Raghe Gorge

Raghe Gorge is one of the nature-tourism destinations of Kerman Province, near Rafsanjan. The canyon is about 20 kilometers long and reaches a depth of up to 80 meters. Along the gorge walls, beautiful rock formations and structures have taken shape that look like the carved stones of ancient civilizations. The canyon lies directly southeast of Rafsanjan and southwest of Kerman. Although Raghe Canyon sits between the two cities, it is better known as Raghe Canyon in Rafsanjan. This beautiful canyon, or gorge, was formed over many years by the erosion of rock caused by rain and flooding. The rocks of the cliff walls take the form of neatly shaped cones.

The wildlife of Raghe Gorge is unique to the region, and birds such as eagles, see-see partridges and chukars live in the area. While hiking through Raghe Gorge, if you are lucky, you can spot hollows in the heart of the cliffs that are eagle nests. The canyon is only a few kilometers from the Bidouyeh Protected Area, which is considered a gazelle refuge in Kerman Province, and local people have reported the presence of this species in the area as well.

Geologists say that Raghe Canyon was formed in the desert by water and wind erosion, and even today parts of the canyon are still eroding and changing shape. Because of this erosion, some sections of Raghe Gorge consist of sharp-pointed rocks, while others consist of ordinary-shaped cliffs with tall ridges, sometimes reaching 100 meters in height; these are rocks that resemble large, symmetrical sugar loaves.

Raghe Gorge is located in a desert region, and exploring it in summer can be unpleasant. On the other hand, winter, with its increased rainfall, is not a suitable time for canyoning in Raghe. Spring and autumn, however, bring a relatively milder climate to this desert canyon, and traveling during these two seasons will be more relaxing.