden, and Salt Lake City are among the best places to live in Utah. Utah's top universities include Utah State, Weber State, Utah and Brigham Young. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best places to live in Utah, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: A Guide To Adventure And Nature: The Best Things To Do In Moab Utah For Outdoor Enthusiasts Washington State Bucket List: 6 Amazing Attractions You Can’t Miss From Museums To Parks: The Top Attractions In St George Utah

BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   https://www.instagram.com/p/BWatGdVFuis/ Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath got ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields”  in the earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmZYDdAA_r/ Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must attend the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwfdMYlr-0/ To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex holocene activities and geomorphic preservations keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park, and the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0EhpdLsJ5/ It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of Brook Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea about the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Bald Eagle American Wigeon Northern Pintail Rough-legged Hawk Marsh Hawk Mammals Caribou Wolverine Muskox Snowshoe Hare Moose Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear Beaver Arctic Fox American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish Longnose Sucker Salmon* Northern Pike Alaska Blackfish Alaska Whitefish Humpback Whitefish Alaskan Stickleback Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdjyOBl_Lw/ Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjboNfsc4Y/ Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization or CUA for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!