Location of the Crimean mountains. Brief description of peaks. Roman-Kosh - the highest mountain of Crimea
Unique Phenomena nature - Crimean mountains. They are one of business cards peninsula and a favorite place for tourists. The mountains of Crimea are a complex structure of mountain ranges, each element of which is completely unique and has its own historical significance.
Even those who do not show much interest in the mountainous Crimea are probably familiar with such names as Ai-Petri, Demerdzhi or Chatyrdag. Ai-Petri is famous for one of the best cable cars and views of the Black Sea and Yalta from its slopes and top. Demerdzhi is remembered by tourists for its Ghost Valley, and Chatyrdag for its amazing miraculous caves. However, in Crimea there are many other interesting mountain peaks that do not bypass tourist routes.
Interesting fact:
The Crimean mountains cannot be called very high, they are lower than the Caucasus, Altai and the Alps. The height of the big mountain Roman-Kosh is only 1545 m.
Origin of the Crimean Mountains
200 million years ago there was a huge ocean Tethys. Mountain ranges of the Crimea are mainly of sedimentary origin. But sometimes their formation was accompanied by the rise of hot magma to the surface. One of the most notable evidence of volcanic activity is Mount Karadag. Sometimes magma solidified inside the massifs, thus forming famous mountain Ayu-Dag (Bear Mountain). But most Crimean peaks composed of calcareous rocks, which are easily weathered to form bizarre shapes.
Diversity of the Crimean mountains
The mountains of Crimea consist of three main parts:
- the first (southern, or main) ridge;
- the second (middle, or inner) ridge;
- third (outer) ridge.
The first ridge of the Crimean mountains
The southernmost and most high part Crimean mountains, steep slopes approaching directly to the waters of the Black Sea. Most of the peaks are upland plateaus covered with flowering alpine meadows, here they are called yayla. Main ridge consists of several massifs: Ai-Petrinsky yaila, Yalta, Gurzuf and others.
The most interesting natural objects are located here: Chatyrdag caves, bizarre remnant figures of Demerdzhi, one and a half thousand meters led by Roman-Kosh. On the periphery of the Ai-Petri Yayla there is a stunning natural monument - grand canyon Crimea.
mountains create unique climate Yalta, protecting it from the harsh northern winds. The pine forests that cover the foot of the mountains have long been a favorite place for walking. And the peaks surrounding the city make it possible to make exciting trips every day.
The second ridge of the Crimean mountains
The second, or inner, ridge begins with the Mekenziev mountains on the outskirts of Sevastopol and stretches to Stary Krym. Average Height mountains 400-500 m, maximum - 739 m.
The third ridge of the Crimean mountains
These are low foothills, their maximum height is 352 m. The outer ridge is located on the border of the steppe and mountain ranges. It stretches from Cape Fiolent to Simferopol and further to the northeast. The third ridge includes the Sapun Mountain hill in the center of Sevastopol.
This ridge is famous for many medieval cave cities. The most interesting are Chufut-Kale, Mangup and Tepe-Kermen. white rock(Ak-Kaya) in the vicinity of Belogorsk has become a filming location for many Soviet films. And thousands of years ago, this mountain sheltered primitive people in its caves.
Better than mountains there may be mountains that have not yet been. This expression, I think, was heard even by those who have never been a hiker. But it seems to me that there is a mistake in this proposal. There are peaks that conquer you at first sight and you want to return there again and again. Come back to see sunrise or sunset, visit different time year, catch a blanket of clouds under your feet, beautiful fogs, herbs and even snow.
Mountains in Crimea are low. As I wrote before, by the standards seasoned tourists and climbers, these are slides or even mounds. The most high point on the peninsula - Roman-Kosh. It rises above sea level at 1545 meters. But the highest mountains will not always be the most beautiful. My list of five peaks includes the most interesting and breathtaking. If you do not agree with my opinion, write your top 5 in the comments. If you agree, then tell us where you have already climbed, and where you are going.
Roman-Kosh (1545 m)
Roman-Kosh is the highest mountain in Crimea. It is part of the Babugan-yayla massif, which is now part of the Crimean Nature Reserve. According to some geologists, Roman-Kosh is a volcano that has never fully formed.
The name of the highest mountain in the Crimea is translated in different ways. According to one version, it means "upper halt" and has Indo-Aryan roots. The other version is much simpler. From the Crimean Tatar it is translated as "forest pasture".
Roman-Kosh has not always been number one among the high mountains of the peninsula. Back in the 19th century, the first place was given to Eklizi-Burun.
Climbing Roman-Kosh is now a difficult task. But not because the climb is difficult, but because the peak is located in the Crimean Nature Reserve, where simple tourist unaccompanied travel is prohibited (officially, only automobile and bus tours along with the hunter). Foresters are especially fierce in summer, they catch travelers on the trails and send them back, not forgetting to issue an administrative fine in Alushta. One way or another, the risk is justified, since Roman-Kosh offers stunning views in all directions.
The most group ascent to Mount Roman-Kosh was made by Artek climbers in 1966. 1200 people climbed to the top at once. In honor of the opening of the 15th Congress of the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League, they erected a bust of Lenin on the mountain.
Roman-Kosh was not spared even by creative people. There is a song by Krylatov to the words of Entin, which is called "The First Peak".
How to get there: By car or public transport to the village of Krasnokamenka (in the second case, by minibus "Krasnokamenka-Gurzuf" from the Yalta bus station), go up the street, pass by a landscaped quarry and start climbing through the forest. The ascent takes 3 hours.
Eklizi-Burun (1527 m)
Photo by Maxim Kutashev 
Photo by Maxim Kutashev 
Photo by Victoria Stupina 
Photo by Maxim Kutashev
Eklizi-Burun is the highest point of Mount Chatyr-Dag. It is located on the western cape and delights beginners and experienced travelers with incredible views of the sea, mountains and the Crimean Nature Reserve. IN good weather you can even see Sevastopol!
The name of the mountain peak is translated as "church cape". In the Middle Ages, the Greek church of Panagia, which means "All Saints", stood here. Every year, the Greeks climbed the mountain for a common prayer. The temple fell into decay after the annexation of Crimea to Russia in the 18th century, when all Christians were evicted from the peninsula.
Climbing Mount Chatyr-Dag to the top of Eklizi-Burun is not very difficult, but long, which will require endurance and patience. But you will have to go through picturesque places - through a beech grove and alpine meadows. You need to take water with you, as there are no springs on the mountain. Keep in mind that it can be much colder at the top. Eklizi-Burun is also famous for its winds, which can be so strong that they blow away tents and even people.
How to get there: From Yalta or Simferopol by bus or trolleybus number 1, get to the Angarsky Pass stop, get off and walk along the road to the base of the same name. Then you need to go through a beech forest and a beech clearing, there will be markings along the entire route. Motorists can also leave their car next to the Angarsky Pass camp site.
Northern and Southern Demerdzhi (1356 and 1239 m)
Demerdzhi is a huge mountain range near Alushta. It has two peaks - North and South. The first is higher, the second is about 100 meters lower, but is more popular with tourists. South Demerdzhi is built of limestone, which has been exposed to winds and rains for thousands of years. The rocks at the foot and on the mountain itself have taken the most incredible forms and resemble animals and people at different times of the day.
The name is translated from the Crimean Tatar as "blacksmith", but even earlier the mountain was known as Funa, which means "smoking". The first name remained at the fortress, which was built at the foot. Near Demerdzhi is the village of Radiant. Until the middle of the 20th century, the settlement had the same name as the mountain and was located next to it. But after a strong collapse, it was decided to move it away.
South Demerdzhi attracts tourists with its Ghost Valley, Moonlight meadow, similar to Stonehenge and, of course, views of Chatyr-Dag, the reservoir, the sea and mountains all the way to Sudak. This is my favorite mountain, although I have not yet visited Chatyr-Dag and have not climbed Roman-Kosh.
A touching legend is connected with Mount Demerdzhi near Alushta. It tells how the nomads captured the fortress of Funa, set up a huge forge on the mountain, and the men from the village were forced to work in it. The work was supervised by a tall blacksmith with a black beard. One day, the girl Maria decided to stand up for the men, went to the mountain and asked to let the workers go. The blacksmith agreed, but on the condition that Maria would become his wife. The girl refused, then the blacksmith got angry and killed her. At that moment, the mountain came to life, shuddered and turned everyone who was on it into stone statues.
You can watch a video from the autumn trip to Demerdzhi.
How to get there: By car, it is easy to get to the beginning of the Ghost Valley trail. There are two ways: from the Yalta-Simferopol highway, turn to Radiant, drive to the beginning of the village, leave the car in a small area at the public transport stop and go up the path past a small pond and ranch " golden horseshoe» to the start of the trail. The second option: drive through Alushta to the village of Radiant and leave the car at the exit from it.
To get to Demerdzhi by public transport, you must first get to Alushta. At the stop opposite the bus station, take minibus number 107 and get off at the beginning of Radiant.
You can also climb South Demerdzhi in a sightseeing jeep, but then you will not see either the Valley of Ghosts or Moonglade.
Kush-Kaya (1338 m)
The name Kush-Kaya in Crimea is carried by three mountains at once, but only the one in Babugan-yayla is one of the highest. Kush-Kaya is translated as "bird rock". But it looks more like an outstretched ear.
You can climb Kush-Kaya along two paths. Both go from the springs of Ak-Chokrak and Tolma past Mount Paragilmen. The views, as from the previous high mountains, will be amazing.
As for two more mountains with the name Kush-Kaya, one is located between Laspi and Cape Aya, and the second is between Sudak and the New World and is better known as Mount Sokol. They are much lower, but climbing them is more difficult, since you will have to go at an angle of 45 and 50 degrees, and climb the rocks along Mount Sokol. But all efforts will not be in vain.
How to get there: Drive by car or public transport from Yalta or Alushta to Kiparisnoye, climb up Paragilmeni mountain past it to Kush-Kaya.
Ai-Petri (1234 m)
Closes the top five of the highest and most beautiful Crimean mountains Ai-Petri, known, perhaps, to almost every tourist who has visited the peninsula. Height main summit is 1234 meters, it is very convenient to remember. It is on it that tourists fall, disembarking from the cable car booth. The construction of the cable car began in 1967 and lasted 20 years. The cable car Miskhor - Ai-Petri is known for its one of the longest unsupported spans in Europe.
Ai-Petri is translated as "Saint Peter". The name is associated with a legend about a young man named Peter and his girlfriend. The parents of the lovers were against marriage, so the young people decided to commit double suicide and climbed the mountain. But there was not a single platform where two people could fit. Therefore, the young man jumped first, the girl at that moment cried out “Saint Peter!”, And then she changed her mind about taking her own life.
An obligatory point of visiting Ai-Petri will be a walk to the Zubtsy to the observation deck. The teeth rocks have been a natural monument since 1947, and from the observation deck you can see the entire South coast Crimea.
Even in summer it can be cool and windy on Ai-Petri, so you should take a windbreaker or sweatshirt with you. In addition, there are three caves on the top: Trekhglazka, Geophysical and Yalta, where the air temperature does not rise above +10-12 degrees.
How to get there: You can climb Ai-Petri in three ways: by cable car from Miskhor (350 rubles one way), by car or minibus along the Yalta-Bakhchisarai road (turn right immediately after the stop "Sanatorium Uzbekistan"), on foot along the Miskhor (Koreiz) trail or along the Taraktash trail.
If you choose a walking option along the Miskhor trail, then you need to take the Yalta-Sevastopol bus and get off at the Koreiz stop, go a little further and start climbing the dirt road through Pine forest. The ascent will take 2.5 or 3.5 hours, depending on the degree of preparation and the pace of walking. The first third of the way will be easy and almost without slides, after the spring there will be a section with a sharp rise along a loose path, after the observation deck it will become easier.
The ascent along the Taraktash trail begins from the road Yalta - Bakhchisarai immediately after the turn to the Uchan-Su waterfall (you can get there by car or taxi). The trail is marked, so it's hard to get lost. The first half of the way will go through the forest, then along the serpentine and stairs to the Taraktash ridge. After reaching the plateau, you need to go straight along the path, then to the left along the dirt road to the village of Okhotniche and further straight to the cable car station. The ascent to Taraktash will take about 3 hours, to the Main peak of Ai-Petri it will take about an hour.
If you want to go on a one-day hike in the Crimea, but do not dare to go on your own, then I offer my company. You can choose your favorite trip and book it for any day convenient for you. A day that will definitely be remembered for a long time.
love solo travel? Do you want to see something unusual? I will compose for you, in which there will be only what is really interesting to you.
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In anticipation May holidays The Crimean mountains are always relevant.
In various sources, only Roman-Kosh is consistently considered the highest point of Crimea, the rest of the highest mountains of Crimea are often not even mentioned. For a long time I myself thought that the third highest mountain peak is Eklizi-Burun, although if you count, he is in 8th place.
Now I have compiled a clearer list of the 30 highest peaks of Crimea.
1. Roman-Kosh. Height - 1545m. (Babugan-Yayla)
The highest point of Crimea. In reality, it is just a hill with a cross on the Babugan yayla. Absolutely nothing special. Those who want to see a hoo-hoo mountain will be extremely disappointed with a mound. Moreover, access to Roman-Kosh is difficult, since Babugan is considered reserved place. You can run into foresters who will force you to pay a fine for visiting Babugan and be deported from there.
2. Boynus Tepe. Height - 1542m. (Babugan-Yayla)
Another hill on Babugan, just 3 meters below Roman-Kosh. In many sources, the word is not mentioned at all.
3. Demir-Kapu. Height - 1540m. (Gurzuf Yayla)
Despite the fact that Demir-Kapu is 2 meters lower than Boynus-Tepe, it is she who is usually considered the second largest mountain in Crimea. (Just the hills on Babugan are often not counted as mountains.) The Gurzuf yayla is located between Babugan-yayla and Yalta yayla. Nearest locality near Demir-Kapu - town. Soviet. A special permit is required to visit Demir Kapu.
4-5. Uchurum-Khaya
Hill on Babugan.
4-5. Tas-Tepe. Height - 1538m. (Babugan-Yayla)
Hill on Babugan.
6. Zeytin-Kosh. Height - 1537m. (Babugan-Yayla)
Hill on Babugan. But, oddly enough, more popular than No. 2,4,5, because included in many sources. Perhaps due to the fact that from this hill opens good view. However, you cannot officially visit it, like the whole Babugan.
7. Kemal-Egerek. Height - 1529m. (Yalta Yayla)
The mountain is 2 kilometers from No. 3. The highest point of the Yalta Yayla. Not far from Yalta. It is also located in the reserve, so you need permission to visit.
8. Eklizi-Burun. Height - 1527m. (Chatyr-Dag)
The highest point of the Chatyr-Dag mountain range. You can climb from the east side of the Angarsk pass. In principle, you can climb and go down to a stop (there is the Simferopol-Alushta highway, trolleybuses run) in one day. From the top there is a view of Babugan-yayla. At the top of Eklizi-burun - a rectangular stone is visible - these are the remains of a Greek church. Chatyr-Dag is not a nature reserve, so you can visit it without special permission, unlike the first 7 the highest peaks Crimea.
9. Dam-Kosh. Height - 1514m. (Babugan-Yayla)
Another useless hill on Babugan.
10. Nameless Babugan Peak. Height - 1512m. (Babugan-Yayla)
There are so many hills on Babugan that no one was puzzled by the name of all.
11. Nameless Babugan Peak. Height - 1506m. (Babugan-Yayla)
See #10.
12. Avinda. Height - 1472m. (Nikitskaya Yayla, near Gurzuf)
13. Angar-Burun. Height - 1453m. (Chatyr-Dag)
Another peak of Chatyr-Dag, not far from Eklizi-Burun.
14. Khaban Khir. Height - 1413m. (Babugan-Yayla)
Hill on Babugan.
15. Cherkez-Kosh. Height - 1395m. (Babugan-Yayla)
Hill on Babugan.
16. Big Scarecrow. Height - 1390m. (Sinap-dag)
Sinap-Dag is the western part of Babugan-Yaila.
17. Northern Demerdzhi. Height - 1359m. (Demerdzhi-yayla)
18. Kush-Kaya(Babugan-Yayla). Height - 1339m. (Babugan-Yayla)
Several mountains in the Crimea are called Kush-Kaya, this one is the highest.
19. Bedenekyr. Height - 1320m. (Ai-Petri Yayla)
20. Black Mountain. Height - 1307m. (Sinap-dag)
21.Nameless peak near Northern Demerdzhi. Height - 1289m. (Demerdzhi-yayla)
22.Malaya Scarecrow. Height - 1288m. (Sinap-dag)
23.Khapkhal-Bash. Height - 1287m. (Tyrke-yayla)
Tyrke-yayla is a part of Dolgorukovskaya yayla, the famous yayla, where partisans were active during the war years.
24-25.Tyrke
24-25. long mountain. Height - 1283m. (Tyrke-yayla)
26. Tai Koba. Height - 1262m. (Karabi-yayla)
From the north - gently sloping, from the south - a cliff. From there, excellent views of Karabi-yayla open. There is a triangulator on the mountain.
27. Takya Tepe. Height - 1253m. (Karabi-yayla)
Close to Tai Koba. This peak is a little closer to the sea, so the views from it are even better than from Tai Koba.
28. table-mountain. Height - 1240m. (Tyrke-yayla)
29. South Demerdzhi. Height - 1239m. (Demerdzhi-yayla)
Not far from Alushta, rises above the Valley of Ghosts.
30. Ai-Petri. Height - 1234m. (Ai-Petri Yayla)
One of the most accessible mountains because the cable car goes there.
If you missed something, please add.
If you have been to Crimea at least once, then Crimean mountains leave a lasting impression, especially if you see them for the first time. And when you start conquering the Crimean mountains, you just fall in love with them!
The southern coast of Crimea is a mountain kaleidoscope. Mountains separate the coast from the northern part of the peninsula and beckon with a wide variety of ridges, peaks, rocks, plateaus to everyone who loves mountain vacation in Crimea.
If you fly over the entire Crimean mountain range in a helicopter, you can see how it "grows" from its edges to the center. The low Baydarskoe plateau is replaced by the Ai-Petrinsky plateau with a maximum height of 1320 meters, turning into the Yalta Yayla (up to 1406 meters). Even higher - Nikitskaya yayla (up to 1470 meters), Gurzufskaya (up to 1540 meters) adjoins it, then Babugan-yayla with the peak of Roman-Kosh (1545 meters). This is the center of the Main Ridge, and below it, between Gurzuf and Alushta, is the very middle of South Breeze.
“Yayla” in Turkic means “summer pasture”. This everyday word entered geographical science, since most of the year local population cattle grazed on the plateau.
Farther to the east, the ridge breaks and recedes from the coast, forming the Chatyr-Dag mountain ranges separated by rifts with the peaks of Eklizi-Burun (1527 meters) and Demerdzhi (1356 meters). A natural bridge - Mount Tyrke - connects the Demerdzhinskoe plateau with the largest area of Karabi-yayla. Its height is smaller - 1258 meters. In the eastern part of the peninsula there are mountains of the Outer Ridge, and the Kerch Hills, and the steppe, and the sandy coast of the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov.
Western Crimea is everything west of the river Salgir, which divides the capital of Crimea itself in two. From Simferopol towards Tarkhankut and Evpatoria the Crimean steppe begins. The road through Bakhchisaray to Sevastopol is mainly the Crimean foothills (land at the foot of the northern slope of the mountains). It is cooler here, there is more moisture, better soil. Rivers flow through the valleys, orchards grow.
The western coast from Sevastopol to Tarkhankut is not at all like the south coast mountains - these are steep shores of sand and clay, with large areas sandy beaches in the region of Evpatoria, on the embankments of estuaries and salt lakes.
How the mountainous Crimea was formed
How and when did they appear Crimean mountains- such a question is asked by everyone who saw them. The earth's crust is in constant motion. In the history of the planet, the sea and the land could change places many times: the bottom rose - the waters receded, the mountains began to grow, then the restless firmament descended - and again the ocean flooded these aged cliffs, peaks, abysses ... Here, in the place of Crimea, there was once an ancient ocean Tethys. At its bottom, about 200 million years ago, the rocks of our future Crimean Mountains began to be deposited, but the age of the most ancient rocks is not less than a billion years. These rocks can be seen on the southern cliffs and in the river valleys of the northern slope. At the base of the Crimean mountains, deep underground, there is a dark “Taurian platform” crumpled into disorderly folds. On top of it, rocks of different age are seized by natural cement and pressed into conglomerates (they can be best seen on Mount South Demerdzhi), and even higher lies marble-like limestone - the most common sedimentary rock in Crimea. But this is only general scheme: the true composition of the Crimean subsoil is rich, diverse and not yet fully understood.
Scientists believe that during the Mesozoic era Crimean peninsula was a group of volcanic islands - then the main geological structures were formed mountain Crimea. The land then rose, then fell, the ocean then advanced, then for a long time, for thousands of years, left. This complex dramatic the history of the Crimean mountains can be read in their folded floors.
Gradually, starting from the Cretaceous period (137-67 million years ago) and up to Miocene era Cenozoic era (25 million years ago), the Crimean mountains sprouted through a single basin of the Black and Caspian Seas. The formation of the mountainous Crimea began 10-13 million years ago, after another powerful uplift of the earth's surface. However, the current mountains are much younger. After all the ups and downs, tectonic movements, collapses and landslides, they took modern look only 1.5-2 million years ago. The Crimean mountains were exposed, rose "from the bosom of the waters", settled down in long ridges - Home(first), internal(second) and very low External(third).
Three ridges of the Crimean mountains
The main ridge of the Crimean mountains, gently sloping from the north and steeply falling to the south, with large plateaus, separated and protected the southern coast of Crimea from the north, gave rise to short rivers of the southern slope that almost dry up by summer and relatively long rivers flowing west and north. The length of the main ridge of the Crimean mountains is about 110 kilometers (from Feodosia to Balaklava), the maximum height of the Crimean mountains is 1545 meters, this Mount Roman-Kosh.
In the distant past, outlier mountains separated from the Main Ridge and slid down to the coast - Adalary rocks, Cross rock, Ai-Nikola, Mount Koshka. The highest outlier is Mount Paragilmen, its height is 857 meters. Blocks of destroyed mountains - "chaos" - piled up under the steep cliffs of the Main Ridge. Some of them are declared natural monuments.
Much lower than Main. Its maximum height is 750 meters. These soft limestone mountains, also with plateaus, gave shelter to the inhabitants of the Middle Ages - people began to break through caves and settle in them. Cave cities are built one after another. Some scholars are inclined to see in this the realization of the plan - the creation of a single defensive line.
The outer ridge of the Crimean mountains even further to the north and even lower - its height is no more than three hundred meters. Behind it, the whole Crimea, up to the Sivash itself, appears as a flat steppe - fields, vineyards, plantations of sunflower and corn, separated by forest belts, and in Lately there are also many uncultivated lands, again turned into "virgin lands".
All three ridges of the Crimean mountains converge in the region of Sevastopol, built on the Herakleian peninsula, which is most dissected by bays.
Peaks of the Main Ridge of the Crimean Mountains now they rise by 3-4 millimeters per year, but in fact they do not grow, because the destruction of the rock under the action of water, wind, frost (weathering) and atmospheric moisture with dissolved in it carbon dioxide(karsting) outstrips growth. There are 8500 large sinkholes, which can eventually turn into caves, and 870 real caves. The longest of them (20.5 kilometers) is Kizil-Koba on Dolgorukovskaya yaila, the deepest (517 meters) is the Soldatskaya mine on Karabi-yaila, and the most beautiful of the equipped and therefore the most visited is Marble cave on Chatyr-Dag.
Among the limestone mountains there are fossil reefs. This is everyone's favorite mountain Ai-Petri. Its age is approximately 150 million years. There are laccoliths of the Mesozoic era - "failed volcanoes" of the domed shape of Ayu-Da g and Kastel, and pointed ones - Mount Ai-Yuri.
Three ridges of the Crimean mountains The main ridge of the Crimean mountains, gently sloping from the north and steeply falling to the south, with large plateaus, separated and protected the southern coast of Crimea from the north, gave rise to short rivers of the southern slope that almost dry up by summer and relatively long rivers flowing to the west and north. The length of the main ridge of the Crimean mountains is about 110 kilometers (from Feodosia to Balaklava), the maximum height of the Crimean mountains is 1545 meters, this is Mount Roman-Kosh. In the distant past, outlier mountains separated from the Main Ridge and slid down to the coast - the rocks of Adalary, Cross Rock, Ai-Nikola, Mount Koshka. The highest outlier is Mount Paragilmen, its height is 857 meters. Blocks of destroyed mountains - "chaos" - piled up under the steep cliffs of the Main Ridge. Some of them are declared natural monuments. The inner ridge of the Crimean mountains much lower than the main one. Its maximum height is 750 meters. These soft limestone mountains, also with plateaus, gave shelter to the inhabitants of the Middle Ages - people began to break through caves and settle in them. Cave cities are built one after another. Some scholars are inclined to see in this the realization of the plan - the creation of a single defensive line. The outer ridge of the Crimean mountains even further to the north and even lower - its height is no more than three hundred meters. Behind it, the whole Crimea, up to the Sivash itself, appears as a flat steppe - fields, vineyards, sunflower and corn plantations, separated by forest belts, and recently also a lot of uncultivated lands, again turned into "virgin lands". All three ridges of the Crimean mountains converge in the region of Sevastopol, built on the Herakleian peninsula, which is most intersected by bays. The peaks of the Main Ridge of the Crimean Mountains are now rising by 3-4 millimeters per year, but in fact they are not growing, because the destruction of the rock under the action of water, wind, frost (weathering) and atmospheric moisture with carbon dioxide dissolved in it (karsting) is ahead of growth. There are 8,500 large karst sinkholes in Crimea, which can eventually turn into caves, and 870 real caves. The longest of them (20.5 kilometers) is Kizil-Koba on Dolgorukovskaya yaila, the deepest (517 meters) is the Soldatskaya mine on Karabi-yaila, and the most beautiful of the equipped and therefore the most visited is the Marble Cave on Chatyr-Dag. Among the limestone mountains there are fossil reefs. This is everyone's favorite mountain Ai-Petri. Its age is approximately 150 million years. There are laccoliths of the Mesozoic era - “failed volcanoes” of the domed shape Ayu-Dag and Kastel, and pointed ones - Mount Ai-Yuri.
Crimean mountains - the name of the peaks with a description. The uniqueness of the Crimean mountains lies in their origin, as well as the entire peninsula. Somewhere between 140 and 165 million years ago, the peninsula as such did not exist. On this place was the ancient Tethys Ocean, in the depths of which marine reefs formed over millions of years. Over time, the area that is now a peninsula rose to the surface. And all the mountains of Crimea on this moment are nothing more than fossil reefs subject to active natural influence and today because of its composition.
At the moment, the peninsula belongs to the southwestern region of the Russian Federation. Almost the entire territory is surrounded by Black and Seas of Azov, including several bays. Connection with the mainland occurs through the Isthmus of Perekop, which determines the isolation of the Crimea. According to the landscape, Crimea is divided into three parts: Crimea with a flat surface, Kerch Peninsula and mountainous Crimea.
General characteristics of the Crimean mountains
The Crimean Mountains are located in the southern and southeastern parts of the peninsula. Connecting in three ridges, they form a whole system. The outer, inner and main mountain ranges are parallel to each other and are separated by valleys located along their foothills. Mountains often consist of many small ridges no more than a few kilometers long. For all three ridges, it is characteristic that the surface of the mountains with north side more gentle, and from the south it is steep. The outer and inner ridges do not differ in high rates. Their highest points are respectively 350 meters and 750 meters. The main ridge is distinguished by the height of its peaks. The most prominent of them are in the massifs: Babugan plateau, Gurzuf and Yalta plateaus. The highest point of the entire mountain system is located at an altitude of 1 km 545 meters on Mount Roman-Kosh in the Babugan-yayly massif.
The largest mountain range Babugan Yayla
The name of the array means "Wolfberry". This is explained by the fact that earlier belladonna grew in large numbers here. The size of the massif is 3.5 km by 8 km.
The name of the most famous peaks to visit with a description of the height:
- Roman-Kosh (1 km 545 meters);
- Tas-Tepe and Uchurum-Kaya (1 km 538 meters).
Other equally prominent peaks:
- Dam-Kosh (1 km 514 meters);
- Boynus Tepe (1 km 542 meters);
- Zeytin-Kosh (1 km 537 meters).
Since the highest point of Crimea is located here, the routes to it are the most popular for tourists. Babugan-Yayla, like many other sites, is a protected area, but an organized visit is available. Depending on the route, you can include or avoid sharp descents and ascents in the campaign. On the way, pine and beech forests, valleys, as well as springs are available for viewing. There is even a site with a relic species of warty birch, preserved from the Ice Age.
Since limestone in the composition of rocks begins to predominate more and more closer to the top, various failures are easily formed here. Filled with water, they can be transformed into water bodies under certain conditions. There are also artificial lakes created in the Stratogay valley.
In addition, the mountain attracts believing Christians because of the Kosmo-Damianovsky monastery built on top and the source of healing water next to it.
Descending from Yayla, you can see the Golovkinsky waterfall near the “Konek” ridge.
"Roman Kosh" - "Highest peace" and the highest point of the Crimean mountains
So, for the Crimean mountains, this is the highest point, which belongs to nature reserve like the rest of Yayla. Therefore, its visit is in principle prohibited. The traffic here is small, but still there, as some make their way, bypassing the prohibitions. The routes here are quite safe. It is only necessary to have endurance and sports training, as there is a long way to go. When climbing to the top, picturesque landscapes open up. Including forest areas at the very foot, many springs with clean water, numerous caves located in the upper part of the mountain. At the very top, you can see the gentle slopes of the massif and the forest valley. In addition, you can see the cities of Simferopol and Bakhchisaray, with an observatory located nearby, a reservoir or otherwise Crimean Switzerland, mountains with cave cities: Chufut-Kale, Tepe-Kermen and Kyz-Kermen.
Because of the composition rock various depressions also arise here, numerous caves and grottoes are formed.
Cape "Alchak" - "Low Rock"
The cape and at the same time Mount Alchak is located in the Sudak valley and is a reserve, but paid entrance here is possible. The rock is called low because its height is small and is 152 meters. The mountain is perfect for hiking. Climbing to its top is quite easy. In addition, the cape is completely encircled by a hiking trail 800 meters long with an entry to the mountain, along which there are signs. It will take at least an hour to walk along the trail, and a little more with stops and photographing. In addition, this place is accessible geographically. You can go to the cape through the Sudak embankment and the boat station.
The aesthetic appeal of the views from the mountain also affects the number of tourists visiting it. Climbing to the top, it will be possible to contemplate the bays of the New World, the Genoese fortress on the Fortress Hill, one of the driest places in Crimea, the Kapesl Valley and Cape Meganom located next to it, as well as Mount Ai-George. When going up or down a mountain tourist trail you can see the natural grotto in the rock called Aeolotha harp.
Advice from tourists who have been there: you can get to the mountain for free by going in from the other side.
"Uzun-Syrt" - "Long Ridge" or Mount Klementyev
This ridge, located next to Feodosia, is the property of the Crimea. long ridge Named due to the fact that its length is more than 7 km. The highest peak has a height of 268 meters, and its widest part is 600 meters, which is much wider than other Crimean ranges. The ridge has three peaks: Koklyuk, Orta-Oba and Sary-Kaya. However, it is not these characteristics that make the place unique. The ridge was unofficially named after P. Klementyev, who was involved in testing gliders here. It was the presence of the strongest air currents that made it possible to engage in gliding, aviation and astronautics here even under the Soviet Union. There are no mountains with the same natural data anywhere in Europe. Only America can boast of Harris Hill with similar characteristics.
Therefore, a monument to glider pilots is erected here, and there is also a Gliding Museum. For the training of professional pilots, the Planetary Sports Center was organized here under the USSR, which is still operating. In addition, there are two clubs. One of them is hang gliding, and the second is paragliding. They carry out training flights, including on AN-20 aircraft, and parachute jumps.
"Koba Kaya" - "Cave Rock" or "Mount Eagle"
This low rock is 165 meters high with an interesting shape. It is located in the Sudak region. In the direction of the coast, its surface is flat, but from the sea there is a steep cliff. From different angles, it takes on a different shape for the beholder. It is quite difficult to see the silhouette of an eagle specifically, however, it is because of this that the unofficial name "Mountain-Eagle" was given. The official name "Cave Mountain" was given to the rock in connection with big amount existing caves and grottoes that arose naturally. Some of them are flooded with water and become the object of research by scuba divers. The most popular in this regard is the cave "Legend". Inside the mountain there is an underground lake, as well as numerous stalactites and stalagmites. In addition, there are numerous underground passages created by order of Prince Golitsyn to store wine products.
Visiting the mountain is only allowed in an organized way, as it is protected area. At the same time, you can see the Golintsyn galleries and climb the mountain, from which you can see great review to Sudak and New World with its bays, as well as to Cape Meganom. At the top and in individual grottoes, there are acoustic effects in which the volume and sound transmission are increased.
Opuk Reserve with Cape Opuk and the mountain of the same name
Cape "Opuk" with a mountain of the same name is located in the east of Crimea. The name of the cape is associated with the legend of two women who turned into hoopoes. Actually, the word "opuk" is translated as "hoopoe".
There are plants that are on the verge of extinction. Also at the foot of the cape there is a specific lake "Koyashskoe". It is distinguished by the red color of the water, which is due to the presence of certain bacteria and algae. The authorities of the peninsula are trying to protect such places, so this zone is a protected area.
Near the cape, four kilometers from the coast, there are “rocks-ships”, so named because of their similarity with sailboats. Previously, they were one with the cape.
The reserve also includes a beach near the Black Sea, the water of which is distinguished by its transparency and is suitable for diving. Moreover, under water there are remains of a sunken ship. On the territory of the reserve there is also an archaeological site, the city of Kimmerik, dating back to the 5th century BC.
Since there is a military training ground nearby, this reduces the number of tourists who violate the environmental regime.
"Mountain of two hoopoes"
The highest point of the mountain crowning the cape is 183 meters above sea level. As is typical for the Crimean mountains, the northern slope of Opuk is flat, and a rocky cliff is observed from the south. WITH south side the presence of reef limestones in the composition of the rock is noticeable. Because of them, tectonic displacements occur on the top of the mountain and faults and grottoes are formed. Some of them have natural wells with fresh water. Gentle slopes are covered with steppe and herbs.
Previously, stone was actively mined here, so the mountain now has a whole system of passages, which are currently partially flooded with water.
"Ak-Kaya" - "White rock", standing out against the background
The mountain is located between the flat part of the Crimea and the Main mountain range. It is located in Belogorsk next to the river flowing there, which is about fifty kilometers from Simferopol.
The name is explained by the composition and, therefore, the color of the rock. Sandstone and limestone predominate here in large quantities, so the mountain looks almost white. Such a composition is subject to water and air influence, which is usually expressed in the formation of caves and grottoes. Here they are also available, and some of them have their own names and even legends associated either with the dragon or with the treasures of the robbers.
However, erosion also affected the appearance of the steep part of the mountain as a whole. Over time, it began to look like a man-made one with various grottoes, stone columns, and beautiful blockages. Thanks to this appearance The mountain is occasionally used for filming movies. In addition, the presence of sheer cliffs up to 107 meters high allows you to practice here. extreme sports. For example, jumping from a cliff on a rope. Since the place is very picturesque, it is also used by camping enthusiasts for more a relaxing holiday and unity with nature.
Mountain range "Echki-Dag" - "Goat Mountain"
Echki-Dag is located between Feodosia and Sudak. The massif is called trihedral because three hills stand out in it.
- in the east of Kokush-Kaya (570 meters);
- in the west Delyamet-Kaya (611 meters);
- in the north of Kara-Oba (670 meters).
The length of the array is about three kilometers. Goat Mountain was named because of the presence here earlier a large number wild goats. They are also associated with the local legend about the hunter Ali, who could not kill a young goat at the request of his beloved and then went to the monastery.
There are many opportunities for passing independent routes and camping in both quiet places and popular ones. For example, in Fox Bay.
Rich deciduous forests grow on the mountain. From the top there is an overview of Kara-Dag and Mountain Lake. In the vicinity of the ridge there are interesting archaeological sites, for example, the Tsar's mound, which dates back to the 4th century BC. There are also natural cracks. One of these is a real karst failure called the "Ear of the Earth". This well, according to the calculations of speleologists, is 132 meters deep. It attracts tourists, but its examination should be carried out only by a trained person.
Mountain range "Chatyr-Dag" - the unique Crimean "Mountain Shater"
This yayla is located in the south of the peninsula near Simferopol and about ten kilometers from the sea.
Vertex name with height description:
- Eklizi-Burun (1 km 528 meters);
- Angar-Burun (1 km 454 meters).
As you can see, these figures are very close to the highest point of the Crimean mountains. Chatyr-Dag, yielding quite a bit, compares favorably with the fact that it is visible anywhere in the Crimea. The name is explained by its trapezoidal shape, which was formed by a combination of steep slopes and rocky ledges. From the north, it clearly resembles a tourist tent in appearance.
Geological processes are very active here. Their result is the appearance of caves and crevices, the number of which is in the hundreds. Some are dangerous to visit on your own, but many are quite accessible. There are even caves equipped with paths and viewing platforms. They have specific lighting. Some even have cafes.
You can also walk along the beautiful area, which includes the Angara River near the eastern slope.
Ridge "Taraktash" - "Stone ridge"
This cock-like comb is located in the eastern part of Crimea, namely, a few kilometers from Sudak near the village of Dachnoe. The highest point is at 533 meters. In general, the ridge is a large heap of different layers, folded into a beautiful shape, which again is explained by the oceanic origin of the mountain. The highest part on this ridge is called Pigeon Rock. Due to its structure, Taraktash is suitable for mountaineering, but you can also use the mountain for hiking.
There is something to see on Taraktash. Nature, as the main designer, has created interesting forms from stone here, similar to human household items: cabinets, doors and windows. And the Taraktash cave, known to everyone in the Crimea, beckons with its unsolved mysteries even speleologists.
At the foot of the ridge is the Taraktash trail, which was created in the 19th century.
The ridge from different sides is characterized by its natural data. From the south, it is constantly heated by the sun, and therefore the soil here is dry and stony. But the northern slope is distinguished by its humidity and the presence of a dense shady forest.
Mount "Paragilmen" - "To go beyond"
The mountain is located in the southern part of the peninsula near Alushta. The name of the mountain, which comes from the Greek word "Paraginome", is associated with the fact that it "separated" from the Babugan mountain plateau.
Its height is 857 meters, and the length is almost 500 meters. The mountain has the shape of a trapezoid with sloping slopes and a gentle top. The mountain and its surroundings are a natural monument, as many endangered plant species grow here. Of particular pride are the two yews growing on top, one of which is about 700 years old.
On the mountain there are paved routes with varying degrees of difficulty, suitable for both trained people and ordinary hikers. Many places are marked with signs so you don't get lost. At the foot of the mountain there is even a camp of the same name for climbers, from where they go along the chosen routes.
Advice from experienced climbers who have been to Paragilmen: when the path comes to a fork on which there is no sign, you need to turn left.
The mountain is picturesque because of the forest growing on it from all sides. From the top of the mountain, the coastal part, Cape Meganom, as well as the nearest mountains open up for review.
