The largest canyon on earth. The most picturesque canyons on earth. Ordesa river canyon

The canyons are considered one of nature's most amazing and alluring creations. For millions of years, stormy river streams flowed along 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 were only deep gorges. These amazing creations of nature are distinguished not only by their spectacular appearance, but also by a unique ecosystem. Many of them are home to rare species of animals and birds, and the rarest species of plants 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 rushing 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 of the planet in terms of depth, it is about 3 400 meters. Given that the canyon is over 100 kilometers long, it can safely claim 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 largest bird of prey, the condor, has chosen the Kolka canyon as a habitat. Its wingspan can reach 3.3 meters, for admiring these majestic birds and the surrounding natural beauties the canyon has several excellent viewing platforms, including La Cruz del Condor.

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 The canyon is definitely worth a look at one of the picturesque Andean villages; small mountain settlements can be found on both sides of the gorge.

Tsangpo Grand Canyon, PRC

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 gorge is about 500 kilometers long and 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. 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 rushing 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 to be a barely perceptible 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 research results have become one of the most significant geographical achievements of the 20th century.

Valley of Caperti, Australia

Lenght: 450 km. Width: 30 km.

The largest in Australia is Caperty Canyon, it is distinguished not only by its impressive scale, but also by its considerable age. The valley was formed millions of years ago, so today its slopes no longer seem so steep. However, extreme sections of sheer cliffs are found here. Climbing fans are not recommended to conquer them alone, rocks are very fragile and can collapse.

The canyon is about 450 kilometers long, while the width is about 30 kilometers. Since ancient times, the locals have used the valley of the Kaperti River for the development of mines, the slopes of the gorge are in the literal sense of the word precious gifts of nature. The very first mines in which gemstones were mined were developed here over 2,000 years ago. It is noteworthy that for thousands of years, the deposits of precious stones have not been depleted at all. Quite recently, one of the curious travelers spent 6 days in the canyon, during which time he managed to find 77 precious stones. Walking through the ancient mines is also unsafe, any strong sound or awkward movement can lead to their collapse. Abandoned mines are far from the only attractive feature of the Caperti Valley, it remains perfect place for exploring natural attractions 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 got 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; it is estimated to be over 6,000 meters. The canyon is framed by the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, which are more than 8,000 meters high, and thousands of travelers come to admire their snow-capped peaks every year. If for tourists these places are of interest, first of all, from the "natural" point of view, then for the indigenous people they are considered sacred for a long time.

Kali Gandaki Canyon, Nepal The most daring of the locals regularly go to one gorge 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 the 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 river banks. Saligrams are just one of the many mysteries of the Kali Gandaki canyon.

Grand Canyon Colorado, USA

Lenght: 446 km. Depth: 1800 m.

There is no doubt that the most famous in the world is the Grand Canyon of Colorado, it is located in the unique national park of the same name. The canyon is 446 kilometers long and about 1,800 meters deep. 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 thoroughly 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. More than 5 million tourists visit the Grand Canyon annually, for whom excellent observation decks are equipped and interesting walking routes have been developed. Cape Royal Point, Bright Angel Point and Imperial Point are considered the most popular viewpoints. It is very dangerous to walk along the canyon alone, 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.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Lenght: 161 km. Depth: 550 m.

Canyon with such unusual name located in Namibia, among its distinctive features an incredibly effective and harmonious appearance. The canyon is 161 kilometers long and only 550 meters deep, which is very modest in comparison with the "world giants". At the same time, in terms of beauty, it can really claim to be 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. On the other hand, during a drought period, the river dries up greatly, so small lakes form at the bottom of the canyon.

Fans of a relaxing holiday prefer to visit the canyon during the dry season, while extreme lovers are attracted by it during the rainy season. Walking along the sandy slopes of the canyon at this time is incredibly dangerous, and it is completely forbidden to approach the bottom of the gorge - it can be flooded at any moment. The canyon has recently become a permanent site for the marathon. 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. Tourists are recommended to visit these picturesque places during the period from May to October - during a drought. They will have a unique opportunity to walk along the bottom of the gorge, free from the seething streams of the Rybnaya 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 flanked by two majestic mountain ranges - Solimana and Koropun, and among the local natural attractions are 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 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 sights 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. The picturesque Cotahuasi canyon is a unique treasure trove of natural and historical attractions, it will surely impress fans hiking and excursions. If the gentle slopes of the gorge are suitable for living, then its steep cliffs are ideal for honing mountaineering skills. There are areas suitable for training here for both beginners and experienced athletes.

Tara river canyon, Montenegro

Lenght: 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, therefore it invariably attracts the attention of ecotourism lovers. 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 has more than 40 significant differences in height along its length. The water in the river is crystal clear, you can drink it without fear. Experienced hikers who have enjoyed this event celebrate the amazing taste of the river water that cannot be compared with any other.

For a long time, these picturesque places were chosen by fans of rafting, the cascading structure of the river makes the conditions for rafting just ideal. In addition to rafting, tourists can also enjoy other sports activities - walks on steep mountain slopes and narrow paths on mountain bikes. 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, over the canyon, the construction of the Djurdzhevich bridge was completed, a gorgeous panoramic view gorges and surrounding landscapes.

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Lenght: 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. 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 study 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 the 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 have continuously stayed here for almost a hundred years, gradually the gold deposits dried up, only the harmonious beauty of the gorge remained unchanged. Some parts of the canyon are ideal for mountaineering, the swift Blyde River flowing along the bottom of the gorge only adds to the excitement of the climbers.

Copper Canyon, Mexico

Depth: 1830 m.

Located in Mexico, the Copper Canyon is a collection of six small canyons, which are usually considered as 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 were covered with green moss, which the Spanish colonialists who arrived in these places took for copper deposits. Walking along the steep mountain slopes remains one of the favorite pastimes of tourists, and the luckiest ones may have the opportunity to see rare species of local predators. For this reason, unaccompanied walks in some areas of the gorge are prohibited.

The difference in altitude in the gorge is about 1870 meters, and while the tops of the mountains remain covered with snow, life is in the literal sense of the word at the bottom of the gorge in 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 on the territory of 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. Tourists can visit the settlements of the Raramuri Indians and buy 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. Conventionally, the canyon is divided into two - upper and lower, both of them are distinguished by incredibly beautiful rocky formations, which 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.

Antelope Canyon stands out among others by the history of its formation. The bizarrely shaped sandy cliffs 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 heavy rains end, it becomes available for visiting. 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 light rays barely penetrate. The color of the rocks that form the canyon is reddish-red, it strongly resembles the color of antelope, this remarkable coincidence gave the name to the canyon.

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

Lenght: 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 the relatively modest scale, the number of attractions and unique features the canyon is simply amazing. A must-see 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, in shape, resembling 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 should be noted that many representatives of the local flora and fauna are included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan.

Experienced travelers compare the landscapes of the Charyn Canyon with the famous Grand Canyon, they are really 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 glacial era are amazingly preserved. Experienced tourists recommend visiting the canyon at sunset, the setting sun paints its slopes in purple, gold and pink tones - this sight looks just mesmerizing. The area in which the Charyn canyon is located is characterized by a high sand content in the soils. This feature makes walks on the slopes of the gorge rather dangerous, the fragile rock can collapse at any moment.

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 streams have 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


Lenght: 80 km. Depth: 1300 m.
This canyon impresses observers with its scope, namely: almost 2 kilometers deep and 82 kilometers long. This is the most grand canyon in Europe, it is famous 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 has more than 40 significant differences in height along its length.

The water in the river is crystal clear, you can safely drink it.


A road runs 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 crosses 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 from both sides that there is a feeling of being pinched, given their height, little sunlight falls on 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, from which a gorgeous panoramic view of the gorge and the surrounding landscapes opens.

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa


Lenght: 26 km. Depth: 1372 m.
Blyde River Canyon, located in South Africa, 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 sights 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 study 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 the 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 have 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 1,372 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 mistook 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.


His National park is a chain of separate and linked together 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 largest waterfalls, Sipia, is 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 sights 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. Visiting the Kotausi canyon, you can not only admire the wonderful view from observation deckbut also to do active species recreation: kayaking, paragliding, mountaineering.


The peculiarity of the Peruvian canyon is in its "sharpness", just like this, unexpectedly, it collapses more than three thousand meters down. It is the dictates 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 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 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 along highlands.


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 its beauty environment, but also by 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 has 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, since 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 extends 27 kilometers in breadth.


The canyon is rocky, but despite this it remains popular tourist spot, 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 it is completely forbidden to approach the bottom of the gorge - 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 you 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 was thoroughly studied by scientists who 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 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, which are more than 8,000 meters high, and thousands of travelers come to admire their snow-capped peaks every year. If for tourists these places are of interest, first of all, from the "natural" point of view, then for the indigenous people they are considered sacred for a long time.

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


The most daring of the locals regularly go to one gorge 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 river banks. 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 here - for example, diamonds in abandoned mines dug into the mountainside. One prospector found 77 of the gems in six days!


Walking through the ancient 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 location for exploring natural attractions and cycling.

Tsangpo Grand Canyon, PRC


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 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 that attract rock-climbing lovers, the conquest of 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 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.

Canyons are some of the most amazing and alluring creations of nature. For millions of years, stormy river streams flowed across the planet's surface, neutralizing all obstacles in their path and gradually eroding deep valleys. Over time, the stormy streams of water dried up, and in their place were only deep gorges. 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. So, scientists have discovered a huge canyon in the solar system on one of Pluto's moons - Charon. Its length is about 700 kilometers and its depth reaches 9 kilometers.

Deepest on Earth

Well, now let's digress from space. High in the Himalayas, in North India, by sacred mountain Kailash, is the deepest canyon on the planet, Yarlung Tsangpo. Its 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 canyon is over 500 kilometers long. The landscapes are breathtaking.

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

The Brahmaputra River, also called "Everest among the rivers", flows along the canyon. And this name was not given to her by accident: rafting on the river is extreme, there have been cases with a fatal outcome (including among researchers). But all the same, the river attracts daredevils in kayaks.

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

And below everything is also running Brahmaputra, which from the height of the top looks like a thin, barely perceptible thread, lost among the mighty mountains.

The canyon is surrounded by high 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, 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 depth were measured from the highest peaks on both sides 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.

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 novice climbers, but they can only be submitted to professionals.

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 flowering 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 completely 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 a little 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. On the territory of the gorge, there are several villages, 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 who settled 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.

On one of highest points Colca formed the Cruz del Condor observation platform. It allows with maximum close range see the "masters of the Andes", the largest birds on the planet - condors.


The canyon is famous for its comfortable hotels near the hot springs. After a hard walk, tourists will find impeccable service and 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 mountain ranges Salatau and Gimrinsky. 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 railings, observation 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;
  • Performing 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, decaying much more slowly than newly formed ones.

Brownish red river watersrushing along the canyon at an impressive speed, they roll huge boulders, small pebbles, sand and clay. State park, which contains 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; they are littered with a mass of lush subtropical plants.


Among the most majestic sections of the canyon are:

  • "Burka's bumps 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 place in the list of the deepest canyons in the world is the Tara River Canyon with a depth of 1.3 km. Located in Montenegro. It is famous for its amazing nature, interesting excursion tours, historical monuments.


One of the local attractions is the Djurdjevic Bridge over the Tara - the cleanest river in Europe. In the summertime, the canyon attracts many rafters, in winter - lovers of skiing.

10. Tara River Canyon

The Tara River Canyon in Montenegro is one of the most magnificent creations of nature. Its depth is 1300 meters. The gorge stretching along the Tara River is one of the main attractions of the country. Part of the canyon is part of the Durmitor National Park National Park. The canyon attracts many tourists with its beauty. In the vicinity of the deepest gorge in Europe, there is the Djurdjevic Tara Bridge - another interesting attraction of Montenegro. Canyon - favorite place rafters. By the way, Tara is one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. In winter, the gorge attracts skiers with many trails and good snow cover.

9. Blyde River Canyon


The Blyde River Canyon, located in South Africa, ranks as the 9th deepest canyon 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 sights in South Africa. Tourists are happy to visit the canyon, on the territory of which you can admire the fantastic African landscapes.

8. Grand Canyon


The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous and largest canyons. Its depth is 1600 meters. It is located in the state of Colorado, USA, on the territory of the national park of the same name. There are also reservations of three Indian tribes. The canyon is formed by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual and amazing places in the world. Due to its uniqueness, the Grand Canyon has been carefully studied. It is one of the most visited places by tourists - about 4 million people come to see the Grand Canyon every year.

7. Copper canyon

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 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.

6. Sulak canyon

Sulak canyon ranks 6th in the list of the deepest canyons in the world. Its depth is 1920 meters. It is located in Dagestan, between the Salatau and Gimrinsky mountain ranges. Sulak canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Dagestan, which is visited by many tourists every year. A fantastic panorama of the Sulak River with a cascade of hydroelectric power plants located on it opens up from the plateau. Sulak canyon is not only one of the most beautiful sights of Dagestan. Due to the lack of an observation deck, barriers and railings, it is extremely dangerous at the very top of the canyon.

5. Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge in China is one of the deepest canyons on Earth. The canyon owes its unusual name to a local legend, according to which a tiger fleeing from hunters jumped over a turbulent river at its narrowest point. The depth of the canyon is 3000 meters. More accurate data on the canyon is hampered by its inaccessibility.

4. Colca

The fourth deepest canyon in the world is Kolka. It, like the Cotausi canyon, is located in Peru. Its depth is 3400 meters. 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 was formed as a result of the activity of two volcanoes: Sabankaya and Ualka. The canyon attracts not only tourists, but also rafters, lovers of cycling in the mountains. Colca Canyon is interesting not only for the beauty of the environment, but also for the fact that you can observe condors here.

3. Kotausi

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 largest waterfalls, Sipia, is 250 meters high. 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, and mountain climbing.

2. Kali Gandaki

On the 2nd place among the deepest canyons on Earth is the Kali Gandaki canyon. It is located in Nepal. In ancient times, the Kali-Gandak River, flowing through a grand gorge, was a trail for the transport of goods between Tibet and India. Nowadays, the canyon is one of the attractions of Tibet. The exact depth of the canyon remains a matter of controversy. If we count its depth from the highest mountain peaks, it will be at least 6 kilometers.

1. Yarlung Tsangpo

The deepest canyon on Earth is in Tibet, high in the Himalayas. The greatest depth of the Yarlung Tsangpo canyon is 6009 meters. The Tsangpo River, flowing in a grandiose gorge, looks like a small stream from the height of the canyon. 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.