Mountain kush kaya. Route route across Crimea: tourist camp Laspi – Mount Kush Kaya. Route track across Crimea from Kush Kai to the Lost World

the Batiliman nature reserve (Laspi Bay, Sevastopol), perhaps one of the most picturesque, clean and cozy places on the southern coast of Crimea. Fenced off from the cold winds by the steep wall of the town of Kush-kaya, which is close to the sea, Batiliman is rightfully considered a place with a mild, comfortable Mediterranean climate for relaxation. Between the sea and the rock wall grows a unique relict forest of centuries-old junipers, wild pistachios and evergreen small-fruited strawberries (the fruits of which are very tasty and nutritious from December to March)). In this forest, among a pile of stone blocks, the Kush-kaya camping park, founded by the Crimean Mountain Club in 2011, is located in cozy shady glades. The main contingent of the camping: climbers, climbers, practitioners of yoga, martial arts, children's camps for active and educational recreation, eco-residents and simply connoisseurs of a healthy lifestyle:) For the May holidays, the Crimean Mountain Club invites everyone to the CLIMBING SCHOOL, everyone who wants to master this type of activity or take the next step on the path of knowledge and skills in rock climbing. The next "SCHOOL" at the campsite will be held June 1-6, 2014!

The campsite also has a climbing machine to keep you fit in any weather.

Kush-Kaya is one of the most popular rock climbing and mountaineering areas in Crimea. And at the moment, perhaps the best area for beginners in climbing. Active first ascent of mountaineering routes and the appearance of climbing paths began approximately in the 70-80s of the last century and continues to this day. At the moment, there are about 20 climbing routes of 1B-5B difficulty categories, about 70 new and old climbing paths and trad lines, about 200 marked and classified bouldering problems, many tracks and walking trails. The great popularity of the area is due to the fact that the Batiliman tract is separated from external influences by a mountain range. The special microclimate allows you to climb rocks and climb almost all year round.

How to get there:
Coordinates of the Kush-Kaya camping park: 44° 25" 16.6584" N, 33° 40" 52.2948" E 44.421705, 33.682359 You can get there by public transport from Sevastopol. You need to purchase a bus ticket to Yalta and get off at the Laspi stop. Then follow the signs of the Mountain Club 3.5 km to the foot of the town of Kush-kaya. In the village you can often find a taxi that will take you to the campsite for little money. The nearest grocery store is located in Laspi Bay, Foros village and Orlinoe village. Banks and ATMs can be found in Sevastopol. The nearest car service station (service station) is located in the village of Orlinoe and in the city of Sevastopol.

Features of the area:
The area is characterized by warm winters and hot summers. The average winter temperature is 10 degrees Celsius. Summer heat begins in June and lasts until September. When planning ascents, it is necessary to take into account the large length of the routes on Mt. Kush-Kaya and take a supply of water or warm clothes. It is recommended to use only marked trails to ascend and descend from the top of Kush-Kaya! The territory where Cape Aya, Kokia-Kaya and the entire coastal zone are located are the subject of a reserve fund and are protected by forestry. It is prohibited to violate the boundaries of the reserve, burn fires, or leave garbage!

Features of the routes: all climbing routes are quite long. The upper sections are mostly more monolithic. This guide does not indicate some passages and route options due to their objective illogicality or danger. Full information can be found in the Classifier of mountaineering routes of the Crimea and the Carpathians.
The climbing sectors “Africa”, “Skinner”, “Pink Belt”, “Burevestnik” are protected from above by wide shelves from direct falls of stones, however, it is not recommended to be in the sports sectors without a helmet!

1. Climbing sectors.
A large number of competitions and alpine games were held on the warm rocks of Batiliman, such as the “Friendship Cup”, “Kustovsky Memorial”, Alpine Games…….. Sitnik M.A., Babich M., Vorobiev M., Nefedov S. made a great contribution to the development. , Kovalev S., Deev A., as well as many others. The team of the Crimean Mountain Club continues the reconstruction and creation of new climbing paths. At the moment, there are four climbing sectors located almost on the campsite. Approaches are made along marked paths and wooden signs. The large number of easy routes regularly attracts many novice climbers. In the summer, the sun sets in the sectors around 10-11 am, and the evening climbing set can begin at 18.00.

6a+, 6a, 6a, 5a, 6a (the fireplace is walked inside), then walk through the bowl along the bolts, 5a, 6a, 6a, 5b, 6b, 6a, 5b

Equipment: rope 50-60 m, set of guy ropes

Blue wave, F6c+ (Vorobyev M. 1991, reconstruction by Lavrinenko A., Savelyev I.)
The route was originally completed in 1991 by M. Vorobyov’s team and was called “The Seventh Bastion”

Start from the metal sign with the name of the route, to the right of the “Pink Belt” sector. All stations are equipped with chains and trigger rings.

6a, 6b, 5c, 6c+, 6c (Alternate move: 6b, 6a), 5a, 5c, 5c+, 6a, 6c, 5c, 5c, 5c, 5b, 5b

There is a lot of friction climbing. You can descend the route from any of its sections.
Equipment: 60 m rope, set of quickdraws

2. Bouldering
Batiliman is a popular winter bouldering area in Crimea. The climate allows climbers of any level to climb comfortably almost all year round. There are approximately 200 marked rocks throughout the campsite, which are marked on a map along with major landmarks.

3. Mountaineering
Active first ascent of climbing routes in Batiliman on Mount Kush-Kaya began approximately in the 70-80s of the last century and continues to this day. Odessa and Sevastopol climbers made a great contribution to the development of the region. Equipped parking lots in the Burevestnik Grotto, as well as many Soviet-era coins found in the park area, indicate the enormous attendance and popularity of the area in the old days. An interesting historical fact is that previously, on one of the hard-to-reach rock shelves above the Burevestnik climbing sector, there was even a climbing house, in the image and example of the Krasnoyarsk Pillars, which served as a refuge for many famous mountaineers and rock climbers. At the moment, there are about 20 climbing routes of 1B-5B difficulty categories.

Classic 2B

The beginning of the route is a vertical fireplace, with a large juniper tree at the base. Approach along the couloir to the left or right of the “Skuroder” climbing sector

R0-R1: 55m III - IV Vertical fireplace. There are bolts from time to time, and natural belay is also well organized. Station on a shelf in a relief or higher on a tree.

R1-R2: 50 m II+ Up the couloir with easy climbing. There are bolts from time to time. Station on bolts.

R2-R3: 50m II+ Up through the small fireplace. Exit to the ridge. Station on bolts.

R3-R4: 40 m I-II Up along simple rocks, belaying for trees. Station on bolts.
R4-R5: 60 m, III To the left through the bend on the friction. There are several bolts. Then go up the entire length of the rope along the ridge. Station on bolts near a tree.

R5-R6: 45m, II Up the ridge. There are bolts from time to time. Station on a shelf on bolts.

R6-R7: 45m, II Up the ridge. There are bolts from time to time. Station on a shelf on bolts.

R7-R8: 40m, II Up the ridge. Station on a shelf on bolts.

R8-R9: 40m, II-III To the left along the cracks to a convenient shelf. Insurance is easy to arrange. Station on bolts.

R9-R10: 40m, III up the slabs with large holds, then traverse to the left along the bolts. Station on bolts after the traverse.

R10-R11: 50m, III Along the rich terrain up 15 m, then on foot. Station on bolts on the Yaila.

One of the most visited routes on the mountain. It is a classic species line running along the ridge with easy climbing in all areas. It is worth noting the duration of the route, which, however, is compensated by the ease of navigation. During the peak May holidays, there are often traffic jams and crowds on the first ropes. The minimum climbing time is from 3 hours for trained climbers, up to 6-8 hours for intermediate climbers. One can note the similarity with the “Crest deuce” on the town of Sokol in Sudak in terms of the nature of the relief and duration.

Equipment: 60 m rope. Medium and large stoppers and friends work equally well. You can go without hammers.

Center of the bowl 5A (Levin A.-Babich M., Sevastopol, 1978)

Follow the positive terrain from the football field to the cornices, then traverse to the right to the beginning of the route. The first station on the bolts of the pioneers near the dried pine tree.

R0-R1: 35 m VI A2 (F6b) Climbing along an overhanging crack or using aid. The station is in a small niche on the bolt and its points.

R1-R2: 35 m VI A2 (F6c) Up and to the left under a small cornice to a convenient shelf. Station on a bolt and its own points.

R2-R3: 50 m VI A2 (F6b) Along a system of cracks leading diagonally to the left upward. The station is at its points.

R3-R4: 40 m V+ (F6a) Difficult section after the station and exit under the cornice to the left to the station with classic two bolts.

Exit to the plateau along the Classics route (4 pitches). The length of the ropes may be disputed by other climbers. There are almost no bolts or pitons on the route, so the length of the sections can vary among different climbers as they lay out their reserve of points.

Equipment: rope 50-60 m, hammers and hooks, small and medium-sized bookmarks, small and medium-sized friends.

Rybka 5A (Stavnitser A., ​​Khovrachev, Korolev A., Staritsky P., Odessa, 1972)

It passes through the cracks of the central part of the bowl, formed by the ridge of the 2 on the left, and the buttress of the “Egg” route on the right. First, along the flat slabs of the bowl, choosing the optimal path (as in the photo) to reach the tree. The route itself begins from here.

R0-R1: 60 m, V+ A1 From the tree, go right up and up the gap. After about 10m, the gap bifurcates, it is easier to move along the left, you will encounter pitons. Tree station + bookmarks.

R1-R2: 50 m V+ Go to the right, onto the gap, up along the gap. The gap goes into the inner corner. Before the slight overhang, go into the right gap and follow it onto the shelf. Station on bookmarks and hooks. You can climb the corner without going to the right, but it’s more difficult.

R2-R3: 50 m, V+ Up, along the crack, the crack is difficult in the lower part, further along the corner, climbing is easier. Tree station.

R3-R4: 60m, V A1 Up, easy climbing, get to the shelf. On the left side of the inner corner, up, go to the bolt station at the base of the fireplace. Up 3m along the fireplace, then along the right side of the inner corner. Exit from the corner through a slight overhang to leveling. Go boldly along the entire length of the rope to the tree. Tree station.

R4-R5: 25 m, IV From the tree up, through the inner corner, exit to the yayla.

Equipment: 60 m rope. At the bottom there are small and medium-sized bookmarks and friends. At the top, the gaps are larger and large and hexes will go. You can do without hammers.

Egg 4B (Stavnitser A.-Kholoptsev A., Odessa, 1972)

It runs along a characteristic buttress, bordering the bowl on the right. (the bowl is limited on the left by the ridge of 2).

R0-R1: 55 m, IV+ From the big tree right up, enter the inner corner. Further along the corner to a small shelf under an overhang. Traverse to the right, around the corner, to a large tree. There is a station on it. 55 m

R1-R2: 35 m, IV From the tree, along the inner corners, up onto the large shelf. Tree station.

R2-R3: 50 m, IV+ Up, along the inner corner, to the shelf at the top of the “egg”. Station on bolts.

R3-R4: 58 m, V+ From the station, descend 3 m to the left, and up the crescent-shaped crack/– the key rope. Tree station.

R4-R5: 60 m, IV+ Along the inner corner up, go to a large pine tree. From the pine tree go up to the right, go out to the inner corner, and along the corner, up onto simple rocks. Follow them to the right up to the yayla.

A logical and appropriate route with monolithic and clean terrain. Key areas are not pierced with bolts. It is possible to complicate the task and climb the second rope on the left. In this case, the station is placed on an overhanging shelf in the middle of the first rope. Difficulty of the left bypass: V+, A1. A vertical slot with sloping walls is supported by spacers. If you're climbing, you need good shoes.

Equipment: medium and large bookmarks, large hexes, medium and large friends work well. You can go without hammers. Rope 60 m.

Travel time: 5-6 hours

“Pants” left route 5B (First ascent: Stavnitser A., ​​Demyanenko R., Sipkin S., Leontyev V., Odessa, 1974)

R0-R1: 43 m, 6a A2 Along the inner corner up 10 m A2 (stopper and anchor), then climb up to the niche. After traversing to the left about 5 meters and up the gap, exit onto the shelf. Station on bolts.

R1-R2: 40 m, 6a A2 Easy detour by climbing to the left past the tree, then right up to the base of the vertical crack. Up the crack, aid + climbing. From the old bolt path going up, go to the right along the new bolts with a traverse along the slab and make a station on the bolts above a small grotto.

R2-R3: 30 m, 6a Up the gap overgrown with grass, exit under a slightly overhanging monolithic wall. There is a rotten bolt path along the wall, NO NEED TO GO THERE! Traverse to the right, carefully climb about 10 meters to the bolts with the ring. This is where the Left and Right pants come together.

You can climb around 6a on the left, but you will have to do the station on your own, because There is not enough rope to get out.

“Pants” right route 5B (Golubenko M., Grishchenko Val., Grishchenko Vik., Kiyanitsa N. (Kyiv Avangard team), 1973)

The beginning of the route can be seen from afar. This is the base of a huge rift.

R0-R1: 30 m, I-II approach to the tree at the base of the break. Station on a pine tree.

R1-R2: 40 m, V From a large pine tree along a huge break to its top. Climbing on spreaders from the middle part. There are hooks. Station on three bolts at the top of the break.

R3-R4: 50 m, VI, A1 Up the system of vertical slots. Do not climb onto the old bolt path that goes to the right. The station is on new bolts at the intersection with the left option of the “Pants” route. Further routes have a common continuation.

R3-R4: 50 m 6c A1 From the station, difficult climbing along the slab to the crack, then along the crack, mostly climbing, up to the right, from under the overhanging crack, traverse to the right to the inner corner, and along the corner to the shelf. Station on bolts.
You can approach the station on the left side along the 10 m gap A2 (anchors), but this is more difficult.

R4-R5: 45 m 5s A2 Along the slab with blind slots, on aid, enter the inner corner. Follow it to the shelf. Along the shelf 5m to the left and up, along the right side of the inner corner. Station on bolts.

R5-R6: 50 m VI A1 From the station up the gap to a small tree. Further up the corner. Go around the cornice on the left, then up through a slight overhang to reach the wall with bolts. Along the wall with difficult climbing you reach the Beiser exit. Station on bolts.

The route is well paved with new bolts, especially the middle part, making it difficult to get lost. From the middle it intersects with the left trousers, and on the last rope the path is marked by Haymaking bolts.

Equipment: 60 m rope, anchors and small chocks for aid, medium chocks and medium chocks. Hammers, hooks.

Senonkos 5B (Nadtochiy S., Voloshanovsky M.)

The route begins 20 m to the right of the large break on which the “Right Pants Leg” route begins.

R0-R1: 35 m, V+A2 From the arrow knocked out with a punch, straight up along a thin crack for 10 m, then along the slab in the direction of the bolt. From there, go up to the left, onto the shelf under the cornice. The cornice runs on the right side (there is a bolt). Station in the grotto.

R1-R2: 30 m VI A2 From the station up the left wall of the grotto 5 m using aids (bolts, sky hooks), then climb through the crack with difficult climbing to reach the overhang. Go through the overhang along the bolts to the station.

R2-R3: 30 m V+A2 Along the crack, then along the inner corner upward by climbing, in some places using aid. Station on 2 bolts in front of the overhang.

R3-R4: 50 m VI A3 Go up the steep crack, exit onto the shelf. From there, traverse to the right, to another gap. Follow the gap up to the left, through a slight overhang, and exit onto the shelf. Station on bolts.

R4-R5: 50 m VI A1 From the station up the gap to a small tree. Further up the corner. Go around the cornice on the left, then up through a slight overhang to reach the wall with bolts. Along the wall with difficult climbing you reach the Beiser exit. Station on bolts.

Previously the route had category 6A. There is a lot of stationary iron on the route. Overall the route is safe. Started on January 6, 1994 by Simferopol climbers S. Nadtochi (Terrorist) and M. Voloshanovsky (Michel). Completed in May 1994 by Terrorist solo. The route is a natural watercourse, because of this the cracks are clogged with earth and grass, therefore, the Terrorist called his route “Haymaking”.

Travel time 6-8 hours.

Corner 5A (Nosov A. - Kalinichenko M. (Sevastopol), 1975)
The route was repaired by A. Lavrinenko’s team in April 2013. The stations are equipped with new bolts and rappel rings. The route consists of an internal corner of varying steepness, running mainly in struts. Sometimes there are small overhangs.

R0-R1: 35m V+ The first station on the large shelf at the start of the route. The first cornice is on the right. Then to the left through the buzzing break to the beginning of the vertical inner corner. Then up the inside corner. Station with bolts.

R1-R2: 25 m V+ Up through a slight overhang (F6a). The location of the semi-hanging station on friends and large bookmarks in front of the cornice is not very convenient for two due to the high friction of the rope.
R2-R3: 40m V+ The cornice goes around to the left (F6a). Further climbing becomes easier. The gap becomes positive and leads to the right into a large fireplace. Station bolts on the breakaway left side of the large fireplace. Lots of rope friction!!!

R3-R4: 10 m VI A2, 10 m V+, 10 m VI A2 From the station up 10 m along the microrelief by climbing (F6b) or using aid A2. The terrain for belaying is poor. A relief skyhook and perhaps an anchor would be useful. Then either to the right through the overhang onto the yayla, or an unpleasant traverse to the left under the cornice. The left option is easier.

A very logical and beautiful line. In some places the line wobbles, causing friction on the rope. Hammers and hooks are a must. Large embedded elements work well. Difficult last rope.

Large fireplace SE wall 3B (Tkachenko G., 1978)
The beginning of the route is the base of a large fireplace, which is clearly visible even from the beach.

R0-R1: 25m, II The first station on bolts, common with the corner. To the right along simple rocks into the base of a large fireplace.

R1-R2: 40 m, III+ From the base of the fireplace straight up the right wall. Sometimes old hooks are found. Tree station.

R2-R3: 30 m (20 m III; 10 m V) From the tree the line goes to the right beyond the bend. Poor hearing. Through a slight overhang to vertical rocks with an internal corner on the left. It is better not to climb into the corner, although old hooks are visible there. From this place, go down to the right and go out to a convenient platform with a large tree.

R3-R4: 25m IV+ Along the oblique crack to the left of the tree, up to the right, go out under a small cornice. He walks around the crack on the right. Then up to the tree. Station on a tree or on your own.

R4-R5: 30 m (25 m III; 5 m V A1) From the station, go up to the right, along the inner corner, then through a 5-meter vertical wall, into the inner corner, and along it to the top. Tree station near the edge.

Impressions: Long approach, includes sections that are not typical for routes of the third category. Small and medium-sized embedded elements work well. You can climb without hammers.

"Integral" 5A (Gorbunov A. – Kholoptsev A. (Odessa)

The route got its name because of the characteristic gap at the top of the wall. The approach to the beginning of the route begins above the Leningrad parking lots. The path goes along the shelves to the right side of the wall. The line begins almost above the Burevestnik sector.

R0-R1: 60 m III+ To the left up along a faint inner corner to a large juniper. Station on a slab on a tree.

R1-R2: 15 m IV, 15 m V+, 10 m II From the tree, go to the right into the inner corner, which turns into an obvious gap. Beautiful climbing and a psychologically challenging climb to the shelf. Station (anchors, bookmarks) 10 m to the left standing on a shelf on a slab at the base of the inner corner going up.

R2-R3: 50 m IV+ Along the inner corner to the left up to the overhang, then to the right of the overhang along the crack to a small grotto. The station is in the grotto at its points (bookmarks, anchors).

R3-R4: 60m V Logical climb up the inside corner. Lots of living rocks, grass, soil and lichen. The station is at its points in the gap (hexes).

R4-R5: 40 m V+ 10 m V, A0 Up the inner corner leading into an overhanging fireplace. The fireplace is held open. Backpacks will get in the way. Then a complex overhanging corner of 10 m with 3 bolts and a hook. You can climb 6b+ - 6c, or A0. Station on new bolts.

R6-R7: 40m III Simple climbing up a logical gap. Then to the right along the positive relief to the yayla. Under the top, the possibilities for organizing belay are limited: about 10-15 m. Station on a yayla on a tree.

Overall the route is strenuous. Requires organizing your own stations. Large embedded elements and hexes work well. Hooks and hammers are a must. At times there is a lot of live rock, grass and lichen.
Parabola 3B
The route runs along the right side of the Southeast bastion of Kush-Kaya. The beginning coincides with the beginning of the Integral route. The approach to the beginning of the route begins above the Leningrad parking lots. The path goes along the shelves to the right side of the wall. The line begins almost above the Burevestnik sector.
R0-R1: 45m III The beginning is the same as the “Integral” route. From the shelf, climb 20 m along the inner corner, then go right to a large tree. Further up to the base of the inner corner. Complexity is unevenly distributed.
R1-R2: 40 m II From the tree station along simple slots to the inner corner, which leads to a shelf with two junipers. Tree station.
R2-R3: 45m V Along the inner corner 15 m up, then to the right to the tree to the right under the yellow cornice.. Key rope
R3-R4: 40m III Up positive rocks of medium difficulty onto a small shelf.
R4-R5: 45 m III To the left, past the overhang along a system of cracks onto a large shelf.
R5-R6: 40 m II To the right, choosing the easiest path to move to the yayla. Station on bolts.
A difficult route in its category, requiring the ability to navigate the terrain well. The relief is very rich. Not recommended as first threes. There is a chance to go to more difficult rocks. You can go without hammers.

Through the sole on the right 4A (Vorobyev M., Nesterov V., Pavlov Yu. (Sevatopol), 1995)

To begin the route, you need to go through the “Africa” sector and go left onto the scree going up.

R0-R1: 45m II Start along the scree, going to the right. Tree station.

R1-R2: 45 I Up along light rocks. Station on a tree.

R2-R3: 40m I To the right towards a large tree along light rocks. Juniper station.

R3-R4: 25 III Along the inner corner to the shelf with the tree.

R4-R5: 40m III Diagonally to the right exit into the bowl. Tree station.

R6-R7: 45 m III Along the positive relief and the gap upward. Tree station.

R7-R8: 45 m III Up the crack. Tree station.

R8-R9: 45m III Up to a convenient shelf with trees. Juniper station.

R9-R10: 45m III You need to go down from the shelf and go to the right of the fireplace. There is no need to go into the fireplace. Tree station.

R10-R11: 5m V, 25m III From the tree up the overhanging gap 5 m. Key area. Then simply climb to the exit to the yayla

Equipment: standard set. There is little stationary iron on the route. It is advisable to have hammers.

In addition to lovers of beaches and cultural attractions, the Crimean peninsula has long been chosen by climbers. There are no Everests or Mont Blancs here, but the peaks here are very diverse, so they allow you to train in almost any conditions. Mount Kush-Kaya in Crimea belongs precisely to the list of such. Fans of mountain walks who do not have special sports training will be able to conquer it along fairly convenient paths.

Where is Kush-Kaya located in Crimea?

It would seem that it would be easier to indicate the location of the rock. But the task will not seem elementary to a person who knows Crimea well. Mount Kush-Kaya is located there in three places at the same time. Today we will talk about everything, but we will dwell in detail on visiting the one near.

Object on the map of Crimea

Features of the origin of the name

The answer to the fact that finding a peak can be difficult is quite prosaic. The fact is that the namesake peaks in Crimea are quite common. “Kush-Kaya” means “Bird Mountain”. This name is given to three different hills, quite distant from each other.

The most picturesque of them is the one located in, not far from Sudak. It is often captured in photographs and is considered a symbol of the village. Its Russian name is . The dimensions are more than usual - 446 m above sea level.

The highest is Kush-Kaya on. Her “height” is 1339 m. In appearance, she looks like an ear listening to the sound of the waves. You can get here through a path that is accessible to tourists without mountaineering training.

The most famous mountain is Kush-Kaya near, and we will talk about visiting it today. Its height is average - 664 m, but there is a steep wall facing the sea, where training and mountaineering competitions take place.

Crimean conspiracy theory

In 2013, this hill was shrouded in a veil of ominous mystery - there were reports of the disappearance of a certain tourist on its slopes. Her body was not found. Everyone familiar with the news tried their best to invent different versions of what happened. It involved both aliens and certain criminal Internet communities, who gave the girl an impossible task as a dedication - to climb.

The missing person’s phone was also present in the case, where something was taken. There were stories of her strange behavior and instability.

However, more experienced mountain tourists reasonably stated that there is no need to look for aliens in places where there are slippery rocks, a high incline and unsuitable beach shoes. Unfortunately, accidents with such would-be climbers happen in any mountains. But no body - no business. Over time, the “mystery of Kush-Kai” lost its relevance, but everyone who came up with their own version of its solution remained unconvinced.

Excursions and routes to Mount Kush-Kaya

For lovers of mountain tourism, Kush-Kaya near Laspi provides many opportunities. Since there are routes of different difficulty levels here (according to the professional classification - from 1B to 5B), all potential conquerors choose routes according to their capabilities and plans. In total, 18 different routes lead here, some of which are not even worth attempting without good climbing equipment and climber training.

The rock of the lower mountain belt is a favorite training and competition place for experienced climbers. But they are a special brethren, resolving organizational issues and security problems “among themselves.” Unprepared tourists usually get to the top along the so-called Great Sevastopol Trail. It is a very long excursion section, where Kush-Kaya is only one of its elements.

The trail starts in, but you can get to it in order to get to Kush-Kaya from the Laspi pass. The path here is well marked, with numerous signposts - it’s difficult to get lost. But even this “simple” route requires comfortable sportswear, good shoes (to avoid slipping) and decent physical shape (the climb is steep and difficult,
although quite accessible to non-professionals).

The trail passes by a corral for wild animals - a kind of hunting ground. Locals joke that the answer to the question of who is protected from whom by a high mesh fence is ambiguous. On the way up you will see some ruins where a wooden cross is installed. The official version says that the ruins are the remains of the Cathedral of St. Elias, which stood here in the late Middle Ages. That is why the cross was erected. But there are skeptics who claim that the condition of the stones and the composition of the mortar that holds them together, the technology of this period is little consistent with this period, and the ruins are the remains of a naval outpost.

Holidaymakers strive to climb to the top of Kush-Kaya for the views that open from there. From above you can admire the nature reserve in Laspi Bay. These landscapes are rightly ranked among the most beautiful in Crimea. People often come here for several days with tents. At the foot of the mountain there is a campsite for vacationers, where it is easier to obtain firewood and drinking water. But some “savages” manage to find accommodation outside this housing complex.

How to get there (get there)?

As already mentioned, Mount Kush-Kaya can be reached in different ways, but tourists often choose the route along the Great Sevastopol Road. If yours starts in the Laspinsky Pass area, then this is what the further path looks like:

Note to tourists

• Address: Orlinovsky municipal district, Sevastopol, Crimea, Russia.
• GPS coordinates: 44.425131, 33.679880.

If it occurs to someone to test the loyalty of their friend using Vysotsky’s method, it is not necessary to go to the Caucasus - they can go to Crimea. Mount Kush-Kaya is perfect for such a test, and the friendly Crimean cities and towns will then help you adequately celebrate your common victory! In conclusion, we offer a video report about the hike to the hill.

The Crimean peninsula has long become one of the favorite places for climbers. Of course, there is neither Mont Blanc nor Everest here, but the local mountains are also very diverse and allow you to train in any conditions. However, people without special training can also enjoy the mountains of Crimea - hiking tours are widespread, and one of the most popular routes is the climb to the peaks of Kush-Kai.

Peculiarities

• on Babugan-Yayla;

• near the Sokol peak (near the New World).

Some Crimeans also mistakenly add the Koshka hill in Simeiz to this list, although this is fundamentally incorrect, since its Crimean Tatar name sounds more like Kosh-Kaya. Kush-kaya translated means “Bird Mountain”. Most likely, this definition is due to the characteristic feature of such peaks - they are located near the sea coast and represent a “resting place” for flocks of migratory birds heading to hot countries.

These mountains are located relatively evenly on the territory of Crimea - in the east, as well as in the southeast and southern part of Crimea relative to its center. The heights of the peaks are different. The highest is Babuganskaya Kush-Kaya - 1339 m, just below the mountain near Laspi - its height is 664 m, and the peak in the Sokol rock rises to 476 m.

All these places are popular for travelers to visit - they offer amazingly beautiful views of the coastline, the Black Sea and the Crimean Mountains. On Kush-kaya in Sokol and Laspi there are also climbing trails of varying degrees of difficulty - from 1B to 5A. Let us dwell in more detail on the description of each of the mountains.

Peaks

The most picturesque, according to everyone, is the one located near Sudak, on the territory of the New World. It is considered the symbol of the village; it is the one most often captured in photographs. This peak is called Sokol. A narrow rocky path leading from the Devil's Finger leads to the upper plateau of the rock.

It is noteworthy that in the light of ultraviolet rays this hill begins to flicker, shimmer and sparkle in different colors and even change its hue. By the way, from the top of Sokol you can see the namesake of this mountain, located on Babugan-yayla.

Kush-Kaya on Babugan-Yayla looks a little like a human ear, as if listening to the measured sound of sea waves. You can get to it along a simple path leading from Paragilmen; this does not require any special mountaineering training or professional equipment. It is quite possible to climb and descend to this peak in one daylight.

The most famous was Kush-Kaya near Laspi Bay, it has medium dimensions, but it faces the sea with its steep wall, so the place has become the main site for training and mountaineering competitions. In 2013, the place was shrouded in an ominous mystery - then a message appeared about the mysterious disappearance of a tourist from the slope; her body was never found.

The most unusual versions were put forward - they mentioned aliens on flying saucers who took the girl for experiments, and a criminal Internet community that issued a difficult task - to rise to the top. The mobile phone of the missing woman was also mentioned - supposedly something was filmed on it, which ultimately led to the death of the tourist.

In short, there were many assumptions, but experienced climbers unanimously declared that the girl herself was to blame for what happened - You should not wear beach shoes to climb steep rocky slopes, where there are many slippery boulders. Unfortunately, accidents with such would-be climbers happen in any mountains. Nevertheless, the body was never found, so the legend only acquired new details, and everyone found their own version to explain the mysterious disappearance of the tourist.

Popular routes

Fans of mountain tourism should best pay attention to Kush-Kaya near Laspi Bay - thanks to the landscape features, there are many opportunities for rock climbers and mountaineers to hone their sports skills. There are several trails of varying degrees of difficulty, so everyone can choose the one that suits them, taking into account their physical capabilities and level of training. Most often, climbers practice on the rock of the lowest zone, but it should be taken into account that professionals are a special “brotherhood”, within which all organizational issues and safety aspects are resolved quite quickly.

For beginners, it is better to choose a route leading along the Great Sevastopol Trail– it represents a rather long section of the excursion route, in which Kush Kaya is only one section of a long route. The trail originates in Sevastopol, and it is best to get to it from the Laspi pass. There are numerous signs here, so it will be almost impossible to get lost. Nevertheless, even such a seemingly elementary path requires comfortable sports shoes, preferably sneakers, and good physical shape.

Although the climb is quite accessible for non-professionals, it is still steep, so it will be difficult for weakened people or those suffering from chronic heart and musculoskeletal diseases to climb.

The tourist route passes by a small hunting farm. Wild animals live in a pen here - locals even joke that this high net does not protect animals from people, but vice versa. On the way to the top you can also see the ruins of an ancient building with a large wooden cross.

According to the official version, here are the remains of the Cathedral of St. Elias, which was built in the Middle Ages, which is why the cross was erected here. But there are also skeptics who believe that the composition of the adhesive solution directly indicates that the structure is much more modern - most likely, it formerly served as a military guard post in the navy.

The peak of Kush-Kaya above Laspi Bay has long been recognized as one of the most beautiful; from the height there is a beautiful view of amazing picturesque places - Cape Aya, as well as the Batiliman tract and the bay itself. These landscapes are considered one of the most breathtaking on the entire Crimean peninsula. Many vacationers even come to these places for a couple of days with tents, so there is a campsite near the foot, where you can always get water and dry firewood.

From the top of Kush-Kaya you can walk along a narrow path to Cape Aya, where a military unit was located during Soviet times - the journey there will take about an hour. Just 3 decades ago there were outbuildings and barracks here, but now there are only ruins.

In a more distant period - 600-700 years ago, Isar was located on Aya, the walls of which were quite well preserved, but in the last century the military dismantled the rocks into stones, which were later used for construction needs. Just beyond Cape Aya, an amazing view opens up - 400-meter sheer cliffs of reddish limestone seem to be falling, bristling with the sharp angles of their collapses.

Below them you can see a cozy white beach - but don’t try to go down to it, there is no path there and you can only get there with climbing equipment - it’s not for nothing that this corner of nature is called a lost world.

Then the trail goes past the line of cliffs to Balaklava itself. If you start from Kush-Kaya in the morning, then by evening it is quite possible to walk along the Balaklava embankment. But keep in mind that d The path here is very treacherous, it branches and often goes towards the cliff. Without knowing the trails and having no orienteering skills, it is better not to decide on such a transition, but if the desire to overcome the route does not leave you, hire an experienced guide.

To find out which route is best for hiking along the Kush-Kaya rock in Crimea, see the following video.

This summer I had a chance to visit Crimea. I traveled along it quite closely and, among other things, visited the top of Mount Sokol or Kush-Kaya. “Kush-Kaya” translated from Turkic means “Bird Rock”, and there are several such mountains in Crimea... but there is only one Sokol. So let's call it that!

For its majestic and powerful appearance, the Genoese called this mountain Senator. People saw the bird and nicknamed it “Mount Falcon”. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t see the bird. The height of the mountain is 475 m, length 1200 m, width from 800 to 1000 m. It is an ancient petrified coral reef, by the way the largest in Europe. It was formed 138-165 million years ago, when this area was the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Nowadays there are no corals or sponges - only junipers and Crimean pines...

There are two ways to climb the mountain. Along a sheer cliff is a path for climbers, who have routes of all levels of difficulty on Sokol. The second path along the path is a road for tourists who are tired of warming their bellies on the beach and want unknown sensations associated with physical activity.

Although at first the ascent was just a pleasant walk through a pretty forest. Our charming guide told us about plants, nature and a little history. We walked along the so-called Golitsyn water pipeline; pipes were laid along this path through which mountain spring water flowed into the village. Along the way, the remains of pipes stuck out of the ground here and there. And there was also a bench:

Another interesting thing (in addition to many plants) we came across was this bridge. And a spring that contained clean and tasty water. On the site of the spring there was once a monastery of St. Anastasia.. Ironically, we climbed the mountain on the very day of her memory. The water from the source is considered holy, we came across people carrying hefty bottles of it...

Behind the spring, in fact, the hill began to slowly climb up, and the shadows became less and less...

But there was already a beautiful view of the village “New World”:

There are a lot of beautiful plants on the mountain, mainly pine trees... two types predominate - Crimean pine and pike-perch pine.

They are all very bizarrely “curved”. The higher you go, the more diverse the pine trees are. This happens because there is a strong wind in the mountains...

From a geological point of view, the mountain has a four-tiered structure. Below is a layer of clayey shale, then a large layer of conglomerate, on which lie thick layers of sandstone, above which the mountain massif itself is located. The mountain itself is composed of Upper Jurassic recrystallized limestones with numerous fossil remains of colonial corals, algae and sponges. I kept trying to find the fossil, but it didn't work out =(
(But from another Crimean “hill” - Cape Alchak, I did bring back a prehistoric souvenir =)

The further we went up, the harder it was to walk and the more beautiful it was to view the surroundings. They asked the conductor if there were any cases where someone did not get there. The conductor said that once there was an elderly woman. This was reassuring.

Then we had to climb the rocks. By the way, it turned out to be very easy - the rocks are comfortable and not slippery at all. And climbing them is not at all scary, although it is moderately tiring.

In total, the mountain had several platforms that had to be climbed... it was difficult to climb, but still not very difficult. Before the last push to the top, a surprising thing happened for our guide - three people left the race at once... despite the fact that the top was just a stone's throw away...

Then there was the final push...

And here it is - the top... from it a stunning view opens - on the right, somewhere below, the village of Novy Svet, on the left, in a light haze, the city of Sudak. The houses seemed toy-like and unreal, and kites were soaring in the sky (or maybe falcons, I recognized them by their cry of “kurly”). It looks amazing - a bird of prey soaring in space at a great height... you can’t even see them from below.
And at the top of the mountain there was something special to breathe... it was quiet and calm there. All the problems, all the affairs, everything is somewhere below... You experience something similar on the roof, only there you feel not involved in the bustle below, but here - its complete absence.




It was such a walk. We descended back silently and especially without looking to the sides =) Still, this thing is tiring - climbing 475 meters above sea level =))

In Crimea there are three mountains with the same name - Kush-Kaya. One is located in the New World, the second is on Babugan-yayla, and the third is above Laspi. I suggest you go to the last peak - one of the most picturesque - this coming weekend. This mountain has many advantages: it is not high, the climb is relatively easy, and the view from the mountain is unforgettable.

Kush-Kaya is translated from Crimean Tatar as “bird mountain”. The peak is at a bird's eye height - 664 meters. Kush-Kaya seems to hang over Batiliman and protects it from cold winds and creates a special microclimate. They say that the air temperature under the mountain is always a couple of degrees higher than throughout the entire South Coast.

It should be noted right away that climbing Kush-Kaya is still more of a tourist hike than an ordinary walk. Therefore, I recommend that you prepare - wear comfortable clothes and shoes, take food and plenty of water with you. If you take these nuances into account, the hike will be quite comfortable and uncomplicated. The ascent will take about two hours, the descent - much less.

The path to the top will not be boring. You will see the ruins of the Church of St. Elijah from the 11th to 15th centuries, old trees, as well as dozens of species of Crimean herbs and flowers. Now the flowering season is beginning, so the walk will be incredibly beautiful.

By the way, the trail passes by an enclosure for wild animals. Deer, roe deer and wild boar live here. The area of ​​the hunting area is almost 500 hectares and anyone can enter the territory. If you're lucky, you'll meet animals. The foresters say they are friendly. We were only able to see deer that were kept in quarantine in a small pen.

Most of the way to Kush-Kai runs through the forest. Only at the end of the climb the road becomes steep. In several areas it is very difficult to walk due to the large angle of inclination. Many people have the idea of ​​turning off the path and giving up the idea of ​​going on a hike. But I assure you that all the difficulties will be worth the view from the top of Kush-Kaya. And remember - the descent will be much easier.

The trail leads out to a rocky plateau with incredible views. From a bird's eye view you can see the Baydar Valley, Laspi Bay and Cape Aya.

One of the attractions of the Kush-Kaya peak is the ledge directly above the cliff. The bravest tourists climb to its edge to take a couple of photos. However, I do not recommend following their example. In recent years, the metal structure has deteriorated greatly and become unreliable. In addition, strong winds often blow at the top.

To conquer Kush-Kai, you must first get to the Laspi pass by car or by any bus going to Yalta. Travel time from Sevastopol is about half an hour. You can park your car near the Laspi Observation Deck stop. From there you need to walk along the highway 100-200 meters towards Sevastopol until you turn onto a dirt road with a green barrier and enter the Great Sevastopol Trail. Next, follow these orange signs.

These landmarks will not let you go astray and will always tell you how many kilometers and time are left to your goal. I wish you a great weekend! Conquer new heights!

My previous travels: Chufut-Kale and the ancient Karaite cemetery ,