Nothing illustrates the enduring corrosive power of water more than river canyons. Carving their way through solid rocks, sometimes over millions of years, the rivers slowly create these incredible and expansive natural sculptures.
This list includes the largest formations on the planet. Choosing them as the largest is controversial, because the ones that are the largest must be measured in length, depth and total area. In addition, some canyons in the Himalayas are not available for research and therefore are not included in the selection.
TOP-10 includes:
Tara river canyon
Located in Montenegro. This is a canyon of the Tara River, which flows deep enough for this depression to be called the deepest river gorge in all of Europe. At its deepest point, the canyon reaches 1,300 meters.
Located in the Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon is protected by UNESCO as part of its World heritage... Surely, even from the highest peaks, you can clearly hear the thunderous sound of more than 40 waterfalls plunging into this amazing canyon, which reaches a length of 82 kilometers.
Blyde River Canyon
Is located in South Africa... The Blyde River Canyon in South Africa is not the largest on Earth, but it really has every chance of being called green. Its average depth is 762 meters, the gorge is 26 kilometers long and is covered with lush subtropical vegetation, which definitely adds to its charm.
The deepest part of the canyon, from the top of Mount Maripskop down to the mouth - 1372 meters. The Blyde River Canyon is home to some of the most incredible African landscapes. The canyon is filled with amazing fauna, including all five species of South African primates.
Copper Canyon - Mexico
To be precise, this canyon is located near the Chihuahua, and it is not the only one - there are six canyons, which together form the Copper Canyon. Barranca del Cobre, as it is called in Spanish after the green and copper-red hue of its walls.
The deepest canyon in the system, Barranca de Urique, is 1,879 meters deep. Copper Canyon is rich in wildlife, but unfortunately, many species are now endangered due to deforestation.
Cotahuashi Canyon - Peru
Cotahuasi Canyon in its deepest place drops sharply to a depth of 3535 meters. It was carved by the Cotahuashi River between two mountain ranges - Coropuna and Solimana. The landscape surrounding Cotahuashi Canyon is spectacular and remote.
Colca Canyon - Peru
The second Peruvian canyon on the list is Colca Canyon. With a depth of 4160 meters, it is an imposing geographic wonder of southern Peru. It is one of the deepest canyons in the world, if not the deepest of all.
Colca Canyon is twice the depth of Arizona's Grand Canyon and is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Peru. Colca Canyon is famous not only for its beautiful landscapes; it is also home to several famous species of birds and mammals.
In addition, there are excavation sites in the valley dating back about 6,000 years. There are hot springs where you can relax and unwind and the Infiernillo Geyser. More than 120,000 tourists visit these places per year.
River Fish Canyon - Namibia
This giant river channel meanders over the plateau for more than 160 kilometers. The canyon is rocky, but despite this it remains a popular tourist destination, and all thanks to its incredible scenery. The gorge itself is about 550 meters deep, and in some places it stretches 27 kilometers wide.
Although the River Fish Canyon is divided into shallow basins most of the time, in late summer travelers have the opportunity to witness flash floods. Every year, the canyon hosts a marathon that tests runners with its extremely challenging road conditions.
Grand Canyon - USA
This canyon, contrary to popular belief, is not the largest in the world - it is the most famous canyon on the planet. It reaches a depth of 1828 meters, and its length is 445 kilometers.
This majestic place is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Now the Grand Canyon is visited by about five million people a year, tourists from all over the world come.
Kali Gendeki Gorge - Nepal
The Kali River, which made its way through the Kali Gendeki Gorge in Nepal, is even older than the high Himalayan mountain range that surrounds it. The river is named after the Hindu goddess Kali; and its waters are black and gloomy from glacial silt.
The exact depth of the giant Kali Gendeki Gorge is debated because not everyone agrees on the height of its edge. However, if the depth were measured from the highest peaks on both sides and down to the river, it would be the deepest canyon in the world with a depth of approximately 6800 meters.
Valley Caperti - Australia
This majestic canyon is the largest in Australia and is known for its rugged landscape and high sandstone escarpments. Due to its age, the Caperti Valley is not as deep as some of the other canyons on this list, but it makes up for its lack of depth with its size.
The Caperti Valley is 1 kilometer wider and as much longer than the Grand Canyon. Starting from its source, the Caperti River cuts its way through the Triassic rock, which dates back to millions of years. The indigenous people of Virajuri have a very extensive history on this land, as shown in their 2,000-year-old rock art.
Grand Canyon Yarlung Tsangpo - Tibet
High in the Himalayas, starting near the sacred Mount Keilash, the mighty canyon ends near the Brahmaputra River in northern India. With an average depth of 4,876 meters around the Namcha Barwa Mountains and a maximum depth of 6,009 meters, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is often considered the deepest canyon on Earth.
It is not only the depth of Yarlung Tsangpo that is impressive; this vast canyon also stretches 240 kilometers across the spectacular Tibetan landscape. The river that flows through this canyon is known to kayakers for its difficult nature, which earned it its nickname "Everest River".
THE LARGEST CANYONS ON EARTH
Nothing demonstrates the power and capabilities of water like a river canyon. Carving canyons through solid rock over millions of years, rivers slowly create these incredibly beautiful natural wonders. The long and deep canyons on this list are striking in their beauty. Some, like the Grand Canyon of Arizona, are famous. Others, like Yarlung in Tibet, are less famous. However, each of them has its own unique characteristics. Let's dive into our first canyon ...
Tara River Canyon in Montenegro
We begin our survey from the winding Tara Canyon in Montenegro, which is the deepest river gorge in all of Europe. At its deepest point, the canyon reaches 1,300 meters, thanks to the Tara River, which created it. Located in the Durmitor National Park, the canyon is protected and under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Organization. Even from the highest peaks, you will hear the thunderous sound of more than 40 cascades plunging into this amazing 82 km long canyon.
Blyde Canyon in South Africa
The Blyde River Canyon in South Africa may not be the largest on Earth, but it is considered one of the greenest. With an average depth of 762 meters, this 26 km long gorge is covered with rich subtropical vegetation. The deepest part of the canyon at Mount Maripskop reaches 1,372 meters. The most incredible views in South Africa can be seen from the rim of the Blyde River Canyon - it is even possible to see Mozambique from one point. In addition to the stunning species, you will be glad to know that this canyon is also rich in fauna, including all five species of South African primates.
Barranca del Cobre
The Copper Canyon in Mexico, or Barranca del Cobre, is located near Chihuahua. It includes as many as six canyons and is named after the copper-red hue of its walls. The six rivers responsible for creating these amazing valleys flow into the Sea of \u200b\u200bCortez as part of the Rio Fuerte. The deepest canyon in the system, the Barranca de Uric, is 1,879 meters deep. Copper Canyon is rich in wildlife, but unfortunately many species are now endangered due to deforestation. Hopefully, something will be done to help these animals before the canyon loses one of its most important features.
Cotahuasi canyon
This list will include several canyons from Peru, including Cotahuasi, which plummets to 3,535 meters at its deepest point. The canyon is carved by the Kotahuasi River between two mountain ranges, Koropun and Solimana. These places are very remote from civilization and if you want to visit them, you will have to spend 12 hours on the way. However, while it can be inconvenient for tourists, it is very good in terms of flora and fauna conservation.
Colca Canyon in Peru
The second Peruvian canyon on our list is Colca. With an awe-inspiring height of 4,160 meters, this wonder is located in southern Peru. Kolka is one of the deepest canyons in the world, if not the deepest. It is twice the depth of Arizona's Grand Canyon, and it is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Peru. Colca Canyon, besides many beautiful species, is also home to the Andean Condor, and many other famous species of birds and mammals. In addition, the valley has an excavation site dating back about 6,000 years, a hot spring for bathing and the Infernillo Geyser. Add to this the lush green stepped terraces of the Incas, and it becomes clear why this area receives 120,000 tourists annually.
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is the largest in Africa. This giant river channel meanders 160 km across the plateau. The canyon is rocky and is a popular destination for its stunning scenery. The gorge itself is only 550 meters deep, but in some places it extends 27 km wide. Although the Fish River at the base of the Canyon spends most of the year divided into shallow pools, flash floods occur at the end of the summer season. Every year, a marathon is held in the canyon, testing runners in extreme conditions. This is definitely not a place for the faint-hearted.
Grand Canyon in Arizona
It is not the largest canyon in the world as many people think, but the Grand Canyon in Arizona is without doubt the most famous. 1,828 meters deep and 445 kilometers long, this majestic site is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Geologists are still debating how the Grand Canyon was formed. The most current theory is that 17 million years ago, the Colorado River gradually began to shorten its path through the rocks, continuing to widen and deepen the channel, creating its present shape. This canyon sculpting accelerated during the ice ages. During this time, the amount of water increased, which helped to destroy the canyon even faster. Today, approximately five million people visit the Grand Canyon annually, arriving from all over the world.
Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal
The Kali Gandaki River makes its way through the gorge of the same name in Nepal. It is even more ancient than the high Himalayan mountain range that surrounds the canyon. The river is named after the Hindu goddess Kali, and its waters are colored black due to the presence of glacial silt. The exact depth of the giant gorge is still debated because there is no agreement on the height of its rim yet. However, if depth were measured from the highest peaks on either side to the river below, it would be the deepest canyon in the world with a depth of approximately 6,800 meters.
Capty Valley in Australia
Depart for the Capty Valley in New South Wales, Australia. This majestic canyon is the largest in Australia and is known for its high sandstone escarpments. Due to its age, the Valley is not as deep as some of the other canyons on this list, but it makes up for this in its sheer size. Capty is wider and about 1 km longer than the Grand Canyon. At the base of the valley is the Capty River, carving its way through a Triassic rock that dates back millions of years. The indigenous people of Virajuri have a very extensive history in this land, with several thousand years of mining. Ancient treasures were repeatedly found here - diamonds from abandoned mines dug in the slopes of the mountain.
Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon
High in the Himalayas, near the sacred Mount Kailash, a mighty canyon opposes the Brahmaputra River in northern India. With an average depth of 4,876 meters and a maximum depth of 6,009 meters, Yarlung Tsangpo is often considered the deepest canyon on Earth. And not only is the depth of the canyon impressive, but the length of 240 km across the breathtaking Tibetan landscape. The river is popular with canoeists, who named it "Everest among the rivers" for its extreme conditions.
There are many places on Earth that amaze not only with their beauty, but also with their grandeur. One of the most amazing natural phenomena is the canyons. For millions of years, river flows eroded the land, forming deep gorges.Over time, the rivers dried up, and in their place were canyons. The deepest canyons in the world are not only amazingly beautiful places, but also unique ecosystems with rare birds and animals living in them.
Tara river canyon, Montenegro
Length: 80 km. Depth: 1300 m.
This canyon impresses observers with its scope, namely: almost 2 kilometers deep and 82 kilometers long. This is the largest canyon in Europe, it is famous for its amazing nature, unique monuments and educational sightseeing tours including rafts. The canyon is located on the territory of the Durmitor National Park, therefore it invariably attracts the attention of adherents of ecotourism. The Tara River and the canyon formed by it received their name in honor of the ancient Illyrian tribe that once lived in these places. The Tara River is one of the main attractions of the country, it has an unusual cascade structure and along its length has more than 40 significant differences in height.
The water in the river is crystal clear, you can safely drink it.
There is a road along the canyon that connects the north and south of Montenegro; this 80 km section of the road is considered the most dangerous place in the Balkans. The road passes from one side to the other of the canyon, sometimes so narrow that oncoming buses and trucks pass them in turn. In the narrowest places, the mountains approach from both sides so close that there is a feeling of being pinched, given their height, little sunlight gets to the bottom of the canyon. During the rain, picturesque waterfalls flow down from the mountains, introducing another danger, rockfalls on the road. Pines miraculously grow on the walls of the canyon, complementing the unreal picture.
Among the outstanding natural attractions of the canyon are the beautiful Bajlović Sige waterfall, as well as the amazing Crna Poda forest, which has preserved its pristine beauty. In 1940, the construction of the Djurdzhevich Bridge was completed over the canyon, a gorgeous panoramic view gorges and surrounding landscapes.
Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Lenght: 26 km. Depth: 1372 m.
Blyde River Canyon, located in South Africa, is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the banks of the Blyde River are covered with lush vegetation. This makes the canyon the largest green gorge existing on Earth. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1372 meters. The majestic gorge is one of the most amazing landmarks in South Africa. Tourists are happy to visit the canyon, on the territory of which you can admire the fantastic African landscapes.
The development of the canyon by man began more than 100,000 years ago; in ancient times, the valley was home to the Swazi tribes. During the exploration of the canyon, scientists discovered rock paintings, as well as the remains of ancient people who died in inter-tribal warriors.
Currently, the main inhabitants of the canyon are animals, including primates, who have chosen the local forests, and rare kudu antelopes, which are attracted by picturesque green meadows. It is also worth noting that there are wild animals in the canyon, including leopards, so it is not recommended to admire its picturesque landscapes without a guide. A century and a half ago, gold mining began in the canyon, inspired prospectors continuously stayed here for almost a hundred years, gradually the gold deposits dried up, only the harmonious beauty of the gorge remained unchanged.
The canyon is incredibly beautiful: rising to a height of 1372 meters, its walls drop abruptly to the bottom of the river, revealing a view of a 450-meter waterfall and the "God's Window" plateau.
Copper Canyon, Mexico
Depth: 1830 m.
Among the deepest canyons in the world is a complex of 6 gorges called the Copper Canyon. It is located in Mexico, in the eponymous national park... The maximum depth of the canyon is 1879 meters. The canyon got its name from the Spaniards, who took the rocks overgrown with moss and lichen for copper ore.
The gorge complex is a unique ecosystem. It is home to many rare animal species and over 290 bird species.
Him National park is a chain of separate and connected canyons and gorges formed by six rivers. Many tourists have the opportunity to observe the canyon, moving by train on railroad "El Chepe", rising to a height of over 2,400 meters.
Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru
Depth: 3535 m.
One of the deepest canyons on Earth is Kotausi Canyon. Its depth reaches 3535 meters. It is located in Peru between two mountain ranges: Solimana and Koropuna, and is formed by the Kotausi River. It is not so easy to see the canyon - it is located in places far from civilization. Despite the inaccessibility, the canyon is very popular with tourists. In the vicinity of Kotausi, there are underground hot springs and waterfalls. One of the most large waterfalls, Sipia, 250 meters high.
Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the canyon can be translated as "home for everyone"; during the colonial period, many miniature settlements and mountain villages were founded on the slopes of the gorge. The Spanish colonialists also built bullfighting arenas here, some of which have survived to our times. Calata is considered one of the most picturesque villages.Among its main architectural attractions are the ancient cemeteries of Barrancas de Tenajaja. No less attractive is the village of Lucio, on the territory of which there are healing thermal springs.
In the vicinity of the canyon, there are several mountain villages, whose inhabitants are engaged in traditional crafts such as making carpets and alpaca wool. Having visited the Kotausi canyon, you can not only admire the wonderful view from the observation deck, but also do active leisure activities: kayaking, paragliding, mountain climbing.
The peculiarity of the Peruvian canyon is in its "sharpness", just like that, unexpectedly, it collapses more than three thousand meters down. This is the dictate of the whimsical fantasy of the Cotahuasi River, running between two majestic mountain ranges.
Colca Canyon, Peru
Depth: 3400 m. Length: 100 km.
Colca Canyon is located in Peru. The depth of this canyon is 3,400 meters. It is located 180 kilometers from Arequipa, a Peruvian city, and was formed during the high seismic activity of the Sabancaya and Ualka volcanoes. The location of the canyon is also quite unusual, it is located in the Andes, at an altitude of 3,260 meters above sea level.
Colca Canyon is considered an ideal destination for rafting and mountain biking enthusiasts.
It is believed that the name of the canyon translates as "grain barn". In ancient times, the Inca tribe cultivated agricultural crops in this area - this is evidenced by the terraces that exist here to this day.
The canyon attracts not only tourists, but also rafters, lovers of cycling in the mountains.
Many travelers, while visiting the canyon, tend to get to the Sangaye region. On its territory there is a unique plateau with a tropical climate - a real tropical oasis with palm trees, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. It is best to explore the picturesque places of the canyon accompanied by a guide; the danger of collapses remains in the gorge. While walking along the most picturesque places of the canyon, you should definitely look into one of the picturesque Andean villages; small mountain settlements can be found on both sides of the gorge.
Colca Canyon is interesting not only for the beauty of the environment, but also for the fact that you can observe condors here. The largest bird of prey, the condor, has chosen the Colca Canyon as its habitat. Its wingspan can reach 3.3 meters. To admire these majestic birds and the surrounding natural beauty, the canyon is equipped with several excellent viewing platforms, including La Cruz del Condor.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Lenght: 161 km. Depth: 550 m.
Fish in the River Canyon in Namibia, the largest canyon in Africa. The unusual name of this canyon is reinforced by its unique beauty: it is incredibly spectacular in visualization, as this giant river channel meanders along the plateau for more than 160 kilometers. The gorge itself is about 550 meters deep, and in some places it stretches 27 kilometers in breadth.
The canyon is rocky, but despite this it remains a popular tourist destination, and all thanks to its incredible landscapes. The formation of the canyon occurs continuously, during the rainy season the river is a rapid and seething stream. On the other hand, during a drought period, the river dries up greatly, so small lakes form at the bottom of the canyon.
Although the River Fish Canyon is divided into shallow basins most of the time, in late summer travelers have the opportunity to witness flash floods. Walking along the sandy slopes of the canyon at this time is incredibly dangerous, and getting close to the bottom of the gorge is completely forbidden - it can be flooded at any moment.
Every year, the canyon hosts a marathon that tests runners with its extremely challenging road conditions. The section of the path that must be overcome by runners, not without reason, is considered one of the most difficult in the world, it passes through difficult rough terrain. As one person notes, "This canyon is not for the faint-hearted."
Grand Canyon Colorado, USA
Lenght: 446 km. Depth: 1800 m.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous and largest canyons. This canyon was formed by the Colorado River, which eroded the plateau of the same name for millions of years. The length of the Great Miracle is 446 kilometers, the width, if we take into account the level of the plateau, reaches 29 kilometers, and the depth is an impressive 1,800 meters.
Despite the fact that these modest parameters do not allow the canyon to claim the world championship, it does not cease to be a landmark of world importance and a center of attraction for millions of tourists.
The age of the canyon is about 10 million years, it has been carefully studied by scientists who have discovered many amazing features. One of the oldest canyons on the planet is home to 355 rare bird and 150 animal species, and the Colorado River is home to more than 15 rare fish species. In addition to natural values, archaeological artifacts were also discovered in the canyon - rock paintings, whose age is about 3,000 years.
There are also the reservations of three Indian tribes. The Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual and amazing places in the world. It is one of the most visited places by tourists - about 4 million people come to see the Grand Canyon every year, for which excellent observation platforms are equipped and interesting walking routes have been developed. Cape Royal Point, Bright Angel Point and Imperial Point are considered the most popular viewpoints. Walking the canyon alone is very dangerous, especially along its bottom. A desert hot climate has been established here, cacti grow and many dangerous inhabitants are found, including poisonous spiders and scorpions.
Kali Gandaki Canyon, Nepal
Depth: more than 6000 m.
Among the deepest canyons is the Kali Gandaki canyon. It is located in Nepal. The Kali River was named after the great Hindu goddess, as dark and mysterious as her waters. The exact depth of the Gorge is not yet known, as researchers of the canyon will not come to a consensus about where its edge is. But if you measure the canyon from the very peak, then it could well become the deepest at an altitude of 6,800 meters.
The canyon is framed by the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, whose height is more than 8,000 meters; thousands of travelers come to admire their snow-capped peaks every year. If for tourists these places are of interest, first of all, from a "natural" point of view, then for the indigenous people they have long been considered sacred.
In ancient times, the Kali-Gandak River, flowing through a grandiose gorge, was a trail for transporting goods between Tibet and India. Today, the canyon is one of the attractions of Tibet.
The most daring of the locals regularly go to one of the gorges to find the sacred stones "saligrams" in the murky waters of the river. The latter are indeed quite unusual, they are fossilized fragments of molluscs that lived in the river millions of years ago. These amazing stones in India are more valuable than gold because they have unique healing properties. Travelers will also have the opportunity to devote their leisure time to a dangerous and at the same time interesting event. You can go to the bottom of the gorge only when accompanied by an experienced guide, only local residents know the shortest and relatively easiest paths to the banks of the river. Saligrams are just one of the many mysteries of the Kali Gandaki canyon.
Valley of Caperti, Australia
Lenght: 450 km. Width: 30 km.
This majestic canyon is the largest in Australia and is known for its rugged landscape and high sandstone escarpments. Its valley was formed millions of years ago. Due to its age, the Caperti Valley is not as deep as some of the other canyons on this list, but it makes up for its lack of depth with its size. The canyon is almost 450 kilometers long and about 30 kilometers wide. Starting from its source, the Caperti River cuts its way through the Triassic rock.
The indigenous people of Virajuri have a very extensive history on this land, as shown in their 2,000-year-old rock art. Many ancient treasures have been dug up here - for example, diamonds from abandoned mines dug into the mountainside. One prospector found 77 of the gems in six days!
Walking through the old mines is also unsafe, any strong sound or awkward movement can lead to their collapse. The abandoned mines are far from the only attractive feature of the Caperti Valley; it remains an ideal base for exploring natural attractions and cycling.
Tsangpo Grand Canyon, PRC
Lenght: 500 km. Depth: more than 6000 m.
The deepest canyon on Earth is in Tibet, high in the Himalayas. The greatest depth of the Yarlung Tsangpo canyon is 6009 meters, its length is 504 kilometers. The Tsangpo River, flowing in a grandiose gorge, looks like a small stream from the height of the canyon, its minimum width is 80 meters.
The river is popular with rafters, although rafting on it is considered extreme. The ecosystem of the canyon is unique - lush vegetation here side by side with snow-capped mountain peaks. These places are inaccessible, so the flora and fauna have been preserved in their original form.
it has a very unusual horseshoe shape. The mountains surrounding the canyon are incredibly high, their snow-capped peaks merge with the sky and become barely visible. It is they who attract rock climbing lovers, conquering mountain peakssurrounding the canyon, only great professionals can do it. Among the distinctive features of the Tsangpo canyon, it is also worth highlighting a unique ecosystem, depending on the altitude, the climate varies from arctic to subtropical.
On the southern slope of the canyon, Mount Namjagbarwa is located - the main peak of the Eastern Himalayas, soaring up to 7,782 meters.
The scientific expedition, which was organized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, called this canyon the first in length and the greatest among the deep gorges in the world.
The canyons attract a lot of travelers' attention, especially if they are a grandiose creation of nature. For hundreds of thousands and even millions of years, stormy rivers flowed along the earth, undermining and eroding their channel, gradually sinking lower and lower than the level of the surrounding area - this is how deep canyons were formed. Sometimes the rivers themselves then completely disappear, leaving behind deep dry gorges.
The canyons are distinguished not only by their complex relief, but also by their own ecosystem. In many of them rare species of fauna and flora find shelter, which in other places could not withstand competition. The deepest canyons are not only incredibly picturesque, but they can also be very dangerous. The steep walls of the cliffs are ready to collapse at any moment, a stormy river can flow along the bottom, and dangerous insects or animals can be found below. But all these dangers only fuel the interest of real travelers. What are they, the most beautiful and breathtaking canyons in the world?
Krasnodar Territory is the southernmost and most visited region of Russia. It includes Sochi, Anapa, Gelendzhik, Tuapse. It is not only the sea and the sun that attracts here ...
1. Grand Canyon (USA) , where to stay
.jpg)
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is unrivaled in terms of beauty and world fame. The national park of the same name was formed around it.
The canyon stretches for 446 kilometers, reaching a depth of 1800 meters. The Grand Canyon has long become a world-renowned tourist attraction, where many tourists from all over the world seek to go. Its age is about 10 million years, making it one of the oldest such formations on the planet.
Scientists have comprehensively investigated it and found a lot of interesting things there: 150 species of animals and 355 species of birds live in the canyon, and over 15 species of rare fish in the waters of the river. In addition to interesting living finds, some archaeological finds have been made in the canyon in the form of rock paintings, which are probably 3000 years old.
More than 5 million travelers come to see the Grand Canyon every year. For them, educational walking trails have been developed here and impressive viewing platforms have been equipped, the most interesting of which are Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal Point and Imperial Point. But it is dangerous to walk along the canyon alone, especially to go down to its bottom, since in the local hot desert climate there are many dangerous inhabitants, for example, scorpions and poisonous spiders.
2. Fish River Canyon (Namibia) , where to stay
.jpg)
Fish River Canyon is located in African Namibia. This is a very beautiful natural formation that is in perfect harmony with the environment. The canyon has a length of 161 km with a maximum depth of "only" 550 meters, which is far from the record values \u200b\u200bof other famous canyons. But in terms of beauty, there are not many equal to him in the world. The longest Fish River in Namibia runs along the bottom of the canyon.
The formation of the canyon is actively continuing at the present time, because during the rainy season, the river turns into a rapid, seething stream, sweeping away everything in its path. But during the drought period, the river becomes very shallow, leaving only a chain of small reservoirs at the bottom of the canyon. Therefore, those who prefer a more relaxed vacation tend to get into this canyon during the dry season, but when the rainy season begins, they are replaced by extreme sportsmen. It is very dangerous to explore the sandy slopes of the canyon at this time, the more it is forbidden to even approach the bottom of the gorge, since the river can overflow at any moment.
3. Tiger Leaping Gorge (China) , where to stay
.jpg)
In the southwest of China, on the Yangtze River, there is the Tiger Leaping Gorge. This canyon is only about 15 kilometers long, but it contains a cascade of rapids, squeezed on both sides by mountains, forming almost vertical walls 3000 meters high. From a certain point of view, Tiger Leaping Gorge is the deepest canyon in the world. Moreover, at its narrowest point, it is only 30 meters wide.
4. Verdon Gorge (France) , where to stay
In the mountains of French Provence, there is the Verdon Gorge. The Verdon River has carved its way through the limestone plateau, giving us another wonder of nature. Limestone cliffs along the banks of the river form a gorge 21 kilometers long and 800 meters deep. Along both banks there are highways, between which somewhere far below the Verdogne rages, flowing into the Lac de Saint-Croix reservoir.
This is the largest gorge in Europe, for which it is called the "European Grand Canyon". The river has been working on soft limestones for 25 million years. Closer to the surface, the width of the canyon can reach up to 1500 meters, but at the bottom the river bed sometimes narrows to 6 meters. In 1997, the Verdon Regional Natural Park was organized here to protect the unique gorge.
5. Antelope Canyon (USA) , where to stay
.jpg)
About 240 kilometers from the famous Grand Canyon on the Colorado River, there is another similar object - Antelope Canyon. It is located on the territory of the Navajo reservation, so those wishing to get here need to pay a fee and move on with a guide. The canyon is conventionally divided into upper and lower sections, in both you can see very beautiful rock formations that photographers love to shoot. The lucky ones who come here can walk between sandstone rocks, through the narrow cracks between which sunlight barely breaks through, giving the area an aura of mystery.
Antelope Canyon has a slightly different history of appearance. The bizarrely shaped sandstone cliffs that everyone admires today are the result of the work of atmospheric precipitation. And nowadays, every year during the rainy season, Antelope Canyon changes a lot. It becomes available for visits only after the rainy season ends. The rocks forming the gorge have a reddish-red color, reminiscent of the color of one of the antelope species, hence the name of the canyon.
6. Waimea Canyon (Kauai, USA) , where to stay
.jpg)
The large-scale Waimea Canyon is 16 km long and 900 m deep, and it is located in the western part of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. It arose after a tropical rainstorm that overflowed the Waimea River, which cut a passage in Mount Waialeale. This is the largest canyon in the water area The Pacific, it is even called the "miniature Grand Canyon".
The geology of the canyon is closely related to volcanism - it cuts through the layered cake of basaltic lava flows, which proves that the island was born by an unstable tectonic zone, in which lithospheric plates have repeatedly shifted. The eastern and western sides of the canyon are separated by a huge gap, into which a significant part of the island fell. That is, there are two reasons for the emergence of this canyon: the usual erosion and a powerful volcanic eruption, which once created the island itself.
When a tourist is going to go to travel to any country, then it is useful for him to think over the plan of his movements in advance and choose those s ...
7. Samaria Gorge (Crete, Greece) , where to stay
.jpg)
In Crete, not far from the city of Chania, there is the Samaria Gorge, the largest in Europe. It is located on the territory of a nature reserve, which can be visited from late spring to mid-autumn - before the snow falls in the mountains. Length tourist route here 16 km, it passes under the rays of the merciless sun, along boulders, stairs, rocky forest paths, which requires the tourist to be in appropriate physical shape. The route starts on the southwestern side of the island, in the middle of the Lefka Ori mountain range, and then descends almost to the Mediterranean coast. The total height difference reaches 1300 meters.
8. Colca Canyon (Peru) , where to stay
.jpg)
This canyon is one of the deepest on our planet, its depth reaches an incredible 3,400 meters! Its length is over 100 km, which makes Kolka also one of the largest. At the same time, the canyon itself climbed high into the Andes - to a height of 3,260 meters. The nature in the canyon area is unique, the largest bird of prey in the world in our time, the condor, lives here, whose wingspan can reach 3.3 m.
To admire the beauty of the local nature and the soaring of condors in the sky, there are several observation platforms in the canyon, for example, La Cruz del Condor. Many tourists who come here tend to find themselves in the Sangaye region, on the territory of which there is a plateau with a real tropical climate. Heat-loving palms look very impressive against the background of snow-capped mountain peaks.
9. Copper Canyon (Mexico) , where to stay
.jpg)
The Copper Canyon is located in Mexico and is a system of 6 small gorges at once, which form a single natural formation. The name of the canyon is not accidental, but reflects its most important distinctive feature - its slopes have a rich copper-red hue. In some places, they were overgrown with green moss, so the Spanish colonizers who came here at first took all this for a copper deposit.
Tourists love to walk along the steep mountain slopes in the Copper Canyon area, and some of them were lucky enough to see local predators of rare species during the walk. But for the same reason, unaccompanied walks are prohibited in some corners of the canyon.
The difference in altitude in the Copper Canyon reaches 1870 meters, which gives a chance to simultaneously observe the snow-covered peaks of the mountains and subtropical forests at its bottom, in which life rages. More than 30% of the Mexican fauna live on in a small area of \u200b\u200bthe canyon. The rare now Mexican wolf, cougar and black bear live in dense forests. And the local flora is even richer - there are more than a thousand species of it.
What has wonderful Italy given to the world? It is home to a huge number of famous scientists and brilliant artists, it is home to most of the ...
10. Taroko Gorge (China) , where to stay
.jpg)
Taroko Gorge is also called the Marble Gorge, because there are large layers of this noble stone. The canyon has a length of 19 kilometers, and it is located on the east coast of Taiwan, north of Hualien. This part of the island rose as a result of the collision of the Eurasian tectonic plate with the Philippine one. About 100 million years ago, the tremendous pressure that formed this area compressed the limestone rocks, turning them into marble. And the Livu River then for a long time and persistently made its way through the marble, as a result of which people can now admire the magnificent Taroko Gorge.
It is only 60 kilometers from the Pacific coast from here, but the local mountain peaks are the highest on the island, rising to 3400 meters. Until the middle of the last century, the only trail passed along the canyon, and now a narrow mountain road meanders along its walls along with the relief.
11. Royal Canyon (Australia) , where to stay
.jpg)
In the center of the Australian mainland, 323 km from the city of Alice Springs, there is the magnificent Royal Canyon. In some places its walls are up to 300 meters high, and the length is more than two kilometers. In the past, it was the sacred land of the Aborigines, but now the canyon has become a popular tourist attraction. An asphalt track was built here only about 20 years ago.
12. Todra Gorge (Morocco) , where to stay
.jpg)
In Morocco, in the east of the Atlas Mountains, near the city of Tingir, two rivers - Dades and Todra cut a narrow gorge in the rocks, which occupied the last 40 kilometers of the river channel through the mountains.
15 kilometers from Tinghir, the canyon takes on a particularly intricate shape. For 600 meters, the canyon walls converge at a distance of no more than 10 meters, this gap is limited by smooth side walls 160 meters high. Those who have visited the gorge with delight describe how during the day these walls that go into the sky change their shades.
On the bottom of the gorge, the icy waters of the river flow, which was once more full-flowing, which can be understood by the size of the canyon, washed out in solid rocks. Since those immemorial times, the river has almost dried up, turning into a barely noticeable glacial stream.
Canyons are a prime example of the powerful corrosive power of water. For millions of years water streams have carved their way through the earth and rocks, slowly creating an unprecedented miracle of nature - a “bottomless” river valley with a narrow bottom and steep vertical slopes. The deepest canyon in the world, Yarlung Tsangpo, is located in Tibet. It is about him and about 9 of his "brothers" we will talk about in today's article.
The deepest canyon on the planet is located in the Tibetan Himalayas. The gorge covered with fog is called the last geographic secret of the Earth. Its greatest depth is 6009 meters, its length is about 500 km. It was thoroughly examined only in 1994. Everything that was known about him before sounded too fantastic.
The canyon has an unusual horseshoe shape. He is surrounded highest mountains with snow-white peaks that merge with the sky blue, becoming almost invisible. They often attract beginner climbers, but only professionals can submit.
The path of the Tsangpo River lies along the canyon. Its smallest width is 80 meters, but from the height of the mountain peaks it looks like a barely visible thread. Rafting on the river is considered quite difficult, but this does not prevent it from being popular among rafters.
The canyon has a special ecosystem, where snow-capped peaks coexist with blooming vegetation. The diversity of flora and fauna is due to the presence of several habitats:
- Below, warm air dominates, comfortable for many representatives of the flora;
- Above, in difficult mountain conditions, there are absolutely different animals and vegetation, adapted to a lack of oxygen and low temperatures.
Kali Gandaki is ranked 2nd in the ranking of the deepest canyons in the world. It is located in Nepal. The depth is 6 thousand meters. The name of the gorge comes from the name of the Hindu goddess Kali, who personifies the power of natural forces. Locals consider the canyon sacred. Every year it is visited by a lot of pilgrims, who are attracted here by sanctuaries and miracles of nature: for example, burning stones.
The canyon is surrounded by huge mountains, towering 8 thousand meters. The difference in elevation forms a variety of landscapes. At a level of 3 km, among the lifeless mountain slopes, you can find small villages, whose residents harvest twice a year from local oases. Shrines located on the mountain slopes and inaccessible villages give this place a touch of antiquity and mystery.
The canyon, slightly more than 3.5 km deep, is located far from civilized places, between a pair of rock systems: Koropuna and Solimana (Peru). It is very popular with travelers.
A lot of hot underground springs are concentrated on its territory. There are also several waterfalls: for example, Sipia, which rises to 250 meters. There are several villages on the territory of the gorge, whose inhabitants create unique things from alpaca wool.
The canyon is equipped with a comfortable viewing platform, allowing you to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the surroundings. Are engaged here and active rest: paragliding, boating, conquering mountain slopes and peaks.
Located in Peru. It is considered one of the most visited places in the state. Depth - 3.4 km. The first people to settle in Kolka were representatives of the original tribes of the pre-Inca era. Here they managed to create an intricate system of agricultural plots with an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 10 thousand hectares. The name of the gorge is translated as “grain barn”.
Formed from the activity of the volcanoes Ualka and Sabankaya. Hundreds of tourists flock to the canyon, attracted by:
- Unique views from unprecedented heights;
- Incredible nature;
- Colorful settlements.
At one of the highest points of Colca, the Cruz del Condor observation platform is formed. It allows you to see the “masters of the Andes”, the largest birds on the planet, the condors, from the closest possible distance.
The canyon is famous for its comfortable hotels near the hot springs. After a hard walk, tourists will find impeccable service and a quiet rest in a pool with natural water.
One of the most attractive and deepest canyons on the planet is formed by 2 mountain clusters in the southwest of the Middle Kingdom. Its depth is 3 thousand meters. It owes its name to the myth of a powerful tiger, which, hiding from its pursuers, jumped the seething river of the canyon in just 2 huge jumps.
For a long time, the gorge was absolutely impassable. All research attempts ended tragically. And only in 1986, luck favored another scientific group, and in 1993 the gorge was officially opened for visiting foreign tourists. Today the canyon is famous among hikers and rafting fans.
Sulak canyon
The 6th place in the list of the deepest canyons is occupied by the Dagestan Sulak Gorge, surrounded by the Salatau and Gimrinsky mountain ranges. The depth is 1.92 km. It is considered one of the most attractive local attractions.
Climbing the plateau, you can admire the delightful panorama of the Sulak River and the many hydroelectric power plants installed on it. It is worth remembering that the gorge is not equipped with handrails, viewing platforms and fences, so it is very dangerous to be at the very top.
Copper canyon
This is the name of the system of six gorges, spread out in the eponymous state park of Mexico. The deepest is 1.87 km, the smallest is 1 km. It was named by the Spanish discoverers who confused the moss-covered rocks with copper ore.
Travelers experience very strong feelings when they find themselves in the area of \u200b\u200bdangerous deep gorges, stretching in the middle of a hot wasteland and connected by 6 picturesque rivers. One of the railway lines passes here, and trains make a planned stop for viewing the scenery.
The slopes of the canyon are strewn with small caves and huts, inhabited by 60 thousand Indians. Their life is not much different from the life of their ancestors. As before, they:
- Subsistence farming;
- Grow vegetables;
- Wear traditional clothing;
- They perform ritual dances;
- Use messengers to communicate with neighboring tribes.
Tourists can buy souvenirs and household items from the Indians, live in their camp and join the ancient traditions of the tribes.
Located in the American District of Colorado, in the park of the same name. Depth - 1.6 km. One of the most unique and beautiful parts of the planet. Prized for the proportional combination of depth, size and layering of rock formations created over billions of years of weathering and decomposition of rocks.
The Grand Canyon is a unique structure representing 4 geological zones. Its bottom is lined with ancient granite rocks, which decay much more slowly than newly formed ones.
The brownish-red river waters rushing along the canyon at an impressive speed roll huge boulders, small pebbles, sand and clay. The state park that houses the Grand Canyon includes several zones of forest and wasteland. Fauna and flora are composed of:
- 1.5 thousand types of vegetation;
- 355 species of birds;
- 89 mammals;
- 47 species of reptiles;
- Several species of fish and amphibians.
The climate depends on the altitude: at the top about 15 0 C, below, surrounded by burning stones, the temperature reaches 40 0 \u200b\u200bC.
Located in southern Africa. The depth is 1372 meters. It is one of the most amazing and majestic gorges in South Africa. The steep slopes of the Blyde River are not lifeless, and are littered with a mass of lush subtropical plants.
Among the most majestic sections of the canyon are:
- "Burka's Holes of Fortune" - huge cylindrical deepened, knocked out in the soil by whirlpools and waterfalls;
- Three Rondavels - sandy round rocks that resemble traditional aboriginal dwellings;
- The Eye of God is a spectacular place known from one of the feature films.
The tenth deepest canyon in the world is the Tara River Canyon, 1.3 km deep. Located in Montenegro. It is famous for its amazing nature, interesting excursion tours, historical monuments.
One of the local attractions is the Djurdzhevich Bridge over the Tara - the cleanest river in Europe. In the summertime, the canyon attracts many rafters, in winter - lovers of alpine skiing.
