Snake Tongue Canyon

Deep in the central plain of the Lut Desert, 60 kilometres in, lies a mysterious canyon known as the "Snake Tongue Canyon" (Dareh-ye Zaban-e Mar). The canyon sits east of the kaluts, and the absence of vegetation and severe soil erosion have given it a truly unique appearance. It is named for its shape in aerial photographs, which resembles the forked tongue of a snake, at the point where the canyon splits into an eastern and a western branch. The canyon is about 9 kilometres long. Because the ground is unstable and the route narrows, walking is the only way to visit it.

Despite its harsh natural conditions, Snake Tongue Canyon is part of the cycle of life in the Lut Desert. Bird carcasses inside the canyon, the tracks of the sand fox and evidence of 42 animal species show that this seemingly barren area is an active habitat. Even so, litter blown in by the wind and the carelessness of visitors pose a serious threat to the canyon's environment. It is therefore troubling to walk indifferently past rubbish and to spoil the look of such a valuable place with litter.

Travelling to Snake Tongue Canyon is possible only with a permit and coordination with the relevant authorities. Beyond a depth of 2 kilometres, the area is no longer considered safe for tourism and falls among the zones that require security control. For this trip, desert-trekking experience, suitable equipment and responsible travel practices are essential, including driving only along existing vehicle tracks. Protecting this natural heritage is the responsibility of all nature lovers and desert trekkers.