The deepest canyon in the world. The largest gorge in the world

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 canyons. For millions of years, river flows eroded the land, forming deep gorges.

Over time, the rivers dried up, and canyons remained in their place. The deepest canyons in the world are not only amazingly beautiful places, but also unique ecosystems with rare birds and animals living in them.

Canyon of the Tara River, 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 excursion tours, including rafting. 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.

A road runs 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. 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. Pine trees miraculously grow on the walls of the canyon, complementing the unreal picture.

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; it offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the gorge and surrounding landscapes.

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Length: 26 km. Depth: 1372 m.
The Blyde River Canyon, located in South Africa, is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Its special feature is that the banks of the River Blyde are covered with lush vegetation. This makes the canyon the largest green gorges existing on Earth. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1372 meters. The majestic gorge is one of the most amazing attractions in South Africa. Tourists enjoy visiting the canyon, where you can admire fantastic African landscapes.

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.

The canyon is incredibly beautiful: rising to a height of 1372 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.

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 national park of the same name. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1879 meters. The canyon got its name from the Spaniards, who mistook the rocks covered with moss and lichen for copper ore.

The gorges complex represents a unique ecosystem. It is home to many rare species of animals and more than 290 species of birds.

Its National Park is a chain of individual and interconnected canyons and gorges formed by six rivers. Many tourists have the opportunity to observe the canyon while traveling by train on the El Chepe railway, which rises to an altitude of more than 2,400 meters.

Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru

Depth: 3535 m.
One of the deepest canyons on Earth is the Kotausi Canyon. Its depth reaches 3535 meters. It is located in Peru between two mountain ranges: Solimana and Coropuna, and is formed by the Cotausi River. Seeing the canyon is not so easy - it is located in places remote from civilization. Despite its inaccessibility, the canyon is very popular among tourists. In the vicinity of Kotausi there are underground hot springs and waterfalls. One of the largest waterfalls, Sipia, is 250 meters high.

Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the canyon can be translated as “home for all.” 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 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.

In the vicinity of the canyon there are several mountain villages, whose residents are engaged in traditional crafts, such as making carpets and clothing from alpaca wool. Having visited the Kotausi Canyon, you can not only admire the wonderful view from the observation deck, but also engage in active recreation: kayaking, paragliding, and mountaineering.

The peculiarity of the Peruvian canyon is its “sharpness”; this is how, 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 Hualca volcanoes. 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.
Colca Canyon is considered an ideal place 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 grew 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 and lovers of cycling in the mountains.

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. 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 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.

Colca Canyon is interesting not only for the beauty of the environment, but also because you can watch condors here. The Colca Canyon is the habitat of the largest bird of prey, the condor. Its wingspan can reach 3.3 meters. To admire these majestic birds and the surrounding natural beauty, the canyon has several excellent viewing platforms, including La Cruz del Condor.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Length: 161 km. Depth: 550 m.
Fish in Namibia's River Canyon - Africa's largest canyon. The canyon's unusual name is reinforced by its unique beauty: it is incredibly spectacular to visualize as this giant river channel meanders across the plateau for more than 160 kilometers. The gorge itself is about 550 meters deep, and in some places it extends 27 kilometers in width.

The canyon is rocky, but despite this it remains a popular tourist destination, all thanks to its incredible scenery. 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.

Although the Fish Canyon River is divided into shallow pools most of the time, late summer travelers may experience flash floods. 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.

Each year a marathon is held in the canyon, testing runners with extremely challenging road conditions. 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. As one person notes, “This canyon is not for the faint-hearted.”

Grand Canyon Colorado, USA

Length: 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 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.

Despite the fact that these modest parameters do not allow the canyon to claim world championships, it continues 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.

There are also reservations of three Indian tribes here. The Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual and amazingly beautiful places. It is one of the most visited places by tourists - about 4 million people come to see the Grand Canyon every year, for whom excellent viewing platforms are equipped and interesting walking routes have been developed. The most popular viewing points are Cape Royal Point, Bright Angel Point and Imperial Point. 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.

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 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.

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 indigenous residents they have been considered sacred since ancient times.

In ancient times, the Kali Gandak River, flowing through a grand gorge, was a route for transporting goods between Tibet and India. Nowadays, the canyon is one of the attractions of Tibet.

The bravest of the local residents regularly go to one of the gorges to find the 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.

Capertee Valley, Australia

Length: 450 km. Width: 30 km.
This majestic canyon is the largest in Australia and is famous for its rugged scenery and towering sandstone escarpments. Its valley was formed millions of years ago. Due to its age, Capertee Valley is not as deep as some of the other canyons on this list, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in size. The length of the canyon is almost 450 kilometers, and the width is about 30. Starting from its source, the Kaperti River cuts its path through the Triassic rock.

The indigenous Wiradjuri people have a very extensive history on this land, as shown in their 2000 year old rock art. Many ancient treasures have been unearthed here, such as diamonds in abandoned mines dug into the mountainside. One prospector found 77 of the gems in six days!

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.

Tsangpo Grand Canyon, China

Length: 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 among rafters, although rafting on it is considered extreme. The ecosystem of the canyon is unique - lush vegetation here coexists with snow-capped mountain peaks. These places are difficult to access, 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 heavenly surface and become barely visible. It is they that attract rock climbing enthusiasts; conquering the mountain peaks surrounding the canyon is only possible for great professionals. 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.

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.

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 the 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. To admire these majestic birds and the surrounding natural beauty, the canyon has several excellent viewing platforms, including La Cruz del Condor.

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; conquering the mountain peaks surrounding the canyon is only possible for great professionals. 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 of the 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. 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 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 of 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. The most popular viewing points are Cape Royal Point, Bright Angel Point and Imperial Point. 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.

The canyon with such an unusual name is located in Namibia; among its distinctive features is an incredibly spectacular 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 longest river in 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 of a relaxing holiday 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 a permanent location for the 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 a unique opportunity to 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 - Solimana and Coropuna. Among the local natural attractions, it is worth highlighting beautiful waterfalls, the most beautiful of which is Sipia. Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the canyon can be translated as “home for all.” 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 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. While the gentle slopes of the gorge are suitable for living, its steep cliffs are 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 fans of rafting; the cascade structure of the river makes the conditions for rafting simply ideal. In addition to rafting, tourists also have access to other sports activities - walking 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; it offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the 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.

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 the Charyn National Park in Kazakhstan, the length of the gorge is 154 kilometers, and its depth varies from 150 to 300 meters. Despite its relatively modest scale, the number of attractions and unique features of 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.

Nothing illustrates the persistent corrosive power of water more than river canyons. Carving their path through solid rock, sometimes over millions of years, rivers slowly create these incredible and vast natural sculptures.

This list includes the largest formations on the planet. Their choice as the largest is not certain, because those that are the largest must be measured by length, depth and total area. In addition, some canyons in the Himalayas are not accessible for exploration and are therefore not included in the selection.

The TOP 10 included:

Canyon of the Tara River

Located on the territory of Montenegro. This is the 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 1300 meters.

Located in the Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon is protected by UNESCO and is part of its World Heritage Site. 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

Located in South Africa. The Blyde River Canyon in South Africa isn't the largest canyon on Earth, but it does have the potential to be called green. Its average depth is 762 meters, the 26-kilometer-long gorge 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 offers 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 Chihuahua, and it is not the only one - there are six canyons there, which together form the Copper Canyon. Barranca del Cobre, as it is called in Spanish, is named after the green and copper-red hue of its walls.

The deepest canyon in the system, Barranca de Urique, goes 1,879 meters deep. Copper Canyon is rich in wildlife, but unfortunately many species are now endangered due to logging.

Cotahuashi Canyon - Peru

Cotahuasi Canyon, at its deepest point, drops sharply to a depth of 3,535 meters. It was carved by the Cotahuashi River between two mountain ranges - Coropuna and Solimana. The scenery surrounding Cotahuashi Canyon is spectacular and remote.

Colca Canyon - Peru

The second Peruvian canyon on the list is Colca Canyon. With a depth of 4,160 meters, it is an imposing geographical wonder of southern Peru. This is one of the deepest canyons in the world, if not the deepest in existence.

The Colca Canyon is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon of Arizona, and it is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Peru. Colca Canyon is not only famous for its beautiful scenery; it is also home to several famous species of birds and mammals.

In addition, there are excavation sites in the valley dating back approximately 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 every year.

River Fish Canyon – Namibia

This giant river channel meanders across the plateau for more than 160 kilometers. The canyon is rocky, but despite this it remains a popular tourist destination, all thanks to its incredible scenery. The gorge itself is about 550 meters deep, and in some places it extends 27 kilometers in width.

Although the Fish Canyon River is divided into shallow pools most of the time, late summer travelers may experience flash floods. Each year a marathon is held in the canyon, testing runners with 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 come from all continents.

Kali Gendeki Gorge – Nepal

The Kali River, which winds its way through the Kali Gendeki Gorge in Nepal, is even more ancient than the high Himalayan mountain range that surrounds it. The river is named after the Hindu goddess Kali; and its waters are black and dismal with 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 either side and down to the river, it would be the deepest canyon in the world with a depth of approximately 6800 meters.

Capertee Valley - Australia

This majestic canyon is the largest in Australia and is famous for its rugged scenery and towering sandstone escarpments. Due to its age, Capertee Valley is not as deep as some of the other canyons on this list, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in size.

Capertee Valley is 1 kilometer wider and the same length longer than the Grand Canyon. From its source, the Kaperti River cuts its way through Triassic rock that dates back millions of years. The indigenous Wiradjuri people have a very extensive history on this land, as shown in their 2000 year old rock art.

Grand Canyon Yarlung Tsangpo – Tibet

High in the Himalayas, beginning near the sacred Mount Kalash, the mighty canyon ends near the Brahmaputra River in Northern India. Due to an average depth of 4876 meters around the Namcha Barwa Mountains and a maximum depth of 6009 meters, the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is often considered the deepest canyon on Earth.

It's not just the depth of Yarlung Tsangpo that's impressive; this vast canyon also stretches for 240 kilometers through the breathtaking Tibetan landscape. The river that flows through this canyon is known to kayakers for its challenging nature, which has earned it its nickname “River Everest.”

Currently, there are 10 canyons that can fully be called the largest canyons in the world. Their beauty amazes anyone. Reasons for the popularity of these places:

Extraordinary beauty.
Magnitude.
Rivers and volcanoes that formed them.

Canyons of the Tara and Blyde rivers

The canyon on the Tara River, which is located in Montenegro, is rightfully included in the list of the largest canyons. The gorge stretches for 80 km at a depth of 1300 m. At the moment, it is the longest canyon in Europe, but is inferior in size to the American Grand Canyon. This miracle of nature is located between the famous mountain ranges of Sinjaevina and Durmitor (on the one hand) and Lyubishnja and Zlatni Bor (on the other hand). The creation of nature is part of the national park.

Local guides can offer you a huge number of educational tours, including rafting tours. There is a road connecting the northern and southern parts of the country. But it is considered the most dangerous route in the Balkans. The tunnels are so small that trucks or other large vehicles in opposite lanes cannot pass at the same time.

Second Blyde River Canyon, which created this miracle, is located in Africa, namely in South Africa. Here all its parts are covered with greenery. Nearby are a 450-meter waterfall and the God's Window plateau. From a height of 1000 m, the walls suddenly break away to the bottom of the river, creating a very beautiful view for visiting tourists.

Copper, Cotahuasi and Colca Canyons

In Mexico there is the Copper Canyon, which is a chain of separate, diverse gorges connected to each other. There are 6 rivers nearby. If you want to view the Mexican natural wonder, you can pay for a train ticket, from which you can observe the canyon during the trip. It rises to a height of more than 2400 m. This is an excellent opportunity for a tourist to relax and admire the beautiful view.

The canyon, which is located in Peru, is special. It suddenly falls on a tourist (more than 3000 m). The mountain ranges are dominated by the quaint Cotahuasi River. The depth of Colca is 3400 m. It is located 180 km from Arequipa (a city in Peru). The formation occurred due to the high seismic activity of the Sabancaya and Hualca volcanoes. If you are a rafting enthusiast and love mountain biking, then you definitely need to come here. Excellent travel programs are designed for tourists. You will discover the magnificence of the entire canyon while cycling. Experienced instructors will inform you about rafting.

Fish River, Kali Gendeki Gorge and Grand Canyon in America

The unusual name of the canyon is Fish River.. Its unusual beauty delights any tourist. When you look at it, you create such a feeling of spaciousness and vastness. The length of the natural treasure is 161 km. But if we talk about the depth, then it is not so deep (only 550 km). This place is located in Namibia.

Probably the most famous canyon in the world - American Grand. The largest canyons in the world cannot compare with it in popularity. It was created by the Colorado River, which over a long period (millions of years) eroded the plateau. The length is 446 km and the width is 29 km. Its depth (800 m) is also impressive.

The Kali Gendeki Gorge was named after the Kali River, which in turn is associated with the name of a famous Hindu goddess. The goddess was considered gloomy and mysterious, which was reflected in the river itself. It is not yet known what the exact depth of the gorge itself actually is. Many researchers of this area still argue not only about the depth, but also about where the edge of the gorge is located.

Kaperti valleys in Australia and Tsangpo in Tibet

The list of the largest canyons is completed by the Kaperti Valley and Tsangpo. The valley in Australia is not inferior in either its extraordinary beauty or impressive size. The valley appeared many millions of years ago. The length of the Australian treasure is 450 km, width - 30 km.

A scientific expedition, which was created by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, gave its name to a natural creation, the first in length and the greatest among the deep canyons in the world. The length is 600 km, depth - 6009 m. A photograph of this canyon always appears in travel magazines

"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 height and depth created by Mother Nature herself. So, the 10 largest canyons, in ascending order.

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 excursion tours, including rafting. 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 stretch of 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 “done”). 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.

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.

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.

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 an ideal place for rafting and mountain biking enthusiasts.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.