All about the rocks of Kush-kai in the Crimea. Mount Sokol (Kush-Kaya): features, ascent, interesting facts Mount Kush kaya crimea
The track of the route across the Crimea, tourist camp Laspi - Mount Kush Kaya.
The road starts from the Laspi risers near the forestry, and first goes along the asphalt. A red-colored dog lives near the foresters, always barking at passers-by - it seems like it didn't bite, but you never know, be vigilant.
The asphalt road, which has long lost its purpose and is not used, will lead us to the Laspinsky Pass. Here you need to cross the road, and further to the barrier, next to the Roman road to Batiliman. We dive under the barrier or go around it, and follow the road along the traverse along the slope, gradually gaining height. Soon the road will end, a steep path goes up, which will lead us to Kush Kaya. There is no water on Kush Kai, if you walk across Crimea to these places, keep this in mind if you plan to spend the night here. Then you need to climb the blue marks for another three hundred meters and we go out for a survey near the top of Kush Kaya.
I will add that a couple of years ago, the entire summit of Kush Kaya and Kokiya with the adjacent territories was surrounded by a hefty fence, right up to the military unit and the Kazan Dere girder, through which it was convenient to go to Ayazma. As a result, the Demir Kapu spring also fell behind the fence, and it seems as if it is impossible to spend the night on it now. Fence - foresters say there will be a recreational area for deer, but in fact, another hunting farm, deer here hell will breed, this is not roe deer, there are places for show-off at all. The fence has gates for the entrance and exit, but whether they will be constantly open is a question and not a fact, in general, it's sad, young ladies ...
In the picture you can see this piece, and below you can download the track of the route in Crimea.
Trek of the route of the hike across the Crimea Laspi - Kush Kaya.
Trek on the Crimea route from Kush Kai to the Lost World.
From observation deck on Mount Kush Kaya, the trail leads to eastward to Mount Kokiya Kaya, from the cliffs of which you can admire the Lost World stretching below. Of course, I do not post a semi-climbing route to the Lost World, without equipment, my opinion is that there is nothing to do there, a couple of times there, in any case, you will have to rappel, and if someone still wants to find such a descent track from the north side past the lonely Gendarme, the Internet is full of forums and descriptions of such difficult and risky journeys.
We're just talking now about the track to the cliffs in the Lost World, from where you can admire the drop dead beauty of the bay. There will be several ascents along the road, but in general the path is not difficult, it takes about an hour if you go slowly. There is no water on Kokiya Kaya, and it is problematic to stay here with an overnight stay, except to run for water to the neighboring spring of Demir Kapu Chokrak, keep in mind if you are going here on a hike in the mountainous area of Crimea. Below is a picture of the track.
And parking no Kokii is worth it to suffer some inconvenience and stand here. In the evening, when the sun sets, in the sunset rays you can admire the stunning panoramas of the coast from Balaklava to Sevastopol - in general, I recommend it.
Trekking hike across Crimea Kush Kaya - The Lost World.
Trekking route across Crimea from Kokiya Kai to the spring Demir Kapu Chokrak.
From the ruins of a military unit on Mount Kokiya Kaya, the path leads us to a dirt road. The road goes Going down into the ravine, on the right side we pass a hunting tower, a little further to the left the road goes to hay meadows, there is a sign and a barrier on it - travel is prohibited. Our road leading to the spring turns to the right, then a little to the left, and turns into an old unused road that goes right to the spring. There are several convenient parking lots near the spring, but it is not always advisable to stand here - it is easier to stock up on water and hurry to Ayazma to warm sea... If you are going to Crimea in the summer to these places, you should take into account that the spring dries up from July in summer, there is no water in it until the end of October.
And I will mention that in 2013 the entire territory was fenced off with a huge fence, an area of a couple of three square kilometers was locked up for another hunting farm. There are gates in the fence, while it seems that you can get inside, but what will happen when the animals are brought here and whether they will be allowed in, I don’t know, most likely we will have to look for alternative ways of bypassing, which actually do not exist, given the specifics of the area, except perhaps by a military unit to Ayazma.
On Kush-kaya - the mountain that is nearby
with the famous Laspi bay,
Valery Viktorovich and I, my friend and companion in photo travel, decided to run for the night,
in order to capture in the photo the rising of the full moon over the rocks of Ilyas-Kaya.
In addition, Valera wanted to shoot this sunrise using the method
time-lapse shooting - timelapse - Valerino's new hobby.
We were almost lucky with the weather - the day before, all the clouds had resolved and
even a little warmer. We drove a little further
Laspino observation deck and ...
1.
and a little further - about four hundred meters - from the exit of the old Batiliman road. Leaving a car at the gate,
moved along the path, past the pine forest. The entrance to this path is barely noticeable.
The path along it will be more authentic than from the Batiliman, but it suited us with a relatively not steep angle of ascent,
as well as the opportunity to leisurely admire the beauty of spring mountain forest flowers. 
2.
Valera always takes with him a bunch of equipment for photo and video filming, and even all sorts of traveling personal belongings.
Sometimes it is stuffed up to 40 kilos. Valera solved this problem easily. His "know how" can be seen in the picture.
While walking, they came up with a couple more solutions for transferring backpacks from one point to another. We will embody ...
True, some additional financial resources will be needed. If anyone wants to help, we will not refuse. 
3.
It's not easy anyway ... 
4.
I had to stop to take a breath ... 
5. and admire the forest flowers. 
6.
7.
Forest peonies. 
6.
8.
No matter how many paths twist, everything is the same - rests against something. Here the trail met a large forest
the road and the crossing point is marked by tiny rounds. 
9.
To the right of the road is a fence. This is to protect the numerous inhabitants of the local forests - there is a busy highway nearby. 
10.
We looked at the next observation deck for filming. 
11.
To our left - to the top of Kush-kai. The path on the right led to Kokiya-kaya and further - along the markers - to Balaklava. 
12.
Finally, on the "bald head" of Kush-kai 
13.
14.
Local rock flora ... 
15.
and fauna. 
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17.
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Gorgeous views of the sea, Ilyas-Kaya. Below, below us - Batiliman. 
19.
Here, below us, there is also Batiliman, and you can see the unfinished construction of a summer residence that has not completed his term of office.
fourth president of Ukraine. The scale of the building resembles the famous Foros dacha. God,
some kind of fatal inevitability in four words: Crimea, president, dacha, end. You guys, be careful with the dachas in the Crimea ... 
20.
Opposite to the east is the Donguz Orun ridge. Left - Eagle. And under the clouds, in the distance, one can see the Ai-Petrinsky "balls". 
21. Laspi Bay. Here is the clearest water. 
22.
While Valera was preparing the equipment for further work, I decided to walk to Kokiya-kaya and then - to Cape Aya - to photograph the "Lost World" from above 
23.
There were fellow travelers. Great guys, tourists from Simferopol - Oksana and Vadim. All the way we shared our impressions
about past wanderings in the Crimea, admiring the surrounding views and forest flowers along the way. 
24.
Those structures are the goal of my easy walk. Only 2.5 km up-down-up. And then the same way back. 
25.
And again there are peonies in the forest. I have never seen so many forest peonies in my life ... 
26.
27.
We got to the place. There are some dilapidated structures. They look like caponiers. Apparently used before
to protect against uninvited guests. Behind Sevastopol, Balaklava. 
28.
We wandered around the entire viewing platform. 
29.
30.
31. Cape Fiolent. 
32. Sevastopol. Balaklava is hidden, as the military say, behind the folds of the terrain. 
33.
34.
The same "Lost World". It is located in such a way that it can only be seen from above, from the rocks, or by
to him on the boat. It is impossible to walk to this beautiful natural beach along the coast - there are no paths to it, unless
what to go down the rope from above. 
35.
36.
It's time to say goodbye. Vadim and Oksana headed towards Balaklava, and I turned onto the path, to my Kush-kai. 
37.
38.
On the way I met such a peony bud. 
39.
Valera is already completely ready for shooting - the equipment is uncovered and directed to the object. 
40.
While we were having dinner, the Sun rushed beyond Fiolent, illuminating Cape Sarych. 
41.
There was still time before the moon rose, so I decided to take a nap in the tent ... 
42.
But not for long - Valera called and said that the moon had "gone". Shooting started. 
43.
But after a few moments I wanted to express myself indecently - the moon disappeared behind unexpectedly appeared clouds. 
44.
Thank God, I slipped out of the dark cloud paws. 
45.
46.
47.
Here is Valerino's time-lapse video about an evening with a view of Ilyas-Kaya and the moon rising over it. You can see after.
48. The next day ... 
49.
We climbed a long road to Kush-kai, but it turns out there is another short way, damn it!
We calmed down after remembering the saying about the smart one who will not go straight up the hill ... 
50.
51.
A couple of shots in the end. 
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53.
With a sense of a gloriously accomplished duty - downhill, to the car and home. 
A step-by-step hike up Mount Kush-Kaya may well take one day, and its duration will depend on which route you choose. We arrived in the area of Mount Kush-Kaya in the afternoon, and left the route by sunset. Since there are several mountains in Crimea called Kush-Kaya, we will immediately make a reservation that we are talking about a mountain that is located next to Laspi Bay on Cape Aya, above the Batiliman tract. The name of the mountain means "Bird's Rock".
How to get to Mount Kush-Kaya and Cape Ayay
The fastest way to get to the mountain is by walking along the trail starting near the Laspi pass on the Sevastopol-Yalta highway. In order not to talk about the place of entry for a long time, it will be easiest to look at our route... This trail begins near the exit to the Old Batiliman Highway. And there, and there is a barrier, but one is asphalt, and the second is unpaved. In the photo below, the asphalt road leads to the Old Batiliman road, and before it, a dirt road goes into the forest to the right, its barrier is already visible.
This is the entrance to the trail. 
The fact that this is the right path will be suggested to you by the first such information column of the Great Sevastopol Trail, just as we will go along its part "Laspi - Balaklava pass". 
Well, now the task: to get to this place. If you use your own vehicle, then everything is simple: the road Sevastopol - Yalta, landmark - Laspi Pass. The car can be parked near the turn to the Old Batilimanskaya road (but there is not much space there) or at the Laspi Pass parking lot, which is located 200 m towards Yalta. With public transport, things are a little more complicated. The nearest stop is a turn to the village Tylovoe, from it to the Laspi pass it is almost 2 km. Buses go to this stop from Sevastopol №№ 37, 41, 182, 183 ... From the Laspi stop, where regular buses Yalta - Sevastopol can stop, it is even further - 3 km.
And this does not mean that there are no other roads and paths to Mount Kush-Kaya. There are, and they can be found on maps, but it seems to me that the path with the markings related to the Great Sevastopol Path is more obvious and difficult to get lost along it.
These were the conclusions from the traversed route, and these are the correct conclusions, and now I’ll tell you a little about how we got there.
Earlier this trip, I discovered OpenStreetMap maps. And moreover, he did not just find out, he knew something like before, but paid attention and appreciated some strengths families of these cards. And precisely families, since each layer can be viewed as a separate map with its own unique features. But I will write about this a little later in a separate article about how to prepare for independent travel in terms of route planning and mapping. So, inspired by the fact that on some OpenStreetMap maps you can see almost every dirt path, I began to figure out a walk to Mount Kush-Kaya. We have already learned the correct path on the way back, and it is this that we advise. But at the time of preparation for the walk, there was clearly some kind of malfunction in my head, you cannot name it otherwise.
First, looking at the OpenStreetMap map, I found two wonderful short paths starting from the Old Turkish Road. And this road was located next to the Batilman tract, where we wanted to spend the night. The question arose: why go along the longer road from the highway, and then, when we get back, also drive down the serpentine road, if you can walk along a shorter path and leave the car immediately below.
Secondly, I forgot to open such an important layer on OpenStreetMap maps, which would display contours, or rather, isohypses - elevation lines above sea level, by which we would understand that these paths go with a much sharper climb, which means the path will be more difficult.
Thirdly, on OpenStreetMap maps, there is such a function as "enable GPS tracks". This function shows the track lines of people who once walked there and then put the tracks on the maps. And the corresponding tracks were on the alleged paths. And this finally convinced me that these paths - a good choice! But no, this is not a good choice! Therefore, this is a small part of the story about why not all paths are the same useful. Those who already understood everything can move on to the next item - the Great Sevastopol Trail.
Our journey began from the Old Batiliman road. Sometimes it is also called the Old Turkish Road. It was built in 1912 by the Turks. At that time, they began to actively develop the Batiliman tract. 
The first doubts about the correct choice of the path appeared when we raised our heads up. And there was just Kush-Kaya. Yes, we go there. 
Well, okay, there is a path, there were tracks, so they walk like that too. After passing a couple of turns on the old asphalt, we go up the path. A little later, I learned that this trail is used by climbers to descend from the mountain after climbing the wall. 
Wonderful views of Laspi Bay and Ilyas-Kaya Mountain open up from this wrong path. 
The final understanding that the plan was wrong came when we started to run into such rocks. And only Zhorik remained unperturbed, in his opinion, the plan was cool! When would he still climb the rocks so actively. 
Zhorik is a wonderful smooth-haired Griffon who also turned out to be an excellent mountain tourist, in spirit, perhaps, he would have competed with the equally wonderful Bezoarovs. But the goats are always there, and Zhorik is on the neighboring mountain sometimes.
Well, having studied the situation a little, we decided to overcome a couple of difficult climbs as accurately as possible and continue our journey in the chosen direction. We strayed off the path anyway, and it was implicitly there. In addition, the isolines on the navigator (I decided not to do the route in the navigator, since the walk seemed easy and obvious) showed that the most difficult section would be small, and then a smoother ascent. Of course, for some bouldering or rock climber, these rocks did not represent any serious obstacle. But we had neither the experience of the appropriate, nor the equipment. And most importantly, Zhorik forgot his rock slippers that day. Therefore, everything was done slowly and carefully.
As expected, further the slope began to flatten and it became easier to walk, and most importantly, it was already possible to walk, and not climb. True, often with a bowed head: the slope was quite overgrown. Most likely, these are juniper bushes. 
The trees got higher and higher, and we just walked along the navigator in the direction of the set end point. 
Well, pretty soon we went out onto the Great Sevastopol Trail, which we were incredibly happy about, because it was much easier and faster to walk along the trail than just straight through the forest. 
Animals know this too, the poet often uses human paths. Why even wrong prejudices sometimes arise. There were cases when it seemed to people that a wild beast was following them (for example, wolves) with some kind of bad intentions. And the beast just also wants to make life easier for itself and chooses an easier way, and it just turned out to be a coincidence in time, and sometimes the natural curiosity of the beast.
Great Sevastopol Trail
The Big Sevastopol Trail is a marked and almost circular route with a length of more than 130 kilometers (excluding radial routes). It begins and ends in the city of Sevastopol. Completing it is a separate adventure. More details can be found on the official website http://bst.mountain-rescue.org/.
In the meantime, we go up the path. The total vertical climb starting from the track is about 300 meters and the closer to the mountain, the higher the rate of climb. But a walk along this trail is accessible to almost everyone. Only shoes still need to be picked up, either tourist or sneakers, so that there is a non-slip and thick sole. Leave your shoes and sneakers at home or in the car.
Zhorik rushed ahead like a mountain goat. Another informational post of the trail suggested that we were close. 
At this point, the trail runs next to an enclosure for wild animals, fenced off by a high mesh fence. There are several gates for easy access for tourists. The posters read "Orlinovskoe hunting farm". It is difficult to say that all this structure, located, by the way, on the territory of the State landscape reserve of regional significance "Cape Aya" was created for the free movement of wild animals. Although, perhaps, this is an aviary to protect animals from wild people, who knows. 
There are ancient ruins not far from the summit. It is not known for certain what it is. There are two main versions. First: the remains of the church of St. Elijah dated XI-XV. Second: the ruins of the post of the naval observation and communication service. Judging by the masonry and the mortar between the stones, the first version does not pass the test. But, it seems, in order to "score" a place for a more definite meaning, someone has already put up a wooden cross. 
Well, here we go to the Kush-Kaya mountain. Its height is 664 m. The mountain is free to visit, and there are no fences like on Ai-Petri. And this, of course, is its plus, since this natural ensemble is perceived without any human interventions much more harmoniously. Accordingly, your responsibility for how close to the edge is not limited by any railings. The views from Mount Kush-Kaya are breathtaking! 
On the left is the Donguz-Orun ridge, the Kuchuk-Tekne-Bel ridge, the Delikli-Burun ridge, Ilyas-Kaya Mountain, Laspi Bay, Cape Sarych and other ridges and mountains of the Southern Coast of Crimea, extending further. 
To the right under the mountain is the Cape Aya reserve, and to the right is Mount Kokiya-Kaya (558 m). 
Well, right under the mountain is the Batilman tract, where several recreation centers are located. And right under the mountain there is a camping "Kush-Kaya", where fans of rock climbing and mountaineering often stop. 
And there is an endless sea ahead. 
Kush-Kaya ends abruptly to the sea, and its slopes have been chosen by climbers and alpinists for their training and competition for many decades. 
These tourists came here along the Great Sevastopol Trail and were going to keep their way on, in their case the mountain was one of the points of interest on the route. 
Someone prefers to climb the mountain, someone contemplation, someone meditation, someone dangles their legs on the edge - everyone will find something to do on Kush-Kaya. 
Well, Zhorik continued to rush back and forth, inspecting all visitors to the mountain for something tasty. 
Tourists are getting ready for the journey, and we must go. They wanted to set up camp before dark. 
The way back, which we went along the correct path, took us 45 minutes and 2.5 km. Considering that this is already downhill, the road up the mountain would take 1.5 hours. 
Not far from the place of entry to the Great Sevastopol Trail - Laspi Pass. There is parking, cafes, observation platforms... Meanwhile, we began our descent along the Old Batiliman road. Winding, in places heaped up, retaining walls are crumbling, time takes its toll. But it can be easily walked on foot, and it will be interesting to ride a mountain bike. The views from it are also excellent: the slopes, along which we climbed for some reason, and Laspi Bay, illuminated in all its splendor by the rays of the setting sun. 
We found the campsite at dusk. Almost at night, we set up tents, prepared dinner for gas burner and sleep, under the lulling sound of the surf.
Batiliman tract
The tract Batiliman is translated from Greek as "Deep Harbor". The uniqueness and attractiveness of Batiliman lies in the fact that the South Coast of Crimea begins here, and this place is one of the warmest and sunniest in Crimea. Mount Kush-Kaya protects this place from cold air masses. There are relict high juniper trees, some of which are 1000 years old. Stankevich's pine and small-fruited strawberry also grow. In 1911-1919, the intelligentsia of scientists, writers and artists chose this place for several dachas. In 1924, the rest house of the USSR Academy of Sciences was opened. Now on the territory of the tract there are several camp sites, as well as a couple of campgrounds. One of them is located on the shore, and he interested us.
We settled down on an unpaved area, there are also places there on flat wooden decks. The living conditions at the campsite at the end of the 2016 season were as follows: either 100 rubles / day, or help to take out the trash (most likely such conditions were associated with the end of the season). How organizational issues will be resolved in subsequent seasons is unknown. But the place for camping is simply gorgeous, it remains only to put everything in order and then observe it. On the one hand, there are excellent views of the Kush-Kai wall. 
On the other hand, it is beautiful, and most importantly, natural coastline, without concrete breakwaters or any structures that violate the natural composition. 
Such, of course, are available on the slopes of Batiliman, but it does not hurt the eye too much. 
This is how the entrance looks like from the side of the camping. 
Well, it's good that the camping grounds still have trees that give shade. 
There was not enough time to study this place in more detail; most likely, there are many interesting things in the vicinity. After breakfast, we quickly turned camp and went to the medieval fortress city of Mangup Kale.
nature reserve Batiliman (Laspi Bay, Sevastopol), perhaps one of the most picturesque, clean and comfortable places South Shore Crimea. Fenced off from the cold winds by the sheer wall of Kush-kay, close to the sea, Batiliman is rightfully considered a place with a mild Mediterranean climate, comfortable for relaxation. Between the sea and the rock wall grows a unique relic forest of century-old junipers, wild pistachios and evergreen small-fruited strawberries (the fruits of which are very tasty and nutritious from December to March)). In this forest, among the heaps of boulders, the camping park "Kush-kaya", founded by the Crimean Mountain Club in 2011, is located on cozy shady meadows. The main contingent of the camping: rock climbers, climbers practicing yoga, martial arts, children's camps for active and educational recreation, eco-residents and simply connoisseurs of a healthy lifestyle :) For the May holidays, the Crimean Mountain Club invites everyone to the SCHOOL OF CLIMBING, everyone who wants to master this type of activity or take the next step towards knowledge and skills in rock climbing. The next "SCHOOL" in the campsite will be held on June 1-6, 2014!
The campsite also has a climbing machine to keep fit in any weather.
Actually, in the article, I also wanted to present a guide to the bathiliman sports routes, bouldering and mountaineering to Kush-kai (the most popular), which I am doing.
Kush-Kaya is one of the most popular climbing and mountaineering areas in Crimea. And on this moment perhaps the best area for beginners in climbing. The active first ascent of climbing routes, the emergence of climbing paths began approximately in the 70-80s of the last century and continues to this day. At the moment, there are about 20 climbing routes 1B-5B of the category of difficulty, about 70 new and old climbing paths and trade lines, about 200 marked and classified bouldering problems, many tracks and hiking trails. The great popularity of the region is due to the fact that the Batiliman tract is separated from external influences by a mountain range. The special microclimate allows you to climb the rocks, make ascents almost all year round.
How to get there:
Coordinates of the Kush-Kaya camping park: 44 ° 25 "16.6584" N, 33 ° 40 "52.2948" E 44.421705, 33.682359 By public transport can be reached from Sevastopol. You need to buy a ticket for the bus to Yalta and get off at the Laspi stop. Then follow the signs of the Mountain Club for 3.5 km to the foot of Kush-kay. In the village you can often find a taxi that will take you to the camping site for little money. The nearest grocery store is located in Laspi Bay, Foros and Orlinoe. Banks and ATMs can be found in Sevastopol. The nearest car service (STO) is located in the village of Orlinoe and in the city of Sevastopol.
Features of the area:
The area is characterized by warm winters and hot summers. The average winter temperature is 10 degrees Celsius. Summer heat begins in June and lasts until September. When planning ascents, it is necessary to take into account the large length of routes to Kush-Kaya and take a supply of water or warm clothes. It is recommended to use only marked trails for ascent and descent from the top of Kush-Kai! The territory on which the Cape Aya, Kokiya-Kaya and the entire coastal zone are located are the object of the reserve fund and are protected by forestry. It is forbidden to violate the boundaries of the reserve, burn fires, leave garbage!
Features of the routes: all climbing routes are long enough. The upper sections are mostly more monolithic. This guide does not indicate some moves and route options due to their objective illogicality or danger. Full information can be found in the Classifier of Crimea and Carpathian climbing routes.
Climbing sectors "Africa", "Shkuroder", "Pink Belt", "Petrel" are protected from above by wide shelves from direct falling stones, but it is not recommended to be on the sports sectors without a helmet!
1. Climbing sectors.
On the warm rocks of Batiliman, a large number of competitions, mountain climbing events, such as the Friendship Cup, the Kustovsky Memorial, the Alpine Games were held ......... Sitnik M.A., Babich M., Vorobev M., Nefedov S. , Kovalev S., Deev A., as well as many others. The team of the Crimean Mountain Club continues the reconstruction and creation of new climbing paths. At the moment, there are four climbing sectors, located almost on the campground. The approaches are carried out along marked paths and wooden signs. A large number of The simple routes regularly attract many novice climbers. In the summer, the sun sets on the sectors at about 10-11 am, and the evening climbing set can be started from 6 pm.
Balalaika F6b (Levin A. (Sevastopol), reconstruction Lavrinenko A., Saveliev I., Kovalev S.)
It is one of the most popular and visited multipitches. The beginning of the route is marked with the appropriate name in the sector "Pink Belt". All stations are equipped with trigger rings and chains. The distance between the stations does not exceed 30 m. It is almost impossible to get lost on the route, because the direction of movement is constantly determined by bolts.
6а +, 6а, 6а, 5а, 6а (the fireplace goes inside on foot), then on foot through the bowl using bolts, 5а, 6а, 6а, 5b, 6b, 6а, 5b
Equipment: rope 50-60 m, set of guy ropes
Blue wave, F6c + (Vorobiev M. 1991, reconstruction Lavrinenko A., Saveliev I.)
Initially, the route was pierced in 1991 by M. Vorobyov's team and had the name "The Seventh Bastion"
Start from a metal plate with the name of the route, to the right of the "Pink Belt" sector. All stations are equipped with chains and release rings.
6a, 6b, 5c, 6c +, 6c (Alternative move: 6b, 6a), 5a, 5c, 5c +, 6a, 6c, 5c, 5c, 5c, 5b, 5b
There is a lot of friction climbing. You can go down the route from any of its sections.
Equipment: rope 60 m, set of guy wires
* In the area of the 5th guy it intersects with the Jesus route and further follows to the right of it.
** Routes "Left" and "Right" have a common origin. In the cornice area, the routes are separated in a Y-shape.
*** Intersects with Route Seven.
2. Bouldering
Batiliman is a popular winter bouldering area in Crimea. The climate allows climbers of any level to climb comfortably almost all year round. There are about 200 marked stones on the campground, which are mapped along with the main landmarks.
3. Mountaineering
The active first ascent of climbing routes in Batiliman on Kush-Kaya began approximately in the 70s-80s of the last century and continues to this day. The Odessa and Sevastopol climbers made a great contribution to the development of the region. The equipped parking lot in the Petrel grotto, as well as the many coins of the Soviet era found in the park zone, testify to the enormous attendance and popularity of the area in the old days. It will be interesting historical fact that earlier on one of the hard-to-reach rock shelves above the climbing sector "Petrel" there was even a climbing house, in the image and example of Krasnoyarsk Pillars, which served as a refuge for many famous climbers and rock climbers. At the moment, there are about 20 climbing routes 1B-5B of the complexity category.
Classic 2B
The beginning of the route is a vertical fireplace with a large juniper at the base. Approach along the couloir to the left or right of the climbing sector "Shkuroder"
R0-R1: 55m III - IV Vertical fireplace. Bolts are periodically encountered, and natural insurance is also perfectly organized. Station on a shelf on a terrain or higher in a tree.
R1-R2: 50 m II + Up the couloir with easy climbing. Bolts are encountered periodically. Bolt station.
R2-R3: 50 m II + Up through a small fireplace. Exit to the ridge. Bolt station.
R3-R4: 40 m I-II Up the simple rocks, securing the trees. Bolt station.
R4-R5: 60 m, III To the left through the friction bend. There are several bolts. Further along the entire length of the rope up the ridge. Bolt station near the tree.
R5-R6: 45m, II Up the ridge. Bolts are encountered periodically. Station on a shelf on bolts.
R6-R7: 45m, II Up the ridge. Bolts are encountered periodically. Station on a shelf on bolts.
R7-R8: 40m, II Up the ridge. Station on a shelf on bolts.
R8-R9: 40m, II-III To the left along the slots to a convenient ledge. Insurance is easy to organize. Bolt station.
R9-R10: 40m, III upwards along slabs with large holds, then traverse to the left along bolts. Bolt station after traverse.
R10-R11: 50m, III On the rich relief up 15m, then on foot. Station on bolts on the yayla.
One of the most visited routes on the mountain. It is a classic species line, passing along the ridge with easy climbing in all areas. It is worth noting the duration of the route, which, however, is compensated by the ease of orientation. During the peak of the May holidays, the first pitches are often congested and crowded. The minimum travel time is from 3 hours for trained climbers, up to 6-8 hours for an average bunch. It can be noted the similarity with the "Comb two" on the Sokol town in Sudak in terms of the nature of the relief and duration.
Equipment: rope 60 m. Medium and large stoppers and friends go equally well. You can go without hammers.
Bowl center 5A (Levin A.-Babich M., Sevastopol, 1978)
Exit along positive relief from the football field to the cornices, then traverse to the right until the beginning of the route. The first station on pioneer bolts near a dry pine tree.
R0-R1: 35 m VI A2 (F6b) Climbing or AID along the overhanging crack. Station in a small niche on the bolt and its points.
R1-R2: 35 m VI A2 (F6с) Up and to the left under a small cornice to a convenient shelf. Station on the bolt and its points.
R2-R3: 50 m VI A2 (F6b) Along the system of slots leading upwards diagonally to the left. Station at its points.
R3-R4: 40 m V + (F6а) Difficult section after the station and exit under the cornice to the left to the station with classic two bolts.
Ascent to the plateau along the Klassiki route (4 pitches). The length of the ropes can be challenged by other climbers. There are almost no bolts and hooks on the route, so the length of the sections may vary for different climbers, as they lay out their points.
Equipment: rope 50-60 m, hammers and hooks, small and medium hooks, small and medium friends.
Rybka 5A (Stavnitser A., Khovrachev, Korolev A., Staritskiy P., Odessa, 1972)
It passes through the cracks in the central part of the bowl formed by the ridge of the 2-ki on the left and the buttress of the “Egg” route on the right. First, go along the shallow slabs of the bowl, choosing the optimal path (as in the photo) to go to the tree. The route itself begins from here.
R0-R1: 60 m, V + A1 From the tree go up to the right and up along the crack. After about 10m, the gap bifurcates, it is easier to move on the left, there are hooks. Station on a tree + bookmarks.
R1-R2: 50 m V + Go to the right, onto the crack, up along the crack. The slit goes into the inner corner. Before a small overhang, go to the right slot, along it to the shelf. Station on tabs and hooks. You can climb the corner without leaving to the right, but it's more difficult.
R2-R3: 50 m, V + Upward, along the crack, difficult at the bottom, further along the corner, climbing is easier. Station on the tree.
R3-R4: 60m, V A1 Up, by simple climbing, step onto the ledge. Go up the left side of the inner corner to the bolt station at the base of the fireplace. Up 3m along the fireplace, then along the right side of the inner corner. Exit from the corner through a slight overhang to flattening. Walk boldly for the entire length of the rope to the tree. Station on the tree.
R4-R5: 25 m, IV From the tree upwards, through the inner corner, go to the yayla.
Equipment: rope 60 m. In the lower part there are small and medium-sized bookmarks and friends. In the upper part of the gap is larger and large and hexes will go. You can do without hammers.
Egg 4B (Stavnitser A.-Kholoptsev A., Odessa, 1972)
It runs along the characteristic buttress, limiting the bowl to the right. (on the left, the bowl is limited by the comb 2).
R0-R1: 55 m, IV + From the big tree up right, enter the inner corner. Further along the corner to a small ledge under the overhang. Traverse to the right, around the corner, to a large tree. There is a station on it. 55 m
R1-R2: 35 m, IV From the tree, along the inner corners, up to a large ledge. Station on the tree.
R2-R3: 50 m, IV + Upward, along the inner corner, go to the ledge at the top of the "egg". Bolt station.
R3-R4: 58 m, V + From the station, descend 3 m to the left, and go upwards along the crescent-shaped gap / - key rope. Station on the tree.
R4-R5: 60 m, IV + Go up the inner corner to the big pine tree. From the pine tree go up to the right, go to the inner corner, and along the corner, up to simple rocks. Follow them up to the right to the yayla.
The route is logical and corresponding to its category with a monolithic and clean relief. Key areas are not pierced with bolts. There is an opportunity to complicate the task and pass the second rope on the left. In this case, the station is placed on a ledge under an overhang in the middle of the first pitch. Difficulty of the left bypass: V +, A1. A vertical slit with sloping walls runs on the spacers. If climbing, then you need good shoes.
Equipment: Medium and large bookmarks, large hexes, medium and large friends go well. You can go without hammers. Rope 60 m.
Travel time: 5-6 hours
"Pants" left route 5B (First ascent: A. Stavnitser, R. Demyanenko, S. Sipkin, V. Leontyev, Odessa, 1974)
R0-R1: 43 m, 6а А2 Along the inner corner upwards 10 m А2 (stopper and anchors), then climbing up to the niche. After the traverse to the left, about 5 meters and up the crack, go to the ledge. Bolt station.
R1-R2: 40 m, 6а А2 Easy climbing by climbing to the left past the tree, then to the right upwards, to the base of the vertical crack. Up the gap, AID + climbing. From the old bolt path going upwards, go to the right ON NEW SHLAMBURS by traverse along the slab and make a station on bolts over a small grotto.
R2-R3: 30 m, 6а Up along a crevice overgrown with grass, exit under a slightly overhanging monolithic wall. There is a rotten bolt track along the wall, DO NOT GO THERE! Traverse to the right, gently climbing 10 meters to bolts with a ring. Here Left and Right pants converge.
You can get around by climbing on the left 6a, but you will have to make the station on your own, because there is not enough rope to get out.
"Pants" right route 5B (Golubenko M., Grishchenko Val., Grishchenko Vik., Kiyanitsa N. (team of Kiev "Avangard"), 1973)
The beginning of the route can be seen from afar. This is the basis of a huge spall.
R0-R1: 30 m, I-II approach to the tree at the base of the break. Station on a pine tree.
R1-R2: 40 m, V From a large pine tree along a huge split to its top. Climbing on spreaders from the middle part. There are hooks. Station on three bolts at the top of the spall.
R3-R4: 50 m, VI, A1 Along the system of vertical slots upward. Do not climb the old bolt track that goes to the right. Station on new bolts at the intersection with the left variant of the "Pants" route. Further, the routes have a general continuation.
R3-R4: 50 m 6v A1 From the station, difficult climbing along the slab to the crack, then along the crack, mainly by climbing, up to the right, from under the overhanging crack of the traverse to the right into the inner corner, and along the corner go to the ledge. Bolt station.
The station can be approached on the left side along the slot 10 m A2 (anchors), but this is more difficult.
R4-R5: 45 m 5s A2 Along the slab with blind slots, on the AID, enter the inner corner. Use it to go to the shelf. Along the ledge 5m to the left and upwards, along the right side of the inner corner. Bolt station.
R5-R6: 50 m VI A1 From the station up the crack to a small tree. Further up the corner. Go around the cornice on the left, then up through a small overhang, go to the wall with bolts. Use a difficult climbing wall to enter the Biser exit. Bolt station.
The route is well pierced with new bolts, especially the middle part, which makes it difficult to get lost. From the middle it intersects with the left pants, and on the last rope the path is marked by the Haymaking bolt.
Equipment: rope 60 m, anchors and small aids, medium and medium friends. Hammers, hooks.
Senonkos 5B (Nadtochy S., Voloshanovsky M.)
The route starts 20 m to the right of the big break where the "Right leg" route begins.
R0-R1: 35 m, V + A2 From the punched arrow straight up along a thin slot 10 m, then along the slab in the direction of the bolt. From it to the left upwards, to the shelf under the cornice. The cornice is on the right side (there is a bolt). Station in the grotto.
R1-R2: 30 m VI А2 From the station up the left wall of the grotto 5 m to AID (bolts, sky hooks), then by difficult climbing along the crack, go to the overhang. Go through the overhang on bolts to the station.
R2-R3: 30 m V + A2 Along the crack, then climb upward along the inner corner, in some places on AID. Station on 2 bolts before overhanging.
R3-R4: 50 m VI A3 Go up the steep crevice to the ledge. From it, traverse to the right, to another crack. Go up the crack to the left, through a small overhang, go to the ledge. Bolt station.
R4-R5: 50 m VI A1 From the station up the crack to a small tree. Further up the corner. Go around the cornice on the left, then up through a small overhang, go to the wall with bolts. Use a difficult climbing wall to enter the Biser exit. Bolt station.
Previously, the route had category 6A. There is a lot of stationary hardware on the route. In general, the route is safe. Started on 06.01.94 by Simferopol climbers S. Nadtochim (Terrorist) and M. Voloshanovsky (Michel). Completed May 1994 as a Solo Terrorist. The route is a natural watercourse, because of this the cracks are clogged with earth and grass, therefore, the Terrorist named his route "Haymaking".
The passage time is 6-8 hours.
Corner 5A (Nosov A. - Kalinichenko M. (Sevastopol), 1975)
The route was repaired by A. Lavrinenko's team in April 2013. The stations are equipped with new bolts and release rings. The route is an inner corner of different steepness, which runs mainly in spikes. Sometimes there are small overhangs.
R0-R1: 35m V + First station on the large ledge below the start of the route. The first cornice is bypassed on the right. Then to the left through the humming spall to the beginning of the vertical inner corner. Then up the inner corner. Station with bolts.
R1-R2: 25 m V + Up through a small overhang (F6a). A semi-hanging station, not very convenient in location for two, on friends and large tabs in front of the cornice because of the high friction of the rope.
R2-R3: 40m V + The cornice is bypassed on the left (F6a). Climbing is further simplified. The gap becomes positive and leads to the right into a large fireplace. Station bolts on the left side split of a large fireplace. Big rope friction !!!
R3-R4: 10 m VI А2, 10 m V +, 10 m VI A2 From the station up 10 m along the microrelief by climbing (F6b) or on AID A2. The terrain for insurance is poor. A relief skyhook, possibly anchors, will come in handy. Then either to the right through the overhang to the yayla, or an unpleasant traverse to the left under the cornice. The left option is easier.
A very logical and beautiful line. The line wags in places, causing friction on the rope. Hammers and hooks are a must. Large embedded elements go well. Difficult last rope.
Large fireplace SE wall 3B (Tkachenko G., 1978)
The beginning of the route is the base of a large fireplace, which is clearly visible even from the beach.
R0-R1: 25m, II First bolted station, common with the corner. To the right over simple rocks to the base of a large fireplace.
R1-R2: 40 m, III + From the base of the fireplace straight up along the right wall. Old hooks are sometimes found. Station on the tree.
R2-R3: 30 m (20 m III; 10 m V) From the tree the line goes to the right beyond the bend. Poor audibility. Through a slight overhang to vertical cliffs with an inner corner to the left. It is better not to climb into the corner, although old hooks are visible there. From this place, go down to the right and go out to a convenient area with a large tree.
R3-R4: 25m IV + Along the slanting crack to the left of the tree, up to the right, go out under a small cornice. He goes around to the right along the gap. Then up to the tree. Station on a tree or on your own.
R4-R5: 30 m (25 m III; 5 m V A1) From the station go up to the right, along the inner corner, then through a 5 m vertical wall, into the inner corner, and along it to the top. Station on a tree near the edge.
Impressions: Long approach, includes sections that are not typical for routes of the third category. Small and medium sizes of embedded elements go well. You can climb without hammers.
"Integral" 5A (Gorbunov A. - Kholoptsev A. (Odessa)
The route got its name from the characteristic gap in the upper part of the wall. The approach to the beginning of the route begins above the Leningrad sites. The path goes along the shelves to the right side of the wall. The line starts almost above the Burevestnik sector.
R0-R1: 60 m III + To the left upwards along a slightly pronounced inner corner to a large juniper. Station on a slab on a tree.
R1-R2: 15 m IV, 15 m V +, 10 m II From the tree go to the right to the inner corner, which turns into an obvious gap. Nice climbing and psychologically challenging shelf access. The station (anchors, bookmarks) 10 m to the left, standing on a shelf on a slab at the base of the inner corner going up.
R2-R3: 50 m IV + Along the inner corner to the left up to the overhang, then to the right of the overhang along the crack to a small grotto. Station in the grotto at its points (bookmarks, anchors).
R3-R4: 60 m V Logical climbing up the inner corner. Lots of live stones, grass, earth and lichen. Station at its points in slots (hexes).
R4-R5: 40 m V + 10 m V, A0 Upward along the inner corner which turns into an overhanging fireplace. The fireplace is held in space. Backpacks will get in the way. Then a difficult overhanging corner of 10 m with 3 bolts and a hook. You can climb 6b + - 6c, or A0. Station on new bolts.
R6-R7: 40m III Easy climbing up a logical gap. Then to the right along the positive relief to the yayla. Under the top, the possibilities for organizing belay are limited: about 10-15 m. Station on the yayla on a tree.
In general, the route is intense. Requires the organization of its own stations. Large embedded elements, hexes go well. Hooks and hammers are a must. At times, there are many live stones, grass and lichen.
Parabola 3B
The route runs along the right side of the South-Eastern bastion of Kush-Kai. The beginning coincides with the beginning of the "Integral" route. The approach to the beginning of the route begins above the Leningrad sites. The path goes along the shelves to the right side of the wall. The line starts almost above the Burevestnik sector.
R0-R1: 45m III Beginning in common with the "Integral" route. From the ledge, climb 20 m along the inner corner, then go to the right to a large tree. Further up to the base of the inner corner. Difficulty is unevenly distributed.
R1-R2: 40 m II From the tree station along simple crevices to the inner corner, which leads to a ledge with two junipers. Station on the tree.
R2-R3: 45m V Along the inner corner 15 m upward, then to the right up to the tree to the right under the yellow cornice .. Key rope
R3-R4: 40m III Up the positive rocks of medium difficulty to a small ledge.
R4-R5: 45 m III To the left, past the overhang along the system of cracks to a large ledge.
R5-R6: 40 m II To the right, choosing the easiest way to go to the yayla. Bolt station.
A difficult route in its category, requiring good orientation on the terrain. The relief is very rich. Not recommended as the first triplets. There is a chance to go to more difficult rocks. You can go without hammers.
Through the sole on the right 4A (Vorob'ev M., Nesterov V., Pavlov Yu. (Sevatopol), 1995)
To get started on the route, you need to go through the "Africa" sector and go to the left on the talus going up.
R0-R1: 45m II Beginning along the talus, taking it to the right. Station on the tree.
R1-R2: 45 I Along light rocks upward. Station on a tree.
R2-R3: 40m I To the right to a large tree on light rocks. Juniper station.
R3-R4: 25 III Along the inner corner to the shelf with a tree.
R4-R5: 40m III Go diagonally to the right into the bowl. Station on the tree.
R6-R7: 45 m III On a positive relief and upward crevices. Station on the tree.
R7-R8: 45 m III Up along the crack. Station on the tree.
R8-R9: 45m III Up to a comfortable shelf with trees. Juniper Station.
R9-R10: 45m III Go down from the shelf and go to the right of the fireplace. There is no need to climb into the fireplace. Station on the tree.
R10-R11: 5m V, 25m III From the tree upwards along the overhanging crack 5 m. Key section. Further, by simple climbing to the exit to the yayla
Equipment: standard set. There is little stationary hardware on the route. It is advisable to have hammers.
In addition to beach lovers and cultural attractions, Crimean peninsula climbers have chosen for a long time. There are no Everests and Mont Blancs, but the peaks here are very diverse, therefore they allow you to train in almost any conditions. Mount Kush-Kaya in Crimea belongs precisely to the list of those. Lovers of mountain walks who do not have special sports training will be able to conquer it along fairly convenient paths.
Where is Kush-Kaya in Crimea?
It would seem that what is easier - to indicate the location of the rock. But the task will not seem elementary to a person who knows Crimea well. Mount Kush-Kaya is there in three places at the same time. Today we will tell about everything, but we will dwell in detail on visiting the one next to it.
Object on the map of Crimea
Features of the origin of the name
The answer to the fact that finding a peak can be difficult is quite prosaic. The fact is that the namesake peaks in the Crimea are quite common. "Kush-Kaya" in translation means "Bird Mountain". This name is borne by three different heights, quite distant from each other.
The most picturesque of them is the one located in, not far from Sudak. She is often photographed and is considered a symbol of the village. Her Russian name-. Sizes are more than usual - 446 m above sea level.
The highest is Kush-Kaya na. Its "height" is 1339 m. It looks like an ear listening to the sound of waves. You can get here through the trail, accessible to tourists without climbing training.
The most famous is the Kush-Kaya mountain near; today we will talk about its visit. Its height is average - 664 m, but a sheer wall is turned towards the sea, where training and competitions in mountaineering take place.
Crimean conspiracy theories
In 2013, this hill was shrouded in a veil of ominous secrecy - there were reports of the disappearance of a certain tourist on its slopes. Her body was not found. Everyone familiar with the news was sophisticated, inventing different versions of what happened. Aliens and some criminal Internet communities also figured here, giving the girl an overwhelming task as a dedication - to make an ascent.
The missing person's phone was also present in the case, where something was filmed. There were stories of her strange behavior and imbalance.
However, more experienced mountain hikers reasonably stated that there is no need to look for aliens where there are slippery stones, a steep slope and unsuitable beach shoes. Accidents with such mountain climbers occur, unfortunately, in any mountains. But there is no body - no action. Over time, the "secret of Kush-Kai" lost its relevance, but everyone who came up with a version of its solution, remained unconvinced.
Excursions and routes to Mount Kush-Kaya
For lovers of mountain tourism, Kush-Kaya near Laspi provides many opportunities. Since there are trails of different difficulty levels (according to the professional classification - from 1B to 5B), all potential conquerors choose routes according to their capabilities and plans. In total, 18 different trails lead here, some of which are not even worth entering without good climbing equipment and preparation of the climber.
The rock of the lower mountain belt - favorite place training and competition of experienced climbers. But they are a special brotherhood, solving organizational and security issues "among themselves." Untrained tourists usually get to the top along the so-called Great Sevastopol trail. It is a very long excursion segment, where Kush-Kaya is just one of its elements.
The trail starts at, but you can get on it so that you can get to Kush-Kaya from the Laspi pass. The path here is well marked, with numerous signposts - it is difficult to get lost. But even this “simple” route requires comfortable sportswear, good shoes (so as not to slip) and decent physical shape (the climb is steep and difficult, 
although quite accessible to non-professionals).
The trail passes by a paddock for wild animals - a kind of hunting ground. Locals joke that the answer to the question of whom the tall mesh fence protects from whom is ambiguous. On the way up you will see some ruins with a wooden cross. Official version says that the ruins are the remains of the Cathedral of St. Elijah, which stood here in the late Middle Ages. That is why the cross has been raised. But there are skeptics who claim that the state of the stones and the composition of the technology that holds them together does not correspond to this period, and the ruins are the remains of a naval guard post.
Holiday-makers strive to climb to the top of Kush-Kai for the sake of the views that open up from there. From above, you can admire the nature reserve in Laspi Bay. These landscapes are rightly ranked among the most beautiful in the Crimea. Quite often people come here for a few days with tents. At the foot there is a camping for vacationers, where it is easier both with firewood and with drinking water... But some "savages" are contrived to accommodate themselves outside this housing complex.
How to get there (get there)?
As already mentioned, the Kush-Kaya Mountain can be reached in different ways, but often tourists choose the route along the Great Sevastopol Road. If yours begins in the area of the Laspinsky Pass, then this is how the further path looks like:
Tourist notes
- Address: Orlinovsky Municipal District, Sevastopol, Crimea, Russia.
- GPS coordinates: 44.425131, 33.679880.
If it occurs to someone to check the loyalty of his friend according to Vysotsky's method, it is not necessary to go to the Caucasus - you can go to the Crimea. Mount Kush-Kaya is perfect for such a test, and the friendly Crimean cities and towns will then help to adequately celebrate the common victory! In conclusion, we offer a video report on the trip to the hill.
