Crimean mountains names. The highest point of Crimea

The Crimean mountains are a combination of massifs different in height, structure and characteristics. There are also small hills, ideal for walking tours and luxurious photo shoots in the bosom of nature, and the highest peaks, which can only be conquered with the help of special equipment.

The mountains of Crimea are conditionally divided into the Outer, Inner and Main ridges, which stretch from north to south, separated by two long valleys. The northern peaks are distinguished by gentle slopes, and closer to the south, the nature of the rocks changes dramatically: they become steep and steep.

See where the most beautiful and interesting mountains Crimea on the map of the peninsula:

Strange figures can also be seen among the rock groups on the surface, some even have their own names - the Throne, the Falcon, Ivan the Robber, the Gingerbread Horse.

The name of the massif is translated from Tatar as "Black Mountain". Apparently, it was given back in those days when the slopes consisted of pure volcanic rocks. Now everything has changed there. Over time, nature rewarded Kara-Dag not only with picturesque forms, but also populated with life. The variety of flora is not just great: rare and endangered plants are found here, and pistachios and junipers grow on the slopes, revered by clergy in ancient times.

Location: Crimea, city district of Feodosiya, between the village of Koktebel and the village of Kurortnoe

Height: 577 meters

Geographic coordinates: 44.915633, 35.224202

Mount Castel - a failed volcano

There are many massifs in Crimea, similar in origin. Once upon a time, magma, trying to get out of the depths, could not break through the earth's firmament. Sections of the bark swelled, forming stone "bubbles". This is how Mount Kastel appeared. It is located in the southeastern Crimea, near the resort Alushta. The name has a Greek basis, in literal translation the word means a fortress.

The surface of the peak is almost flat, its height reaches 439 m. The slopes are steep, covered with dense vegetation, consisting mainly of deciduous and coniferous trees. A feature of these places is the Red Book plant - anogram fine-leaved - fern, which grows only in this area. The composition of the rock is dominated by gray granite. The slopes are dotted with battlements and ditches. It was their appearance that allowed the name of the rock to be given.

At the top in the Middle Ages there was a fortress. According to legend, Mount Kastel in the Crimea was the last stronghold of the defenders of the Principality of Sugdeya against the advancing Genoese. The remains of the fortress have not been preserved, since it was built without the use of mortar.

Location: Crimea, Alushta city district, Vinogradny settlement

Height: 439 meters

Geographic coordinates: 44.638921, 34.386636

Krestovaya Mountain - a unique monument of nature

Mount Chatyr-Dag in Crimea is located in the vicinity of Alushta and belongs to the Main Ridge Crimean mountains. In fact, this is a powerful two-level yayla, stretching from north to south for 10 kilometers. Chatyr-Dag got its name due to its unusual shape, resembling a huge tent. Due to its impressive size, it is clearly visible for hundreds of kilometers, and the highest point of the massif - Eklizi-Burun (1527 meters) is one of the five highest peaks of the Crimean peninsula.

But the main treasure of Chatyr-Dag is fantastic caves, decorated with stalactite-stalagmite masterpieces and bizarre draperies of wall formations. It is here that the famous Marble Cave is located - one of the 5 best in the world.

Location: Crimea, Simferopol region, s. Marble Fox Bay. A strong wind with gusts blows almost around the clock, which makes it difficult to move around the massif. But below, near the coast, it is always quiet, calm and very comfortable.

A sad legend says that wild goats lived on these slopes for a very long time. The dexterous and well-aimed young man Ali came to hunt them. Once on his way he met a monk who said that today it is impossible to kill living beings. And the incredible happened: every time, pointing a weapon at a goat, the hunter began to have visions. He dreamed of his mother, then his sister. Frightened, he fled. He was not seen again, and this ridge was called "Echki-Dag", which literally translates as "Goat Mountain".

Location: Crimea, Sudak city district, regional landscape park Fox Bay - Echki-Dag

Height: 670 meters

Geographic coordinates: 44.906280, 35.121852

Unique natural phenomena - 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 Tethys ocean in this place. 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 of the Crimean peaks are 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 highest part of the 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. The main ridge consists of several massifs: Ai-Petri Yayla, Yalta, Gurzuf and others.

Here are the most interesting natural objects: 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.

The mountains create the unique climate of 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. The average height of the mountains is 400-500 m, the maximum is 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. The White Rock (Ak-Kaya) in the vicinity of Belogorsk has become the location for filming many Soviet films. And thousands of years ago, this mountain sheltered primitive people in its caves.

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. At 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 today due to their 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: the Crimea with a flat surface, the Kerch Peninsula and the 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. All three ridges are characterized by the fact that the surface of the mountains on the north side is flatter, and on 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 all 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 the nature reserve, like the whole 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 Bakhchisarai, with an observatory located nearby, a reservoir or otherwise Crimean Switzerland, mountains with cave cities: Chufut-Kale, Tepe-Kermen and Kyz-Kermen.

Due to the composition of the rock, various depressions also appear 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 nature reserve, but paid entry is possible here. The rock is called low because its height is small and is 152 meters. The mountain is ideal 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 climbing or descending the mountain along the hiking trail, you can see a 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. The long ridge is 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 due to the large number of 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 underground lake, as well as numerous stalactites and stalagmites. In addition, there are numerous underground passages, created by order of Prince Golitsyn for the storage of wine products.

Visiting the mountain is allowed only in an organized way, as it is a protected area. At the same time, you can see the Golintsyn galleries and climb the mountain, which offers a wonderful view of 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. On the 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 of a large number of 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 Royal 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 most high point located at an altitude of 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, attracts even speleologists with its unsolved mysteries.

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.

For a long time, an interest has matured in my head, which peaks are included in the top five highest mountains of Crimea. The situation in this matter is ambiguous. If we take the heights and maps, we get the following list:

Roman-Kosh - 1545 m, Babugan plateau
Boynus-Tepe - 1542 m, Babugan plateau
Demir-Kapu - 1539 m, the junction of the Gurzuf and Nikitskaya yayla
Uchurum-Kaya - 1538 m, Babugan plateau
Tas-Tepe - 1538 m, Babugan plateau.

These are the highest peaks of Crimea. But as you can see from the list, almost all the peaks (except Demir-Kapu) are nearby, on the same plateau. In addition, the height difference between them is no more than 60 meters, and the distance is no more than 2.5 km.

In fact, it turns out that if you climb one of these peaks (except Demir Kapu), then in order to visit the remaining three you will need no more than an hour. And about 2-3 hours more to reach Demir-Kapu itself.

Thus, it turns out that in one light day, you can "take" all 5 the highest peaks Crimea. Below in the article I will also give options for routes along which you can make such a triumphal procession.

But I believe that this list, although formally correct and even of a certain kind of sporting interest, nevertheless, I propose another version of the 5 highest Crimean peaks.

From the list above, all four peaks (except Demir-Kapu) are located on the same mountain range and are small hills, so I propose to leave only one peak from this four, highest mountain Crimea - Roman-Kosh (1545 m).

Now the list is completely different and, in my opinion, is of much greater sporting interest.

Roman-Kosh (1545 m) - Babugan Plateau
Demir-Kapu (1539 m) - the junction of the Gurzuf and Nikitskaya yayla
Zeytin-Kosh (1537 m) - Babugan Plateau
Kemal-Egerek (1529 m) - Yalta Yayla
Eklizi - Burun (1527 m) - Chatyr-Dag

Although this list also has two mountains on the Babugan plateau (Roman-Kosh and Zeytin-Kosh), the distance and elevation difference between them are significantly different from the tops of the first list, and the views from these peaks are completely different, which was the right for me to include Zeytin-Kosh in the top 5 of our list.

Also, the first four peaks can be passed in one trip, but this task will be much more difficult than in the first case. Well, in order to collect the top five in your collection of mountains, then you will need at least two trips. But this is already possible with strong luck, because. even Roman-Kosh, not everyone will be able to climb the first time.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the Roman-Kosh and Zeytin-Kosh peaks are located on the territory of the Crimean Natural Reserve, which is forbidden to visit. Passes are not issued there, so everyone who wants to climb these mountains climbs there at their own peril and risk, including the author of this article.

Brief description of peaks

1) Roman-Kosh- 1545 m. This mountain is the highest peak of the Crimea, which is why it is interesting for many tourists. The shortest and easiest way to Roman-Kosh from Krasnokamenka, who are interested, you can read the detailed in this article

From myself I will add that personally Roman-Kosh did not strike me at all. This mountain has neither steep cliffs (Roman-Kosh is a failed volcano, formed as a result of swelling of the earth's crust under the influence of magma, therefore the slopes of this volcano have rather gentle slopes), nor stunning views of the sea, and the passage to it is officially prohibited.

Here is a video from the top of Roman-Kosh:

But, nevertheless, I have already visited this peak twice, including in winter (for those who are interested, here is the report of the winter ascent to Roman-Kosh)

And now I plan to make a night ascent to it through the entire Babugan plateau, simultaneously going to all the highest peaks of the plateau, both from the first list and from the second (except for Eklizi-Burun).

I think that all the following peaks from the list are much more interesting in terms of views than Roman-Kosh. BUT... There is nothing higher than Roman-Kosh in Crimea! That is why Roman-Kosh will always attract the attention of tourists, despite any prohibitions ...

2) Demir-Kapu 1539 m - is located at the junction of two yayla: Nikitskaya and Gurzufskaya. The shortest way from Yalta is along the Uch-Kosh gorge, but this is not the easiest way, as the gorge is quite difficult to climb, especially in winter.

You can also make an ascent along the Balanyn-Kayasy ridge, starting from Yalta. In this case, you can immediately climb the Kemal-Egerek mountain, and go down the Uch-Kosh gorge. Here detailed description this route.

The third option is from Krasnokamenka, without going to Roman-Kosh. In this case, you can go to the Arbor of the Winds and, if you have strength left, also to Kemal-Egerek, and go down to Yalta along the Balanyn-Kayasy ridge.

The views from Demir-Kapu, of course, cannot be compared with the Ai-Petri panoramas, but nevertheless, it is quite interesting. And if you take into account the fact that you can climb the mountain by one route, and go down by another, they make this trip very interesting and worthy of your attention.

I climbed Demir-Kapa twice, and it turned out that both times in winter. Here are detailed reports of my ascents to this peak.

3) Zeytin-Kosh (1537 m) - Babugan Plateau. Zeytin-Kosh is very similar to his older brother Roman-Kosh. Not the most gorgeous views open, although interesting in their own way.

Climbing this peak, plan in such a way as to visit Roman-Kosh on the same day.

Route options: there are two optimal options from Krasnokamenka and Maly Mayak through Paragilmen. It is optimal to combine these routes with one path going up and the other going down. But at the same time, do not forget that you are on the territory of the reserve, the entrance to which is prohibited.

I also want to draw your attention to the fact that the combined option requires at least minimal experience from the tourist. If you don’t have this, then I advise you to go down the same path that you went up, or use the services of a guide.

4) Kemal-Egerek (1529 m) - Yalta Yayla. I recommend this top to everyone. Excellent panoramic views. In clear weather you will see both Sevastopol and Simferopol. From the mountains you will see: Ai-Petri, Boyko, Eklizi-Burun, Demir-kapu ...

What can I say, just watch this video:

Entrance to this stunning peak is not forbidden, which is also a plus. You can climb here both along the Uch-Kosh gorge and along the Balanyn-Kayasy ridge.

Ideally, combine these routes and climb one path, and descend the other ... By the way, this combined route is in our program, and if you do not have confidence in your abilities and sufficient tourist experience, then feel free to sign up for a hike with us. Details HERE.

5) Eklizi - Burun (1527 m) - Chatyr-Dag. Despite the fact that this mountain closes our list, I would recommend it for you to visit one of the first.

Firstly, the route to this mountain is absolutely not difficult (if you do not take into account that you have to overcome the height of a 258-storey building - 775 m), and secondly, you will see gorgeous views of Alushta and the Black Sea, the Babugan plateau and vast forests of the Crimean Natural Reserve.

It is also a mountain, unlike Roman-Kosh, it goes down a steep cliff and makes you clearly understand that you are not somewhere, but at a height of one and a half kilometers ...

There are several options for climbing this peak, but the easiest and most convenient for most tourists is climbing from the Angarsk Pass through Bukovaya Polyana. Here is the detailed

This concludes this article. As you can see, we got two different lists of the 5 highest peaks of Crimea. Therefore, I would like to know your opinion which of these lists should be considered the most correct and interesting ...

The author of this article successfully completed the ascents to the peaks of the second list and before writing this article he was absolutely sure that he had completed the ascents to the top 5 peaks of Crimea. But, starting work on this article, and shoveling through a pile of maps and articles on Crimea, it turned out that there are at least two options for such lists.

Therefore, I came to the conclusion that for the absolute completion of the “5 highest peaks of Crimea” program, you need to climb all the mountains from both the first list and the second, and only then boldly move on to the top 10 of the Caucasus.

I will start from Maly Mayak. I plan to climb Zeytin-Kosh (1537), Boynus-Tepe (1542), Uchurum-Kaya (1538), Roman-Kosh (1545), Tas-Tepe (1538), Demir-Kapu (1539) and Kemal-Egerek (1529). ) in the order listed.

Thus, I plan to effectively close my list by climbing 7 of the 8 highest peaks in one day. I'll post a report when I do. I plan to descend along the Balanyn-Kayasy ridge. The approximate length of such a route is 30-35 km, the climb is 1500 meters, the drop is 1500 meters.

I want to say a few words to those who want to repeat. If you are not oriented in this area, it will be difficult, because these mountains are very similar to each other and for success you need to know them well, or use GPS, which in itself is not so interesting.

In order to complete the first list in one day, an early start is required. You can start either from Yalta (Uch-Kosh gorge) or from Krasnokamenka. But it seems to me that it is better from Krasnokamenka and as early as possible, in order to slip Babugan to the foresters ... Preferably either alone or in a small, quiet and fast group.

If from Krasnokamenka, then your route looks like this: Krasnokamenka - Gurzuf saddle pass - Tas-Tepe - Roman-Kosh - Uchurum-Kaya - Boynus-Tepe - Gurzuf saddle pass (for this you need to go back) - Pavilion of the Winds - Demir-Kapu - Uch-Kosh - Yalta. The route is not easy, but very interesting.

Here is a detailed description of the route

And here is a video of a winter one-day hike through the Uch-Kosh gorge to the Arbor of the Winds:

I hope this article will be useful and interesting for you. Share your thoughts on which list should be considered correct.

The Crimean mountains have gentle northern slopes covered with dense forests, and in the south they abruptly break off towards the Black Sea, creating sheer walls up to 500 m high. on the tops to the state of plateau-yaila, and along the slopes they are cut by gorges and riverbeds, mostly drying up in summer.

LIFE OF THE TAURICA MOUNTAINS

Researchers have relatively accurately deciphered the ancient chronicle of the geological history of the Crimean Mountains, starting from the Triassic period.

In the Paleozoic, on the site of future mountains, there was the bottom of the ancient Tethys Sea with volcanic activity bottom, and in the deflection of the earth's crust, a thickness of sedimentary rocks gradually accumulated. About 200 million years ago, the sea receded. The crumpled Tauride platform became the basis for the predominantly sedimentary limestone Crimean Mountains. Then, in the Middle Jurassic period, magma activated under the earth's crust (some of the volcanoes were still under water, others formed islands, and still others were part of mountain range). Where magma did not reach the surface of the earth's crust, it solidified in the form of whole massifs of igneous rocks. In the Cretaceous period, due to the lowering of the Scythian platform, the sea again covered the territory of Crimea. At the same time, the process of arched uplift of the mountainous Crimea began. The formation of the Crimean Mountains, belonging to the zone of Alpine folding, continues in the modern era.

Elongated from southwest to northeast, a mountain range about 180 km long and up to 50 km wide stretches from the vicinity of Balaklava to Feodosia (if we take into account the geological structure, Cape Fiolent should be considered the western end of the first ridge). From a bird's eye view (as well as from space and on physical map) the three ridges that make it up are clearly visible, separated by longitudinal valleys: Main (South), Inner and Outer.

The outer ridge, which is a cuesta, smoothly rises from the plain in the north to flat-topped hills 149-350 m high (the highest place is near Bakhchisarai); the ridge ends in the area of the city of Stary Krym. The inner ridge, originating from Sapun Mountain near Sevastopol and also ending near Stary Krym, consists of several massifs: Mangup in the west, Ak-Kaya in the east, and others. Its highest massif, Tora-Kubala, reaches 766 m. And finally, The main ridge is the oldest and most elevated part of the peninsula, stretching to the Bolshoy Agarmish massif, which has almost been destroyed, and has plateau-like peaks called yayls (a Turkic word meaning "summer pasture"). Each yaila has its own name: Ai-Petrinskaya, Yalta, Nikitskaya, Dolgorukovskaya, Babugan-yaila, Karabi-yaila, etc. for a long time, the western peak of Chatyrdag - Eklizi-Bu-run (1527 m high) was mistakenly considered the highest on the territory of the oldest and largest state Crimean nature reserve - the heir to the Imperial Hunting Reserve (since 1913). On the territory of the mountainous Crimea there is also the Yalta mountain-forest and Karadag nature reserves and the coastal-aquatic complex of Cape Martyan on the southern coast. Together they occupy 43.8% of the entire protected area of Crimea, forming the basis of the natural reserve fund of the peninsula. There is something to protect on the territory of the mountainous Crimea: about 120 nature protection objects are officially registered here. Not to mention the cultural and historical monuments, reminiscent of the ancient, complex, "multilayered" history of the peninsula, where so many tribes and peoples have replaced each other...

MOUNTAINS AND PEOPLE

The Crimean mountains are not particularly high, but picturesque and attractive. Since the time of the “all-Union health resort”, this place has been enveloped in a veil of nostalgia and admiration: only the lazy did not wander in their youth with a backpack along the Crimean mountain paths, did not climb into karst caves, did not inhale the smell of healing herbs and needles ...

Crimea can be safely called one of the cradles of human civilization. The pre-written history of the settlement of the Crimean Mountains dates back to the Middle Paleolithic, which is witnessed by the oldest in the Crimea: traces of Neanderthal habitation in the Kiik-Ko-ba cave (east of Simferopol) 100 thousand years old, the site of the late Cro-Magnons of the Mesolithic Murzak-Koba in one of the caves mountain Crimea, etc. ancient name The Tauride Mountains have preserved the memory of the Taurians - local highlanders mentioned in ancient written sources from the 6th century BC. BC e. to the 1st century n. e. (later mixed with the Scythians). The Taurians were carriers of the Kizil-Koba culture of the Bronze Age, related to the Belozersk (Moldavia) and Koban (Caucasus) cultures. Tauri appeared in the mountainous and foothill regions of Crimea in the 9th-6th centuries. BC e. Before them, the Cimmerians lived here (from the 12th century BC), whom the Greek colonists no longer found. A detailed enumeration of the ethnic groups that succeeded each other in Crimea throughout its history would take too much time: Scythians, Greeks, Romans, Goths, Huns, Genoese, Ottoman Turks, Crimean Tatars, Cossacks, Russians, Ukrainians... Therefore Crimea is so striking in the richness and variety of historical objects, including ancient tombs-dolmens, and cave cities, and the ruins of fortresses ...

Russian history begins with the annexation of Crimea in 1783. In 1787, Empress Catherine II paid a visit to the new Russian lands. True, the Port tried in the next Russian-Turkish war (1787-1791) to recapture the lost lands, but to no avail.

Discovery of Crimea as a magnificent resort area occurred in the 19th century, and not only the balneological direction on the coast of the southern coast of Crimea developed, but also mountain tourism. Since then, the entire Crimea has been traveled far and wide. Before the revolution of 1917, Yalta was a favorite royal residence; members of the imperial family loved to make long hiking breathing in the healing mountain-sea air. In the spring, the entire beau monde rushed to the resort that had become fashionable after their emperor. Later, in Soviet and post-Soviet times, general secretaries and presidents fell in love with Crimea, and the peninsula, respectively, turned into an all-Union (now All-Russian) health resort. Nowadays, for a number of reasons, a lot of money is invested in the development of Crimean tourism, and the resort is experiencing a new peak in popularity.

A variety of terrain, including steep ascents and descents, windbreaks, canyons and plateaus, many landscape and historical monuments, marked trails, easy transport accessibility, mild healthy climate - all this brought Crimea a well-deserved fame. Mountain Crimea is good for both beginners and seasoned tourists. Unlike the Caucasus, here you can safely get off from almost any point of the route and be sure that there are settlements. There are all conditions for the development of both hiking and mountaineering, rock climbing and speleology (as a result of karst processes in the limestone layers of the Crimean Mountains, at least 800 karst caves, mines and wells were formed). As well as cycling tourism, aeronautics (glider and hang glider pilots have their own places of worship, where they return from year to year), jeep safari, car, archaeological and other types of active, extreme and educational tourism; in winter - for snowboarding and skiing skiing. by the most interesting places for winter holiday in the mountainous Crimea are considered the Angarsk Pass, the vicinity of the Marble Cave and Mount Ai-Petri.

ATTRACTION

Natural:

■ Mountains: Ai-Petri, Roman-Kosh, Chatyrdag, Kara-Tau, Demerdzhi.

■ Plateau: Demerdzhi-yayla (Sultandag), Gurzuf (Balaban-Kaya) yayla, Karabi-yayla, etc.

■ The Valley of Ghosts is a picturesque tract on the western slope of Mount South Demerdzhi (600-1200 m), where conglomerates contain dozens of fantastic figures (“ghosts”) formed under the influence of the sun, wind, water and frost.

■ Reserves: Crimean State Natural Reserve, Yalta Mountain Forest and Karadag Nature Reserves, Cape Martyan Nature Reserve on the South Coast, Grand Canyon of Crimea Reserve deep in the northern slope of the Ai-Petri massif.

Cultural-historical Medieval cave towns-fortresses and monasteries:

■ Mangup-Kale on a 90-hectare plateau at the top of a remnant mountain in the Bakhchisarai region. It was the capital of the Orthodox Principality of Theodoro, then a Turkish fortress. Numerous springs are located nearby.

■ Kachi-Kalyon in five natural grottoes 8 km south of Bakhchisaray. The citadel arose in the VI century. The main shrine is the rock church of St. Sophia of the 8th-9th centuries. In total, there are about 150 rooms for various purposes, interconnected by terraces and stairs (the wooden details have not been preserved).

■ Eski-Kermen and to the west - entrance Maiden's Tower with a gate (the remains of the fortified castle of Kyz-Kule - the Maiden's Tower, X-XI centuries).

■ Chufutkale (originated in the 5th-6th centuries as a fortified settlement on the border of Byzantine possessions).

■ Tepe-Kermen to the south-west of Bakhchisarai, an archaeological site of the 6th-14th centuries.

■ Medieval Syuyren fortress in the Belbek valley.

■ Assumption Christian cave monastery VIII - early IX century. - one of the oldest in the Crimea. Presumably, it was founded by monks from Byzantium who fled from the persecution of the iconoclasts (after the church council of 754). From the 15th century was the center of Orthodoxy in the Crimea.

■ Temple of Donators - a small remote cave church on the Eski-Kermen massif, painted with frescoes from the inside. Probably the refuge of the monks, based on the donation of the princely family - donors.

■ Chelter-Koba and Chelter-Marmara - cave monasteries.

■ medieval fortress Funa (Greek "Smoky") on a rocky hill at the foot of Mount Demerdzhi in the Crimea.

Other:

■ Khan's Palace in Bakhchisarai (XVI century) - the former residence of the Crimean khans.

■ cable car Miskhor - Ai-Petri.

■ In one of the caves of the mountainous Crimea there is a site Murzak-Koba of the Mesolithic times. The Cro-Magnons who inhabited the grotto were tall, up to 180 cm, massive, broad-faced. They were mainly engaged in fishing with the help of bone harpoons, eating snails and mollusks. One of the features of the culture was the lifetime amputation of the little fingers.

■ In 1966, 1,200 pioneers of the Artek camp made a simultaneous ascent of Roman-Kosh. They erected a bust of Lenin at the top.

■ In June 1941, children had just moved into Artek when the war began. This shift turned out to be the longest in the history of the camp (it lasted 3.5 years). Two hundred children from the western regions and republics occupied by the Nazis, together with counselors, a doctor and the head of the camp, were evacuated to the rear and continued to live according to Artek laws already in Altai resort village Belokurikha. And Artek itself was occupied. By the time of liberation in April 1944, the camp lay in ruins, but after three months it was ready to receive another shift of 500 Crimean children.

■ The deepest cave in the Crimea is the Soldatskaya mine on Karabiyail (depth - 508 m). The longest Crimean cave- Kyzylkoba (Red) near the village of Perevalnoye, the length of its passages is more than 17 km. Marble Cave is one of the five most beautiful caves on the planet, it is one of the most visited sightseeing objects of the Crimea.

■ In recent years, another direction has been actively developing in Crimea - the so-called esoteric tourism. People come to the Crimean "places of power" to feed on positive energy, find inner harmony - as they say, "correct the aura." It is believed that most of these "places of power" near Sevastopol, in the Bakhchisarai region and on the South Bank; such places include all the Crimean cave cities, Skelsky menhirs, the Marble and Emine-Bair-Khosar caves, the mountains of Karadag, Ayu-Dag and Chatyrdag, the Valley of Ghosts and stone mushrooms in the Alushta region.

■ Mountain pass Shaitan-Merdven (Devil's Staircase) runs along the border Main Ridge Crimean mountains, between the city of Marcheka (986 m above sea level) and Kilse-Burun (856 m). The bottom of this steep gorge seems to be lined with giant steps. It really resembles in some areas a dilapidated gigantic staircase. Following the well-known archaeologist N.I. Repnikov, who described “the ascent to the Yayla plateau with artificially cut steps”, many researchers and travelers of the past were convinced that the “ladder” was cut down by the ancient Taurus.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Location: mountain range in the south and southeast of the Crimean peninsula. Administrative affiliation: Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Orogeny: part of the Alpine folded geosynclinal region.
Geological composition: predominantly limestone, interspersed with igneous rocks.
Rivers: the most significant rivers in terms of length and water content are on the northwestern slopes of the Main Range of the Crimean Mountains, flowing into the Black Sea: Chernaya (Chorgun) - 34.1 km, Belbek - 63 km, Kokkozka - 18 km (flows in a narrow gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Crimea), Kacha - 69 km, Marta - 21 km, Alma - 84 km, etc.
Ethnic composition: Ukrainians, Russians, Crimean Tatars.
Languages: Russian, Tatar (official).
Religions: Orthodoxy, Islam.

NUMBERS

The length of the mountain range: 180 km.
The width of the mountain range: 40-50 km.
The height of the Main Range: up to 1545 m above sea level. m. (Roman-Kosh, Babugan-yayla, main ridge).
Height of the Inner Ridge: up to 766 m above sea level. m.
Height of the Outer Ridge: up to 350 m above sea level. m.
Total area of the Main Range: 1565 km2.
The length of the southern coast of Crimea: length - approx. 150 km, width - from 2 to 8 km.
Number of conservation sites: approx. 120.

CLIMATE

Mediterranean. In the mountains, there is a moderately cold and humid climate of deciduous forests. Each slope of the Crimean mountains has its own climatic conditions, as it is influenced by different prevailing winds.
Fog is frequent throughout the year. In winter, the weather is unstable, the slopes of such massifs as Ai-Petri, Babugan, Chatyrdaghi Demerdzhi are avalanche-prone. Summers are usually hot and dry.
average temperature January: -1°С (fluctuations from -10 to +10°С).
Average July temperature: +10°С.
Average rainfall: 1000 - 1200 mm per year.
The most comfortable time for mountain hikes and walks is from mid-April to early July or from early September to late October.

ECONOMY

The main branches of the local economy are healthcare and tourism.
Industry: mining, pharmaceutical (harvesting of medicinal herbs), food (including winemaking), tobacco, light industry.
Agriculture: viticulture, tobacco growing, horticulture, animal husbandry, etc.
Services: sports, sightseeing and health tourism, hotel business.