Canyon with Spanish translated as “gorge, pipe.” This is a fairly deep river valley with steep, sheer slopes and a narrow bottom. As a rule, the latter is completely occupied by the river bed. This is an amazingly beautiful miracle of nature that has been created over millions of years.

Before we find out in which country the deepest canyon is located, we will present a brief overview of the six largest and grandest. Among them, the most famous are the Grand Canyon, Colca and Blyde.

The most impressive canyons in the world

• Charyn Canyon (Kazakhstan) stretches for 154 kilometers along the river of the same name. It is located 195 km east of Almaty, not far from Chinese border. The peculiarity of this natural miracle is that it preserves a relict species of Sogdian ash. There is a whole grove here that survived the glaciation era.
• Waimea (USA) in the Hawaiian Islands is a large canyon located in the west of the island. Kauai. It was formed as a result of heavy rains and the subsequent flood of the Waimea River, which, with the force of its waters, washed the canyon through Mount Waialeale. Of all the gorges located in the Pacific Ocean, Waimea is the largest. It is often called the Grand Canyon in miniature.

• Colca Canyon (Peru) is located in the Andes mountain range. For a long time, the Colca Valley was one of the most poorly studied areas in Peru. More detailed information about it great place can be found just below.
• The Blyde River Canyon (Africa, South Africa, Mpubalanga) was formed thanks to the efforts of the river of the same name, which for millions of years cut a gorge through red sandstones. Its length was 26 kilometers, and its depth was approximately 1400 meters. Now the walls of this colorful canyon are huge sandy rocks with a conical roof, similar to giant traditional African huts.

Many people want to see with their own eyes the most beautiful place in the world. Let's take a closer look at the most remarkable gorges.

Canyons USA

On the territory of this country there are many creations of nature that are impressive in their beauty and grandeur.

The amazingly beautiful Grand Canyon could rightfully be represented as the deepest canyon in the world. Since 1979 it has been included in the UNESCO list. More than 4 million people visit the gorge every year.

Fascinating and attractive with its unusualness, it is also located in (USA). The gorge received its exotic name because of the reddish-red shades of the walls, strongly reminiscent of the color of animal skin. The peculiarity of this place is that in the photo the colors of the canyon landscapes do not always correspond to the true picture. Moreover, photographs can look much more beautiful than the real picture. Only in photographs can one see the blue tones of twilight shadows, and, in all likelihood, this is due to some properties of the human brain.

Kolka (the deepest canyon in the world): description

This gorge is 2 times deeper than the Grand Canyon (more about it below), but its slopes are less steep.

River valley Colca has long been one of the most poorly studied areas of Peru. There are a lot of rumors about this canyon. interesting legends. This place was called romantically: the Valley of Miracles and Fire, the Lost Valley of the Incas. Today this area is known as the location of the deepest canyon in the world - Kolka. The views of picturesque natural landscapes with giant terraces of the great Andes mountains, ledges descending to the river, are breathtaking and impress with their splendor and romance.

The deepest canyon in the world is more than 2 times deeper than the Grand Canyon. It is a staggering 4,160 meters deep. There is another significant difference from the North American gorge - the walls of Kolka are flatter, which does not detract from the merits of this wonderful splendor of nature.

It is worth noting that the condor, which is the national pride of the Peruvians, soaring above this deep gorge looks great against the backdrop of gloomy rocks. It is no coincidence that one of ancient names mysterious mountainous vast spaces - the territory of the condor.

The largest canyon: interesting facts from history

What are the largest canyons in the world? A grandiose gorge is considered a natural creation on the Colorado River ( Northern part center of Arizona) in the USA. Its length is 446 kilometers, width - 16 km, and depth - 1600 meters. It stretches from the Grand Wash Cliffs Canyon to Marble Gorge.

It was first discovered by the Anasazi Indians, who lived here thousands of years ago. Around the 20s of the 16th century, conquistadors from Spain came here in search of gold, but they bypassed this terrible gorge. Apparently, they gave the name to this natural structure. In Spanish, “canyon” means “chimney.”

The Spanish missionary Garces entered the canyon in 1776 with the goal of converting the Havasupai Indians to Christianity. The locals were in no hurry to accept this faith, despite the warm welcome of the guest, and they still believe in their gods. However, Father Garces managed to leave his mark here: he gave the name to the local river - Colorado (translated from Spanish as “colored”).

Since 1919, when the Grand Canyon was declared a national park, approximately 100 million tourists have visited these places. In 1979, the deepest canyon in the world was included in the UNESCO list of world significance sites.

Sulak Canyon

The Sulak Canyon, located in the Republic of Dagestan, can rightfully be considered the most beautiful and grandiose gorge in Russia. And the reservoir that arose here is very popular place among researchers and tourists. This creation of nature is an unsurpassed proof of its beauty and grandeur.

This gorge originates where the river. Sulak cuts through the mountains in sandstones and limestones, separating Salatau from the Gimrinsky ridge. The length of the canyon is 53 kilometers. The majestic natural structure is reminiscent of the Kola Gorge - the deepest canyon in the world. In Dagestan, the depth of the Sulak gorge is 1920 meters, and its length is slightly inferior to the American one.

The peculiarity of the Dagestan canyon is that it actually consists of 3 gorges, connected by small extensions alternating one after another. The main one is 18 km long, and the Miatlinsky and Chirkeysky canyons are slightly smaller.

More about one of the deepest gorge

We found out what the deepest canyon in the world is. But there is another place on earth that claims a similar title.

In Tibet there is Yarlung Tsangpo, the deepest part of which is 6009 meters. It is located high in the Himalayas, on the territory of the sacred river of Northern India, the Brahmaputra, flowing there with an average depth of 4876 m. Yarlung Tsangpo is often called the deepest canyon on the planet.

The length of the gorge is also impressive - 240 km. These places are attractive not only for their magnificent landscapes, but also for the river, which is popular among kayakers, who have given it extreme conditions its name is “Everest among rivers”.

Conclusion

A huge number of beautiful canyons created by nature itself are located all over the world. All of them are unique in their unique landscapes and the history of their origin. Each of them, with its own picturesque nature, takes your breath away and attracts with its mystery and unique beauty.

"An American tightrope walker crossed the Grand Canyon without a safety net."
Bullshit!
Let him try to cross South Butovo without a safety net, rope or pole.

Majestic, alluring, mysterious Grand Canyon. To your possible surprise, despite such a strong name, it is far from the first in size in a series of the largest canyons in the world. so great that over the millennia of its existence, the Earth has been able to store sensations and pleasant surprises even for the most experienced lovers of its natural beauty.
Today Dekatop will gallop through the canyons, providing you with clear and compelling evidence that we still know how to excite your spoiled imagination. Still, we are talking about majestic heights and depth created by Mother Nature herself. So, the 10 largest canyons, in ascending order.

1

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 on rafts. I’m familiar with this canyon firsthand, so I’ll tell you something. There is a road running through 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, as my friend says, “Jedna greska i ti si gotov” (One mistake and you’re “ready”). The road goes 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 come so close on both sides that there is a feeling of being squeezed, given their height, little sunlight reaches the bottom of the canyon. When it rains, picturesque waterfalls flow down from the mountains, introducing another danger: rockfalls onto the road.
Once I had to spend the night in a canyon. In the middle of the night, the tunnels are closed for repairs, a detour is simply impractical in terms of time and distance, then cars line up and people go to bed. Pine trees miraculously grow on the walls of the canyon, complementing the unreal picture.

2

Unlike the Grand Canyon, the banks of the Blyde River, which formed it, are absolutely covered with greenery, just like in the song. And this canyon is also incredibly beautiful: rising to a height of 1000 meters, its walls drop steeply to the bottom of the river, opening up views of a 450-meter waterfall and the “Window of God” plateau.

3

Its National Park is a chain of individual and interconnected canyons and gorges formed by six rivers. Many tourists have the opportunity to watch the canyon while traveling by train along railway"El Chepe", rising to a height of more than 2,400 meters.

4

The peculiarity of the Peruvian canyon is 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.

5

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 Hualca volcanoes. Colca Canyon is considered ideal place for lovers of rafting and mountain biking.

6

The unusual name of this canon also reinforces it unique beauty: It is incredibly impressive to visualize as it is 161 kilometers long. True, it is not as deep as its relatives, since it “dives” only 550 meters down.

7

This canyon was formed by the Colorado River, which over millions of years eroded the plateau of the same name. The length of the Great Miracle is 446 kilometers, the width, taking into account the level of the plateau, reaches 29 kilometers, and the depth is an impressive 1,800 meters.

8

The Kali River was named after the great Hindu goddess, as dark and mysterious as its waters. The exact depth of the Gorge is not yet known, since researchers of the canyon cannot come to a consensus on where its edge is located. But if you measure the canyon from the very peak, it could well become the deepest at an altitude of 6,800 meters.

9

This canyon differs from its peers not only in its stunning scale, but also in its considerable age. Its valley was formed millions of years ago. The length of the canyon is almost 450 kilometers, and the width is about 30.

10

A 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 of the world. Its length is 504,600 kilometers, and its greatest depth is 6,009 meters.

Grand Canyon or Great Canyon is largest gorge in the world. It is located in American state Arizona, on the picturesque Cororado Plateau. Today the canyon is part of the Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Hualapai, Havasupai and Navajo Indian reservations.

The Grand Canyon is located in the northern part central region Arizona, on the Colorado River. It stretches from Marble Gorge to the Grand Wash Cliffs. Its length is 446 km, its width is 16 km, and its depth is at least 1800 km.

History of the discovery of Grand Canyon

The largest gorge in the world is a huge geological landmark. Scientists believe that the Anasazi Indians, who inhabited these lands more than 1000 years ago, were the first to discover it. The massive gorge was also visited by conquistadors from Spain. However, the gloomy canyon did not evoke positive emotions in them, so for many years only Indians lived near it.

The term “canyon” was also coined by the Spaniards. Translated, this word means “chimney.” History has preserved the names of people who tried to convert local Indians to Christianity. For example, Father Garces was such a missionary. In 1776 he arrived at the Grand Canyon, among the Havasupai tribe. He failed to persuade the Indians to his faith, but he was the first to mark the river that flowed nearby. Garces named it “Colorado,” which means “colored” in Spanish.

Features of the largest gorge in the world

The Grand Canyon looks very impressive. This is an incredibly huge chasm, cut by the turbulent streams of the Colorado. The river continues to gradually deepen the gorge. Every day she washes away tons of gravel and clay from there, carrying them away with her strong current. During floods, water even carries away large rocks.

The largest gorge in the world is a product of the powerful waters of Colorado. The river penetrated deeper and deeper into the ground, creating a canyon. Millions of years passed before it became what we see today. A very interesting fact is that in this place the earth’s crust gradually rose. Over 5 million years, its rise was 1200 m. Thus, the plateau rose, and the river flow crashed into it, washing away soft limestones, shales and sandstones.

At the moment, granites, the most ancient rocks, have already appeared at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Their destruction is very slow. The waters of the Colorado River rush through the canyon at a speed of about 20 km per hour. They take with them huge masses of clay and sand. Therefore, the water in the river is completely opaque. The destructive effect of the flow is enhanced by sand and stones. Over time, even very strong granite wears out from such exposure.

Grand Canyon is a spectacular place

The boundless space of the largest gorge in the world does not look like a hole in the earth's crust. It is full of piles of cliffs of the most bizarre shapes. Under the influence of wind, water and landslides the walls Grand Canyon took the shape of huge towers, pyramids and fortress walls. This is an incredibly majestic and beautiful sight.

The powerful walls of the canyon are covered with multi-colored stripes due to layers of different rocks. The color of the gorge looks different depending on the time of day and season. Condors, hawks, eagles and other birds soar over the abyss. Agaves, cacti and yucca grow on the slopes of the largest gorge in the world. In its upper part you can see fir and pine trees.

Is it really possible to get to the bottom of the gorge?

You can go down to the Grand Canyon if you are brave enough. To get from the edge of the gorge to the river bank, you will need to walk about 11 km. The descent will take several hours. Going back up is much more difficult. There are warning signs throughout the canyon that it is not recommended to descend and ascend on the same day. This is due to changes in temperature and pressure. There are very noticeable temperature changes there. If the temperature at the top is 15 degrees, then at the bottom it rises to 40 degrees.

If you look at the canyon from above, it looks dry and gloomy. It is characterized by stepped slopes. This type is due to the dry climate. There is practically no rain here, which could erode the top layer of rocks. The slopes of the huge gorge clearly show the geological development of the planet. The oldest rocks are about 1.7 billion years old! Today the largest gorge in the world is considered a National Park. More than 100 million tourists visited it. Since 1979, it has been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Canyons are considered one of the most amazing and attractive creations of nature. For millions of years, turbulent river flows flowed across the surface of the earth, neutralizing all obstacles in their path and gradually eroding deep valleys. Over time, the stormy streams of water dried up, and in their place only deep gorges remained. These amazing creations of nature are distinguished not only by their spectacular appearance, but also by their unique ecosystem. Many of them are habitats for rare species of animals and birds; rare plant species grow in the canyons. The deepest canyons on the planet are incredibly beautiful and, at the same time, very dangerous. Steep cliffs ready to collapse at any moment, a fast river flowing along the bottom, predatory animals and insects - the dangers only attract inspired tourists to these places.
Colca Canyon, Peru

Colca Canyon is one of the leaders on the planet in terms of depth, it is about 3,400 meters. Considering that the length of the canyon is more than 100 kilometers, it can easily lay claim to the title of one of the largest on the planet. The location of the canyon is also very unusual; it is located in the Andes, at an altitude of 3,260 meters above sea level. The main feature of these places is unique nature, the Kolka Canyon was chosen as the habitat of the largest bird of prey - the condor. Its wingspan can reach 3.3 meters, for admiring these majestic birds and others natural beauties The canyon has several excellent viewing platforms, including La Cruz del Condor.

Many travelers, when visiting the canyon, strive to get to the Sangaye area. 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. Study scenic spots The canyon is best accompanied by a guide; there is still a danger of collapses in the gorge. While walking through the most picturesque places of the canyon, you should definitely look into one of the colorful Andean villages; small mountain settlements can be found on both sides of the gorge.

Tsangpo Grand Canyon, China

Length: 500 km. Depth: more than 6000 m.

The depth of the Tsangpo Canyon, located in Tibet, is more than 6,000 meters, according to this indicator it is the undisputed leader. The length of the gorge is about 500 kilometers, it has a very unusual horseshoe shape. The mountains surrounding the canyon are incredibly high, their snow-capped peaks merge with the heavenly surface and become barely visible. It is they that attract rock climbing enthusiasts, conquest mountain peaks, surrounding the canyon, only great professionals can do. Among the distinctive features of the Tsangpo Canyon, it is also worth highlighting its unique ecosystem; depending on the altitude, the climate varies from arctic to subtropical.

On the southern slope of the canyon is Mount Namjagbarwa, the main peak of the Eastern Himalayas, rising up to 7,782 meters. The rapid Tsangpo River still flows along the bottom of the gorge; its minimum width is 80 meters, but from a bird's eye view it seems like a subtle thread lost among the mighty mountains. The last large-scale study of the canyon, as a result of which it was recognized as the deepest on the planet, took place in 1994. The results of the study became one of the most significant geographical achievements 20th century.

Capertee Valley, Australia

Length: 450 km. Width: 30 km.

The largest canyon in Australia is the Capertee Canyon. It is distinguished not only by its impressive size, but also by its considerable age. The valley was formed millions of years ago, so today its slopes no longer seem so steep. At the same time, extreme areas of steep cliffs are found here. Fans of rock climbing are not recommended to conquer them alone; the rocks are very fragile and can collapse.

The length of the canyon is about 450 kilometers, while the width is about 30 kilometers. Since ancient times, local residents have used the Kaperti River valley to develop mines; the slopes of the gorge are literally precious gifts of nature. The very first mines in which precious stones were mined were developed here more than 2,000 years ago. It is noteworthy that over thousands of years the deposits of precious stones have not been depleted at all. Just recently, one of the inquisitive travelers spent 6 days in the canyon, during which time he managed to find 77 precious stones. Walking through ancient mines is also unsafe; any strong sound or awkward movement can lead to their collapse. Abandoned mines are not the only attractive feature of the Capertee Valley, but it remains an ideal location for natural exploration and cycling.

Kali Gandaki Canyon, Nepal

Depth: more than 6000 m.

The Kali Gandaki Canyon and the river of the same name flowing along its bottom received its name in honor of the Hindu goddess Kali, who is the personification of the powerful forces of nature. The exact depth of the canyon remains unknown, but is estimated to be more than 6,000 meters. Frame the canyon majestic mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, whose altitude is more than 8,000 meters, attract thousands of travelers every year to admire their snow-capped peaks. If for tourists these places are of interest, first of all, from a “natural” point of view, then for indigenous residents they have been considered sacred since ancient times.

Kali Gandaki Canyon, Nepal The bravest of the local residents regularly go to one gorges to find sacred “saligram” stones in the muddy waters of the river. The latter are indeed quite unusual; they are fossilized fragments of mollusks that lived in the river millions of years ago. These amazing stones in India are valued more 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 only go to the bottom of the gorge accompanied by an experienced guide; only local residents know the shortest and relatively easy routes to the banks of the river. Saligrams are just one of the many mysteries of the Kali Gandaki Canyon.

Grand Canyon Colorado, USA

Length: 446 km. Depth: 1800 m.

Without a doubt, we can say that the most famous in the world is the Grand Canyon of Colorado, it is located on the territory of a unique national park with the same name. The length of the canyon is 446 kilometers, and the depth is about 1,800 meters. Despite the fact that these modest parameters do not allow the canyon to claim world championships, it never ceases to remain a landmark of world significance and a center of attraction for millions of tourists. The canyon is about 10 million years old; it was carefully studied by scientists who discovered many amazing features.

One of the oldest canyons on the planet is home to 355 species of rare birds and 150 species of animals, and the Colorado River is home to more than 15 rare species of fish. In addition to natural values, archaeological artifacts were also discovered in the canyon - rock paintings, which are about 3,000 years old. Every year, the Grand Canyon is visited by more than 5 million tourists, for whom there are excellent viewing platforms and interesting walking routes. Most popular observation decks Cape Royal Point, Bright Angel Point and Imperial Point are considered. Walking alone in the canyon is very dangerous, especially along its bottom. A hot desert climate has been established here, cacti grow and there are many dangerous inhabitants, including poisonous spiders and scorpions.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Length: 161 km. Depth: 550 m.

Canyon with so much unusual name located in Namibia, its distinctive features include an incredibly impressive and harmonious appearance. The length of the canyon is 161 kilometers, and the depth is only 550 meters, which is very modest in comparison with the “world giants”. At the same time, in terms of beauty, it can truly claim one of the first places in the world. The name of the canyon was given by the most long river Namibia - Fish River. The formation of the canyon occurs continuously; during the rainy season, the river is a rapid and seething stream. During periods of drought, on the contrary, the river dries out greatly, so small lakes form at the bottom of the canyon.

Lovers have a relaxing holiday They prefer to visit the canyon during the dry season, while it attracts extreme sports enthusiasts at the height of the rainy season. Walking along the sandy slopes of the canyon at this time is incredibly dangerous, and approaching the bottom of the gorge is completely prohibited - it can be flooded at any moment. Recently the canyon has become permanent place holding a marathon. The section of the route that the runners need to overcome is, not without reason, considered one of the most difficult in the world; it passes through difficult rough terrain. Tourists are recommended to visit these picturesque places from May to October - during drought. They will have unique opportunity take a walk along the bottom of the gorge, free from the seething streams of the Fish River.

Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru

Depth: 3535 m.

The Cotahuasi Canyon is the deepest in Peru, with a depth of 3,535 meters. The canyon is framed by two majestic mountain ranges– Soliman and Coropuna, also among the local natural attractions it is worth highlighting beautiful waterfalls, the most beautiful among which is Sipia. Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the canyon can be translated as “home for everyone.” During the colonial period, many miniature settlements were founded on the slopes of the gorge and mountain villages. The Spanish colonialists also built bullfighting arenas here, some of which have survived to this day.

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 whose territory there are healing thermal springs. The picturesque Cotahuasi Canyon is a unique treasure trove of natural and historical attractions; it is sure to impress lovers of hiking and excursions. If the gentle slopes of the gorge are suitable for habitation, then it sheer cliffs Ideal for honing your mountaineering skills. There are suitable areas for training here for both beginners and experienced athletes.

Canyon of the Tara River, Montenegro

Length: 80 km. Depth: 1300 m.

In Montenegro there is a canyon of the Tara River, it is the deepest in Europe. The depth of the gorge is about 1,300 meters, and the length is about 80 kilometers. The canyon is located on the territory of the Durmitor National Park, so it invariably attracts the attention of ecotourism enthusiasts. The Tara River and the canyon it formed received its 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 cascading structure and along its length there are more than 40 significant differences in height. The water in the river is crystal clear and you can drink it without fear. Experienced tourists who enjoyed this event note the amazing taste of river water, which cannot be compared with any other.

These picturesque places have long been chosen by rafting fans; the cascade structure of the river makes the conditions for rafting simply ideal. In addition to rafting, tourists also have access to other sports entertainment– walks along steep mountain slopes and narrow paths on mountain bikes. Among the outstanding natural attractions of the canyon are the beautiful Bajlovic Sige waterfall, as well as the amazing Crna Poda forest, which has preserved its pristine beauty. In 1940, the construction of the Djurdzhevich Bridge over the canyon was completed, from which a gorgeous panoramic view gorge and surrounding landscapes.

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Length: 26 km. Depth: 1372 m.

In South Africa, in the province of Mpumalanga, there is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the planet - the Blyde River Canyon. Its maximum depth is 1372 meters, and the length of the gorge reaches 26 kilometers. Human development of the canyon 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 intertribal 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 the picturesque green meadows. It is also worth noting that wild animals, including leopards, are found in the canyon, so admiring its picturesque landscapes without a guide is not recommended. A century and a half ago, gold mining began in the canyon; for almost a hundred years, inspired prospectors continuously came here; gradually the gold deposits dried up, only the harmonious beauty of the gorge remained unchanged. Some sections of the canyon are ideal for mountaineering; the fast-moving Blyde River flowing along the bottom of the gorge only adds to the excitement of climbers.

Copper Canyon, Mexico

Depth: 1830 m.

Located in Mexico, Copper Canyon is a collection of six small canyons that are commonly considered to be a single natural formation. The name of the canyon fully reflects one of its main distinctive features; the slopes of the gorge have a rich copper-red hue. Over time, the slopes of the canyon became covered with green moss, which the Spanish colonialists who arrived in these places mistook for copper deposits. Walking along the steep mountain slopes remains one of the favorite pastimes among tourists, and the luckiest ones may have the opportunity to see rare species of local predators. It is for this reason that unaccompanied walks in some areas of the gorge are prohibited.

The height difference in the gorge is about 1870 meters, and while the mountain tops remain covered with snow, life is literally seething at the bottom of the gorge in the subtropical forests. The canyon is home to more than 30% of the Mexican fauna; among the dense forests you can find the rare Mexican wolf, black bear and puma. The number of plants growing in the canyon is in the thousands. These places invariably attract active travelers, and therefore the beautiful Copper Canyon was chosen as a permanent venue for the Festival of Educational and Adventure Tourism. Fans of excursions will be able to visit the settlements of the Rarámuri Indians and purchase handmade souvenirs.

Antelope Canyon, USA

At a distance of about 240 kilometers from the Grand Canyon of Colorado there is another outstanding attraction - Antelope Canyon. It is located on the territory of the Navajo reservation, so travelers can get to the canyon only after paying a fee and accompanied by a guide. The canyon is conventionally divided into two – upper and lower, both of which are distinguished by incredibly beautiful rock formations that serve as a center of attraction for photographers from all over the world. Visitors to these places will have a great opportunity to walk among the fabulously beautiful sandy rocks, through the narrow cracks between which light penetrates and gives these places an atmosphere of mystery.

What sets Antelope Canyon apart from others is its history of formation. The bizarrely shaped sandy rocks that can be admired today are the result of exposure to rainwater. Every year during the rainy season, the canyon undergoes a lot of changes, and when the heavy rains end, it becomes accessible to visitors. During heavy rains, some parts of the canyon are heavily flooded, so going for a walk along it during the rainy season is extremely dangerous. The bottom of the canyon is a complex labyrinth of sandy rocks; rainwater forms narrow passages into which rays of light barely penetrate. The color of the rocks that form the canyon is red-red, it strongly resembles the color of antelopes, this remarkable coincidence gave the name to the canyon.

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

Length: 154 km. Depth: 300 m.

The location of the Charyn Canyon is Charyn national park in Kazakhstan, the length of the gorge is 154 kilometers, and its depth varies from 150 to 300 meters. Despite the relatively modest scale, the number of attractions and unique features The canyon is simply amazing. A mandatory point of the excursion program is a visit to the Valley of Castles. This is the name of the area in which amazing natural formations are concentrated - rocks, shaped like real castle towers. A lot of pleasant surprises await nature lovers; the canyon features more than 1,500 plants, about 80 species of animals and more than 100 species of birds. It is worth noting that many representatives of the local flora and fauna are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan.

Experienced travelers compare the landscapes of the Charyn Canyon with the famous Grand Canyon; they are indeed very similar, but only in appearance. The ecosystems of the canyons are different; in the Charyn Canyon, rare species of trees that existed on the planet before the glaciation era have been amazingly preserved. Experienced tourists recommend visiting the canyon at sunset; the setting sun colors its slopes in purple, gold and pink tones - this spectacle looks simply mesmerizing. The area in which the Charyn Canyon is located is characterized by a high sand content in the soil. This feature makes walking along the slopes of the gorge quite dangerous; the fragile rock can collapse at any moment.

Canyons are one of the most amazing and attractive creations of nature. For millions of years, turbulent river streams flowed across the surface of the planet, neutralizing all obstacles in their path and gradually eroding deep valleys. Over time, the stormy streams of water dried up, and in their place only deep gorges remained. TravelAsk will tell you about the largest of these gorges.

Deepest in the solar system

There are canyons not only on our planet, but also on neighboring ones. Thus, scientists have discovered the largest canyon in the solar system on one of Pluto’s moons – Charon. Its length is about 700 kilometers and its depth reaches 9 kilometers.

The deepest on Earth

Well, now let's take a break from space. High in the Himalayas, in Northern India, near sacred mountain Kailash, is the deepest canyon on the planet - Yarlung Tsangpo. His average depth is 4,876 meters, and the maximum is 6,009 meters. But it is not only the depth that is impressive here, but also the length: the length of the canyon is more than 500 kilometers. The landscapes are breathtaking.

The last time researchers visited these places was in 1994, it was then that the canyon was recognized as the deepest in the world.

The Brahmaputra River, which is also called the “Everest of rivers,” flows through the canyon. And it was not by chance that this name was given to it: river rafting is extreme, and there have been fatal cases (including among researchers). But the river still attracts daredevils on kayaks.

On the southern slope of the canyon is the most high peak Eastern Himalayas - Namchabarwa, its height is 7,782 meters.

And below, the Brahmaputra still runs, which from the height of the peak looks like a thin, barely perceptible thread, lost among the mighty mountains.

The canyon is surrounded by tall mountains (Tibet is Tibet), some of them with snow-capped peaks, so it is popular among climbers.

The Yarlung Tsangpo ecosystem is unique: depending on the altitude, the climate here varies from arctic to subtropical. There are many endemics here, both among plants and among the animal world: for example, the takin lives in these mountains.

Who else is in the top three?

In second place is the Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal, but its height is still debated. If the depth were measured from the highest peaks on either side and down to the river, it would be the deepest canyon in the world (approximately 6,800 meters). Therefore, while this fact is unclear, let Kali-Gandaki be in second place.

The third place is occupied by perhaps the most famous canyon - the Grand Canyon. Its depth is about 1800 meters, and it stretches for 445 kilometers.