The ultimate adrenaline-filled adventure in Iran could take place in a canyon known as the most beautiful one in the country: Raghez Canyon. Also known as Tang-e Raghez, this incredible canyoning destination near Shiraz is home to 64 waterfalls and almost 100 natural ponds. Having a canyoning experience in this canyon requires at least a basic familiarity with canyoning skills. What else? Read this comprehensive Raghez Canyon Guide to learn everything you need to know before going to this spectacular place.
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Raghez canyon is in the Fasarood region of Darab, Fars Province. It is located 30 kilometers to the northeast of Darab, near Hasan Abad Village. With an approximate 4-kilometer length, Raghez Canyon includes 64 waterfalls and about 100 natural ponds from its northern end (the source spring) to its southern end (the southern valley). Between the source spring and the southern valley, the beautiful waterfalls and ponds are only discoverable with technical equipment and canyoning skills.
An unrepeatable adventure filled with diving, canyoning, rock climbing, swimming and adrenaline is an un-rejectable offer. Traveling to Raghez Canyon is both an exciting sport and a memorable entertainment.
Before heading out for a hiking adventure in the spectacular Raghez Canyon, learn the different routes that make it accessible. For getting to the source spring of Tang-e Raghez (where the hiking trail begins), there are 2 different routes:
different routes:
Raghez Canyon is home to a large number of waterfalls and ponds. Some of these falls have more popularity among nature lovers and eco-tourists. From the source spring of Tang-e Raghez, you’ll find:
Almost all shoes with a strong bottom and high flexibility are suitable for Canyoning. You should take 2 pair of shoes with you, a pair of hiking shoes that you must keep away from water and a pair of shoes that you will use inside the canyon and for passing the falls and ponds.
Rope, carabiners and harness are the requirements for passing Raghez Canyon. Without this primary equipment, you will not be able to make it to the end of the Canyon. You might even hurt yourself.
Though it is normally only the professional leader who carries a water-resistant backpack and the rest of the group travel lightly (because of the difficulty of the route), carrying a backpack could be even advantageous. The leader and his/her assistant are more familiar with the route and its dangers, and they have more strength for carrying the heavy equipment. So, it is them who wear water-resistant backpacks to carry the group equipment. But if you are packing, taking a small water-resistant backpack wouldn’t be a bad idea. But be careful never to allow any water inside it. Because not only all your stuff will be ruined, but it will also become heavier and make continuing difficult for you.
Anyone who enters Raghez Canyon must wear a life jacket. The way you fasten the life jacket is important. So, you can ask someone else to fasten it for you. Remember that if you haven’t fastened the jacket properly, each jump will loosen from your body.
One of the most important equipment you will need in the canyon is safety helmet. While jumping off a waterfall into a pond, you might hit your head against something. So, wearing a helmet throughout your adventure is a must.
Put your extra clothes in the beginning of the route (where you’ll be returning to). When you get back from the canyon with soaking clothes, you’ll have dry ones to change into.
Though these equipment are not the urgent requirements for traveling into Raghez Canyon, some groups have found them very practical. For example, if you have oxygen tank and wetsuit, you can have more dives into water. With them, you can also experience a whole new world in the +20-meter ponds
Water bottle for taking water from springs
Sunscreen
Insect-repellant spray
Mountaineering/rock-climbing gloves
If you don’t like spending the night in nature, you can try Naghsh-e Shapoor hotel in Darab.
There are precious highlights near Raghez canyon and Darab:
It is rock relief from Sassanid era that depicts the victory of Shapur I over Roman emperor, Valerian.
Darabgerd is the remains of an ancient city founded by Darius I. It is gerd (circular) in shape and includes a salt dome in the center.
It is a cross-shaped fire temple in the heart of mountain. Also known as the Stone Mosque, this monument is believed to be a Mithraic temple that dates back to 3rd century BC.