Located some 30 kilometers north of the city of Tabas, a bunch of palm trees and marches in a wide valley, mark the scenic start of the journey, however, romance mixes with horror as the trip continues.
Why is it called ‘Kal-e Jenni’?
This name consists of two parts: Kal + Jinn. ‘Kal’ is referred to any valley which has been formed by water stream in the long run. And according to the Oxford Dictionary, ‘Jinn’ is “an intelligent spirit of lower rank than the angels, able to appear in human and animal forms and to possess humans.”
There are many reasons to attribute this 16-kilometer-long valley to jinns. First, there are many mysterious-looking arcs, columns, and walls in the canyon which are basically made by erosion but local people could not find a better constructor than jinn for them.
The next reason is related to wind. When wind sweeps through the valley, it makes strange sounds due to the structure of walls which can really make you think that there are supernatural entities living around. Also, pebbles will hit your face as you walk in the valley in windy weather; locals believed that jinns are throwing the pebbles to defend their territory.
Puzzling chambers add to the mystery
Walking in the deep valley in around the middle of the way, you will see some holes in the walls. One may think that they are also the product of erosion in the first glance. But finding the courage to enter the bottom hole, which is some two meters above ground level, you will be amazed.
This is a vertical path to a group of chambers built by men some 8 meters above. The trace of ax can still be seen and felt. You have to climb this eight meters by placing your hands and feet on special steps devised on the wall to reach a hall. Here is another world; clam and relaxing. There are many rooms carved on both sides of the hall.
Some historians say that the chambers go back to the Sassanid era and have been carved by the followers of Zoroastrianism to do religious seclusion, known as Cheleh.
Enjoy a modest temperature in a hot desert
Setting aside the horrifying part, one can really enjoy the fresh and modest air temperature in the middle of a desert. There is water flowing in the valley in most sections; the water originates from Azmighan rural district and joins the aquifers later in the path. The depth of water reaches some two meters in some areas and you find no way than swimming to continue your wonderful adventure.
The canyon takes the shape of V in some areas and U in others, and even sometimes just resembles /\ when you cannot even see the sky.
The site is also part of Tabas Geopark which is being studied to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The best time to begin the journey
Although the region has its special beauties in every season, autumn is considered the best time for visiting Kal-e Jenni since the weather is mild and the sun will not burn your skin. There is normally little precipitation in the region but in springs, seasonal floods are waiting in ambush. It is better to fully review the weather forecast before starting the trip.
After all, it’s better to start the journey in the morning and finish it before the sunset or have all the required camping equipment at your disposal.
A quick word about Tabas
Tabas is a desert city full of surprises for its visitors. You hear ‘desert’ and unconsciously think of ‘water scarcity’; it is true but there is a region in Tabas called Azmighan in which locals cultivate rice to your surprise.
There are also many eco-lodges and hotels around which can add to your experience while visiting Tabas. Stay tuned with Mehr News Agency as we will cover more stories about Tabas in the near future.
MK
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