The narrow passage
A slit of sky above.
ImanFakhri — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ImanFakhri — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ImanFakhri — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ImanFakhri — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ImanFakhri — CC BY-SA 4.0
Chahkooh Canyon is a deep narrow gorge on Qeshm Island in the Gulf, one of the sites of the Qeshm Island UNESCO Global Geopark. Its rock walls rise on either side of a gradually narrowing passage, covered in strange sponge-like hollows. It is among the most striking sights on the island and suits anyone who loves geology, photography and a short walk. The geopark describes it as an important example of running water erosion. Its walls are sandstone between layers of red marl, silt and limestone, soft layers that wear easily and leave deep cavities. One tourism source gives a salt dome and folding of the rock the main role in forming it, while others put it down to water. You walk on sandy ground among acacia shrubs, then the walls close in until the passage is narrow in places, with a slit of sky overhead. The walls carry oval and round hollows of various sizes. In the upper part are smooth rocks and small pools after rain. Do not enter the canyon if rain is forecast, as floods come fast. It is about 79 km in a straight line from Qeshm town, and a car with a local driver is the best way there. The best time is November to March, as summer heat is fierce. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Iran and warns that British nationals risk detention, so check official guidance before making any plans. We could not confirm the current state of this site.
A slit of sky above.
Oval and round shapes.
Sandstone and red marl.
Western Qeshm Island, Hormozgan Province, Iran
Yes, floods come fast, so do not enter if rain is forecast.
November to March, as summer heat is fierce.