Mount Shaan-Kaya, perhaps, one of the most popular and difficult for climbers on the southern coast of Crimea. Its beauty, height and a small distance from the main mountain range of the Crimean Mountains, contribute to its attractiveness, both for hikers and for lovers of extreme sensations.
Geographic coordinates of Mount Shaan-Kaya on the map of Crimea GPS N 44.431560, E 34.021120.
Mount Shaan-Kaya is not far from Alupka and is clearly visible from the South Coast Highway. The height of Shaan-Kaya Mountain is -252 meters, but due to the fact that it is located on a hill, it seems much higher from the highway. The height of the mountain above sea level is 871 meters. Several million years ago, the mountain, as a result of tectonic processes, broke away from the main mountain range of the Crimean Mountains and is steadily moving towards the sea. But this process is not very fast and in about a couple of million years, it may reach the coast.
Now it has already retired 1.3 km from the massif. The name of the mountain, which has survived to this day, appeared in the 15-16 centuries. The name is translated from the Turkic language as Falcon Mountain. For many centuries, the mountain was not conquered and was considered impregnable. In the middle of the last century, this myth was destroyed. In 1966, the summit was conquered for the first time - in one day. Today, the most desperate climbers try to repeat this feat from May to September. In most cases, this succeeds. Mount Shaan-Kaya belongs to the 6th category of difficulty and has a negative slope to everything, which makes the ascent more interesting and difficult.
Tourist route to Shaan-Kaya
Tourist routes to Mount Shaan-Kaya several: one on each side and there is also a route that leads from the Ai-Petrinsky plateau. From the side of Ai-Petri, the route is intended only for people with special training and climbing skills. But from the side of the South Coast Highway, you can come close to the rock, along a very simple and picturesque route. Both routes start from the stop - Nursery or - Pozharka, are located not far from Alupka. A small dirt path leads from the stop, which leads to the mountain. The route is pretty simple. When choosing which path to follow, as a reference point, keep the direction of the mountain. Do not turn onto cross paths and paths that lead to the side of Mount Koshka (there will be many of them there).
There are always a lot of people on the route, so getting lost is difficult. The last time a man got lost on the route (2007). This happened in the dark and due to improper handling of fire (lost), there was the largest fire in 100 years in the area. About 100 hectares of forest were burnt out and several people were injured, the tourist was rescued but the price was paid too high. So, if you plan to visit these protected areas, then on average you expect the route to take from 3 to 5 hours and control the walking time. It is best to start the route in the morning at 8:00 and return to the track or starting point before lunchtime.
Shaan-Kaya lake
Not far from Shaan-Kaya mountains, at a distance of 1.2 km, there is a small picturesque lake, which bears the same name as the mountain - Shaan-Kaya. The water in the lake is replenished from karst cracks and from natural sediments. The lake is very shallow in the summer, especially by September and looks pretty good in March, when the snow begins to melt in the Crimean mountains.
How to get to Shaan-Kai
Get to Shaan Kai the easiest way is from the South Coast Highway. From Alupka there is a small road that runs just above the main road, towards the village of the main ridge of the Crimean Mountains, after about 1.5-1.7 km there will be a small stop, from which a dirt path departs, towards the slopes of Shaan-Kai. It is along this road that you should start your route. The route is pretty simple. If the road diverges on the sides, choose the one that leads to the mountain, and in several places the road will diverge on the left and right sides and both paths will lead to the mountain. This is the beginning of the routes, which are divided into left and right detours. The right one is a little more expensive, although this is most likely subjective. If you decide to visit Shaan-Kai, then be sure to check out
Among the numerous picturesque lakes of Crimea, there are so small that they do not even have their own specific name, that is, they are associated with neighboring attractions. But they are not devoid of their charm, always attracting the attention of tourists. These reservoirs include a small lake near the Shaan-Kaya cliff, which is not far from Alupka.
Where is the reservoir in Crimea?
The lake is located at the picturesque rock of Shaan-Kaya, closest to it, a little further - and. In the list of natural attractions of the Crimea, it occupies a worthy place against the background of tourist "giants". By the way, according to some sources, the reservoir is called Kasimovskoe.
Lake on the map of Crimea
Geological past of the lake
The Shaan-Kaya rock, near which the lake is located, is remarkable in itself. Obeying tectonic movements, it separated from and "crawled" one and a half kilometers towards the sea.
Now it rises as a huge block, about 250 m high (above sea level - 871 m), with a rocky mirror with a negative slope on the south side. not far from the rock formation arose as a result of a local lowering of the relief and karst waters coming out to the surface in this place. Feeding on underground springs, it has clean water that stays cold even on hot summer days.
Such an unusual relief, due to geology, made the rock one of the most difficult in the former USSR. It was passed by climbers only in 1966, and the three daredevils received the title of champions of the Union for passing the route.
Emerald bead over Alupka
The lake near the Shaan-Kaya rock, as already noted, is very small. But it is very popular with both locals and guests of the peninsula. 
It is easy to get to it, you need to turn off the Yuzhnoberezhnoe highway towards the mountains right above Alupka, in the area of the "Pitomnik" stop.
There are two paths leading to the reservoir and the rock formation, one of which is called "Jewish". The trails are interesting in themselves, they wind among huge boulders, sometimes go into small pine forests, and at times cross tiny vineyards.
You will have to go not far, only about one and a half kilometers. The lake can be clearly seen from afar; on fine days, there are always tents of tourists and fishermen. Fishing in the reservoir is not that rich, but crucians, perches and carps are caught regularly.
But often people come here just in search of a quiet rest. There is no bustle, usual for beaches, and the air smells of pine needles and mountain flowers. Unfortunately, several years ago there was a powerful fire not far from the reservoir, and part of the forest is turning black now, as a reproach and a reminder of human frivolity.
Magnificent views open from the shores of an unnamed lake. The peaks around are located in a wide amphitheater, in the foreground is the beauty of Shaan-Kaya - "Falcon Mountain". Its rocky mirror with a significant negative bias (by the way, the largest in the former Soviet Union) constantly attracts desperate people.
Traditionally, this is a place where climbers compete, but recently it has been chosen by both paragliding fans. Indeed, a jump from a cliff makes it possible to fly more than 220 m in the air. Sitting on the shore of the lake, you can enjoy the spectacle of the competition of these desperate athletes.
If the plans were to spend the night on the lake near the Shaan-Kaya cliff, to stand here for several days, then you definitely need to stock up on water and provisions, because you will have to walk about an hour to the nearest store. But firewood for a fire can also be found on the banks of a small reservoir, in the nearest forest.
A bonfire is necessary here for two reasons. Firstly, the water in the reservoir is cold, after a day of swimming it will be quite useful to warm up by the fire. Secondly, the nights on the lake are simply unforgettable! Its clear water reflects the stars, surrounded by the mighty rim of the Ai-Petrinsky spurs. It seems as if you are looking at a huge frying pan, at the bottom of which sparkles of stars are scattered. If you stay here for a couple of days, then you can make one-day radial hikes to the yayla: to, in the direction of the Swallow's Nest or the Baydar Valley.
How to get to the lake?
How to get to the lake near the Shaan-Kaya cliff in Crimea is described in an interesting way just above. For those who are better guided by the map, we offer a detailed route from Yalta:
Tourist notes
- Address: Shaan-Kaya rock, Alupka village, Crimea, Russia.
- Coordinates: 44 ° 25'22 "N (44.42282), 34 ° 1'38" E (34.027327).
Alupka - with its park, gazebos and magnificent beaches - has long won fame as the pearl of the Crimea. But in its vicinity there are such interesting places as the lake near the Shaan-Kaya cliff: "untwisted", little-known to the general public. But they deserve to be visited, leaving their unforgettable, modest and charming mark in the soul of tourists. It is quite possible that with the passage of time it will be revealed: this trace is much deeper and more significant than what remains in the memory of the fanciful palaces.
In the gray and dank Crimean off-season, hiking along the southern coast of Crimea (SCC) can be a good route option for one day or even with an overnight stay. With a high degree of probability, as long as the rainy-snowy gloom hangs everywhere, the sun will shine here, heating the rocks and pine groves.
The other day we went not the most logical hike: from Mount Koshka to Shaan-kai and Alupka-Sary. We planned to spend the night, but it was on this day that the icy east wind and almost cloudy weather had to happen. So we returned home at the last moment. However, we hope to try again.
Map of the route along the southern coast of Crimea
Unfortunately, the connection was lost under Shaan-Kai, so the ending of the track was not recorded. But the final part there is just the simplest - all the way down.
Video of the route along the southern coast of Crimea
Our route
When Anton offered to go along the South Coast, I responded by offering to visit, where I had never been before. So we built a route with a starting point in the area of Koshka.
After walking through the ruins of a medieval fortress (as “isar” is translated from the Turkic language), we crossed the road and went deep into the forest. It was not a dense jungle, but a single-lane asphalt road leading to the top of the Observatory Hill. There is a branch of the Crimean Observatory in the village of Nauchny, Bakhchisarai region. At some point we got tired of twisting the loops of the asphalt serpentine and turned onto the Socrates path.
As the tourist wisdom says, the unknown Socrates lengthens the route, and we ended up skipping the telescopes along a nearby parallel hill.
1. Along the way, we stumbled upon a rusting non-working telescope in the hornbeam bushes
2. ... and bushes of Greek mountain ash
3. Telescopes of the observatory seen from afar
Having passed the rear “gate” - the entrance to the observatory territory, we crossed the old upper route (along the southern bank there are several parallel routes of varying degrees of serpentine and construction time). An observation tower was found on a hill above this route, from which wonderful views of the surrounding valleys and the sea coast opened up.
4. Observation tower, which I took for a border post
5. Not far from her, we had a snack, since it was already one o'clock
After lunch, we were going to look for stone megalithic burial boxes - dolmens, but when we looked into the navigator application on our phone, we found that they had already passed them long ago. Therefore, they did not return, but continued on their way.
For the next 15-20 minutes, our path ran along the lattice fence of the customs zone. There was an option to go through this segment of the route through the forest, but they did not waste energy on gaining and subsequent drop in height. So they walked, swallowing dust from occasionally passing trucks.
6. At first, they did not believe that this was a customs territory, but the signs on the fence were assured of the opposite.
Fortunately, the customs fence did not last long, and we went out into the vineyards.
Pine paths
7. Vineyards with an address
By this time, Sasha's hour of daytime sleep had come, so after listening to her whimpering that “it's hard to go” and “I want to go home,” they put her in my backpack behind my back and went on.
8. Anton takes pictures of us
9. ... photographs against the backdrop of these picturesque rocks
While Sasha was snoring behind me, we passed the burner and went deep into the wonderful pine forest. Either a dirt road, or a trail led us along a traverse without any significant differences in height. In the wilderness we met many mushroom pickers with children and dogs.
We went down through the forest to the Mammoth Lake not far from the forestry. The lake is named after the forester who worked here.
10. An unexpected idol on the shore of Mammoth Lake
Some gopniks were resting in the gazebo by the lake, the sound of a chainsaw was heard in the bushes, so we did not linger.
11. The weather begins to frown, and we are walking along the road towards Shaan-Kai (the Ai-Petri teeth serve as an indicator for us 🙂)
On the way, we notice that despite the sunny morning, the ice on the puddles did not melt, and the ice itself is three cm thick. What a dummy here at night!
From Mammoth Lake to the beginning of the ascent to Shaan-Kai, we go along the Jewish trail (it is interesting to go through it completely).
12. My favorite South Coast pines along the way
Shaan-Kaya
Favorite by all rock climbers and climbers, the Shaan-Kai rock-reject is 230 m high and is located at an altitude of 900 mn. Many difficult routes pass here, but the approaches are trampled and rammed.
13. Shaan-Kaya all from the same Turkic means "Falcon Rock"
14. It is worth going on a hike along the South Coast at least because of these pine groves - a pantry of medicinal phytoncides
16. Along the path of stone chaos
While we were maneuvering between the stones, we logically came to the conclusion that they were not morally ready for spending the night. Now it is even difficult to explain what scared us then, but the decision was, of course, unexpected and in its own way offensive: to carry all the camping equipment and food in order to go home to spend the night.
So as soon as we got out to a sunny meadow protected from the wind, we made a big halt, during which tea and coffee were brewed on the burner.
17. Here is such a gorgeous view of the sunset rocks from the halt
18. Pine silhouettes
19. And here is a wonderful camping coffee
Having rested, we moved down with renewed vigor - the last spurt.
Lake of Red Terror
20. Such giant pines - from Sasha's growth
Quite simply and quickly they went to the lake, where in 1920 the White Guard patients of the hospital in Alupka were shot. The video above shows this place in more detail, including a commemorative sign with a sign.
21. Despite the tragic history, the place is very beautiful
With the last rays of the November sun, we went down through the vineyards directly to the stop above Alupka-Sara.
22. Sunset “see you” from Ai-Petri
The bus to Sevastopol did not wait long.
Do you go hiking with your kids in the off-season? Let us know in the comments about your experience!
A few kilometers north-west of Alupka, the majestic, almost 900 meters high, Shaan-Kaya rock rises. And on the way to the rock, between the pine trees, a small, nameless lake was hidden. A stunning view of Shaan-Kaya opens from here, and a little further - to the mountains of the Crimean ridge. The lake itself is also very picturesque: this quiet corner is loved by tourists for its clean greenish water, bright greenery along the banks, and also for the opportunity to have a great rest and get a charge of positive emotions.
You can get to the lake by a well-trodden hiking trail. To do this, along the South Coast Highway we get to the turn to Alupka, and there we move for about one and a half kilometers towards the mountains. And here we have everything that is needed for camping, except perhaps the benefits of civilization. When planning a trip to the lake, you should remember that there are no shops, cafes, or hotels within a radius of several kilometers, so you need to stock up on provisions and equipment in advance and to the maximum. In particular, food and drinking water are essential travelers for a tourist, so you can replenish their supplies in Alupka. In addition, tourists who have already rested in this truly fabulous place talk about the fact that in the nearby rocks you can find a source with drinking water, so everything depends only on you. We must not forget about the fuel, which is needed both for cooking and in order to just sit by the fire, admiring the clear waters of the lake in the moonlight. Finding firewood and brushwood is not a problem here, but if you are not used to finding fuel on your own, it is better to take a couple of armfuls of firewood or a gas burner with you. In this case, you can spend two or three unforgettable days on the lake, enjoying the silence, fresh air and unique landscape.
The water in the lake comes from underground sources, so although it is crystal clear, it is very cold. However, in summer you can swim here, and in winter even "walruses" come here. And the place for fishing is the most successful one. As in other mountain lakes, everything is standard here: mainly crucian carp, perch and carp are caught. If you are lucky with the weather, you will find something more interesting on the hook, for example, grass carp. For his fishing, ordinary carp tackle and plant bait are suitable - reed stalks, corn, cucumber ovaries. Fishermen claim that even trophy specimens can be caught on this lake - up to 10 kg, so go for it! In general, although this and similar lakes are not famous for abundant catches of rare species of fish, they still have one big advantage. Such tranquil places are ideal for beginner fishermen, as fishing requires neither a lot of experience, nor special skill, nor specific equipment. To enjoy fishing, and perhaps even to pamper yourself with a fish soup on a fire, a float rod and patience are enough.
I must say that the vicinity of Shaan Kai is a real paradise for hikers. There are dozens of hiking routes to the cliff, from which almost the entire southern coast of Crimea can be seen. The road to it runs through vineyards, thickets of pines, rocky areas with huge boulders on the sides, and in some places - through an ominous forest, dead after fires. The mountain has become a real Mecca for local climbers - even though the ascent is extremely difficult. And more recently, Shaan-Kaya (or Nishan-Kaya, as it is also called) has been chosen by rope jumpers. For five years now, thrill-seekers have been jumping off a cliff on a dynamic rope. An unusual feature of the rock - its negative slope - allows you to do this with the least risk to the jumpers.
The lake near the Shaan-Kaya rock is an amazing body of water that attracts romantics and savages like a magnet. It is a dream of many to set up a tent city on the shore of such a reservoir, but even an ordinary short walk towards the lake will not leave indifferent connoisseurs of untouched nature.
One and a half kilometers from the main massif of the Ai-Petrinskaya yayla, there is a unique Shaan-Kaya rock, which literally broke away from the main ridge and slowly slides down to the sea coast. About a kilometer away, a tiny, but very picturesque lake is hidden. It is so small that it does not even have its own name, but, according to the old tradition, it bears the name of the nearest attraction, namely, Lake Shaan-Kaya near Alupka.
Geological features
Due to the fact that, as a result of the movement of tectonic plates, the Shaan-Kai rock separated from Ai-Petri, a local decrease in the relief occurred, in connection with which most of the karst waters began to rise to the surface. As a result of these processes, this amazing lake was formed. The lake feeds not only on precipitation, but also from underground sources, the water in it is crystal clear and quite cold all year round, so swimming in the lake is not a procedure for everyone.
Rest by the lake
Of course, most of the visitors to the reservoir are not attracted to swimming. The Shaan-Kaya rock, near which the lake is located, is the most difficult object in mountaineering sports and for those who like to fall into the abyss with a long rope - rope jumpers. The fact is that this is one of the few rocks on the territory of the former Soviet Union that has a negative slope, which makes it, at first glance, almost impregnable. For millions of years it was like this - the mountain was first conquered only in 1966, after which thousands of experienced climbers decided to repeat the feat of the Soviet champions.
The lake has become a haven for athletes. In the shade of the surrounding forests, dozens of tourist sites have been ennobled, where you can take a breath before climbing the top of the Shaan-Kaya cliff. Lovers of a quiet holiday prefer boating and fishing. Fishing in the lake is quite lively: as in most mountain water bodies of the Crimea, here you can catch crucian carp, carp, perch. And if you are lucky with clear weather, then grass carp can also bite into the calm. Fishing is simple and suitable for beginners, as the fish living in the lake bite perfectly on reed stalks, bread, boiled potatoes and corn.
And you won't have to sit still: dozens of scenic trails lead from the lake, both to the Shaan-Kaya rock with its snow-white Gazebo of the Winds, and along the environs of the reserve. That's right - the area at the foot is a nature reserve, which has fifty rare plants listed in the Red Book, as well as dozens of representatives of the fauna. Walking along the routes, you can admire almost the entire southern coast of Crimea. The road is extremely varied: there are vineyards, pine forests, stone plateaus with giant boulders, and sometimes a frightening forest dead as a result of fires, which once again reminds of man's frivolous attitude to nature.
Despite the fact that the lake itself is quite deep, it becomes shallower in the summer season. The best time to visit will be the end of April or the beginning of March, when melted snow descends from the Crimean mountains. But this does not mean that it is worth going there only in the spring, because the Crimean nature is beautiful all year round.
How to get to Lake Shaan-Kaya in Alupka
The route to the lake starts from the stop "Pitomnik" on the south coast highway.
Stop coordinates: 44.414370, 34.030418 towards Yalta and 44.414840, 34.031801 towards Sevastopol. Keep in mind that you won't be able to get there by private car, since entry into the reserve is strictly prohibited. Therefore, you will need to leave the car in one of the "pockets" located on the highway and continue on foot.
From Simferopol by public transport, the road will take approximately 2.5 hours (1:50 to Yalta and 20-30 minutes to the "Nursery"). Be sure to loudly announce the stop or ask the driver to stop in advance, since the regular Krymavtotrans buses do not stop everywhere.
Heading north of the "nursery", you will see the production buildings, bypassing which you will find yourself on the old track. It is adjoined by a path leading to the "Vesovaya", on which the harvest was weighed during the times of the vegetable warehouse. Keeping right, follow upward where you will see vineyards.
From the vineyards to the reservoir you will be led by two paths, one of which is called "Jewish". In conditions of good visibility, the Shaan-Kaya rock is clearly visible, which serves as an excellent landmark, heading towards the reservoir. You just have to choose one of the marked paths and follow to the northwest, straight to the lake.
Not far from Alupka, where Lake Shaan-Kaya is located, there are many interesting sights. For example, the Gazebo of the Winds, the Vorontsov Palace, the Uchan-Su waterfall and, of course, the Massandra wine tasting room. However, these places are so hackneyed and popular that you often want to hide from all eyes and merge with nature. Be sure to stop for the night in these surroundings and admire the reflection of the starry Crimean sky in the unshakable surface of this amazing lake.
Important information Take care of firewood and drinking water in advance, because in the mountains at night, due to high humidity, the air temperature can drop to zero, and the water in the lake, although invitingly transparent, is not drinking.
Shaan-Kaya lake panorama
