Trip to Yangikala canyon in Balkan region

Yangikala canyon.

Trip to Yangikala canyon.

"We saw long stretches of red-white-brown layered rock formations like table mountains in the otherwise flat plains. When we reached a small pass, a spectacular landscape suddenly opened up before us: up to 100 metre high cliffs of intensely red, white and brown rock formations were visible in various parts"

Hiking to Gozli ata and Yangikala canyons.

It was not a canyon as you might expect. No high cliffs rising from a narrow valley; this canyon was actually shaped by the sea that used to be here millions of years ago. Impressive white, green and red limestone formations rise up from the desert sands.
These cliffs are the remains of massive coastline and seabed of the pre-historical Parathetys Sea. This surreal landscape is impressive at any time of day, but sunset and sunrise offer particularly spectacular views.
The area is reachable only by 4-wheel drive, passing through the Balkan Mountains and a vast highland area where camels, sheep and horses graze. Erosion, wind, weather, and tectonic shifts have all contributed to the development of the current curious landscape that was unfolding in front of our eyes.
We saw long stretches of red-white-brown layered rock formations like table mountains in the otherwise flat plains. When we reached a small pass, a spectacular landscape suddenly opened up before us: up to 100 metre high cliffs of intensely red, white and brown rock formations were visible in various parts.
Out of sheer joy, we ran up the hill to get even better views. Several roads criss-crossed the landscape, and after having soaked in the views, we continued driving on one of them to Gozli Ata, a Muslim shrine and, also thanks to its isolated location, pilgrimage location.

Yangikala canyon.