Crimea, experts say, is ideal for mountaineering and rock climbing: infrastructure for this is developed in the mountains. There are almost no landslides, and in case of injuries, rescue teams on duty promptly start off to provide assistance. As a bonus: a pleasant mild climate and stunning panoramas around.
The top mountaineering and rock-climbing locations in Crimea
South coast:
- Simeïz: Koshka and Shaan-Kaya mountains
- Foros − Simeïz: Merdven-Kaya and Morcheka Tooth mountains
- Foros Kant ('edge')
- Laspi: Ilyas-Kaya and Kush-Kaya mountains
- Yalta − Ai-Petri: Miskhor Grottoes route
Southeast coast:
- Sudak: Palvani-Oba (Bobblehead) mountain
- Noviy Svet: Mount Falcon
Southwest:
- The village of Bashtanovka in the Bakhchisaray district, where the All-Russian 'Rocks of Crimea' Festival has already taken place twice.
There are approximately 800-850 qualified mountaineering routes in Crimea, according to the Mountaineering Federation. And rock-climbing routs are at least a thousand more than that. All routes vary in degree of difficulty. Some are suitable for beginners, others only for profies.
Such an activity as multi-pitches is also developing. This is a rocky route, divided into several vertical segments − pitches. Each pitch usually has its own individual category of difficulty. The breaking of the route into pitches is for making stops and changing the leader in a rope team, setting intermediate safety points, as well as for short rest.
Via ferrata − for those with no mountain experience
Via Ferrata means "iron path" in Italian. It is a rock route equipped with a fixed steel cable. In difficult places, metal brackets-steps are installed. This makes walking on the rock fast and safe. It is not necessary to be a first-class climber.
Delikli-Burun – Ilyas-Kaya
On the slopes of Delikli-Burun mountains (its height is 550 m above sea level) and Ilyas-Kaya (681 m) the longest via ferrata in Crimea was laid − more than 3000 meters. This is a whole range of routes − from the simplest to the advanced.
Batiliman − Laspinsky pass
The total length of the route is 1200 m. The highest point of the route is 355 m above sea level. The main advantage is the proximity of the start and end points to highways, parking lots, and food outlets. It is recommended for passing after routes of medium and advanced difficulty on Ilyas-Kaya.
Via ferrata on Orta Kaya mountain
Orta-Kaya is 17 km east from Sevastopol, on the territory of Toropova dacha. Its height above sea level is 213 m. Ideal as a training route before climbing the longer and more difficult sections of the via ferrata on Ilyas-Kaya mountain.
All of the above via ferrata routes are included in the popular The Great Sevastopol Trail project. Project website: bst-sev.ru.
Via ferrata at the Red Cave (Kizil-Koba)
This is the first via-ferrata in Crimea. It was equipped on a sheer cliff just above the Su-Uchkhan waterfall, not far from Kizil-Koba. The length of the route is small − 60 meters, the brackets are made offset from the axis, which makes the ascent more convenient. There are also several classic climbing routes there.
Free rappel from steep cliffs
This is a great way to get excited and learn how to work with climbing equipment. Unlike rock climbing, during a descent gravity helps, not hinders the way. You control the speed of descent yourself, at any moment you can hover in one place, and then "slide" further. The instructor keeps you on a second rope tucked into an automatic device.
Free rappel is popular in the mountains of Bakhchisaray, on Kachi-Kalyon, from Ai-Petri (passing by the Miskhor Grottoes). Active tourists are also offered free rappel from the top of Parus Mountain on the 49th km of the Yalta highway and from the top of the Red Rock, which is 30 km from Sevastopol, and got its name due to the unusual color of the 100-meter sheer south wall overhanging right above the highway.
What and how much
Prices depend on the complexity and length of the route, on the number of people. The more participants in a team, the cheaper the mountain adventure is, as a rule, for each of them.
So, mountaineering (entry level) will cost approximately 2500-5000 rubles per person (about $ 42-84). Rock climbing: from 1500 to 2000 (about $ 25-33). Via ferrata: from 1500 to 2500 (about $ 25-42). Free rappel on a rope from steep cliffs: 2000-3000 rubles (about $ 33-60) The price includes all the necessary equipment (safety helmet, harness, climbing boots, etc.).
Where to go
The Federation of Mountaineering of the Republic of Crimea advises three companies that provide services in mountaineering, rock climbing, via ferrata, organize one-day or multi-day tours, and even conduct climbing courses (individual and group). And most importantly, certified instructors work there, which guarantee a high degree of safety.
- "Morcheka Adventure": https://adventure.morcheka.ru/
- "Dikiy Krym": https://wildcrimea.com/
- "PopróbuySkalolázaniyeh.rf": https://goclimbing.ru/
What to take along
- Comfortable sports shoes (sports shoes with non-slip rubber soles).
- Comfortable sportswear that will protect you from wind, rain and cold.
A small backpack where you can put your phone and Powerbank for it, a photo camera, sunblock cream, a snack, water or a thermos with tea, additional warm clothes.
