All about Angarsk pass in Crimea

"Better than the mountains can only be mountains that have not yet been ...". This statement of VSVysotsky can be quoted from every lover of walks at dizzying heights. If you have not been to the Crimea in the Angarsk pass - it's time to go there!

The Angarsk Pass is named after the Angara River (translated as "the gorge"), a tributary of the Salgir, which is the longest river in the Crimea. A remarkable place called Angarsk pass is located at an altitude of 752 m above sea level. This transition is considered the highest point of the highway leading from Simferopol to the resort city of Alushta. On the way to the Black Sea, unique landscapes of the Alushta sea coast open up to the gaze. Many tourists consider the direction of Simferopol-Alushta the most picturesque among the Crimean roads.

Angarsk Pass - a place with a unique historical past. During the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, a defensive line passed in this area, opposing the barbarian tribes.

In 1774, a battle between the Russian army led by Mikhail Kutuzov and the Turks took place in the settlement of Shum (now Upper Kutuzovka). At that time he was not yet in the status of a famous commander, but Kutuzov lost his eyes in battle precisely at this Crimean pass.

Now on the Angarsk pass traffic is constantly awaiting the traffic police post. There is also a stop for intercity scheduled trolley buses. At the entrance, motorists often buy preservation, sweets, Crimean sweet Yalta onions at a small local market from the villagers.

In the Middle Ages between the valley of the river Salgir and the coast itself ran a small mountain path. Then, on the southern coast of the Crimea, the first large urban-type settlements already appeared: Gurzovity (the current Gurzuf) and Aluston (the resort of Alushta). Like the rest of the mountain passes, the Angarsk Pass was fortified with fortifications. Behind the lined stone walls, a narrow passage was hidden Hangar-Bogaz - the future launching pad for many hiking routes to the mountains.

Many years passed, and from the narrow mountain trail a “wide” highway “leading up” to the South Coast of the Crimea “grew”. At one of the stages of this transformation, a memorable Alexandrovsky obelisk of twelve meters high appeared on the pass. The engraving on the monument reads: «The obelisk was built in honor of the appearance of the highway Alushta - Simferopol in 1846. " The name of the monument was given in honor of Tsar Alexander I.

After 14 years, a steep climb forced to expand and raise the track. Parts of the old trail and elements of fences can still be found along the curb. Over a hundred years of operation, the road was out of order, which led to a large-scale reconstruction from 1935 to 1940, as a result of which the entire roadbed was covered with tar.

During the Second World War, the German garrison was located on the territory of the Angarsk pass. And all the forests in the district occupied the partisans. After winning the war, the road could no longer cope with the load, and a decision was made on the next reconstruction. As a result of the changes, the canvas was twice wider, sharp turns smoothed over, problem areas were equipped with bridges. In 1959, the first trolleybus was allowed along the mountain road, making the pass more accessible to tourists.

October 22, 2012 on the pass opened an unusual monument to the historic trolleybus Škoda 9Tr 1982 release.

In the mountainous area with a rich historical past is located the base of the same name with the pass. Cozy houses are located among the pines and welcome all guests. There are scenic views of The hangar-Burun is the eastern peak of the mountain Chatyr-Dag.

During Soviet times, the camp site held 200 people at a time. Tourists climbed the mountains, went hiking and set up tents. In the 70s-80s camp site "Angarsk pass" became popular in the winter.

Almost all hiking trails start from the pass. From here you can start climbing Chatyr-Dag, where from a height of 1,527 meters you can admire the view of the South Coast and the Crimean Mountains. From the east, you can see the outlines of the mountain peaks of the Southern and Northern Demerdzhi, whose height is 1239 and 1356 meters, respectively, and the Karabi Highlands are visible, as well as the Dolgorukovskaya Plateau.

On the eastern slope of Chatyr-Dag, you can walk the path to the mysterious Yew Canyon, in which the rare berry yew still grows. Further the path goes around the lower mountain plateau, where tourists are rushing for the sake of karst caves - Marble and Mammoth (Emine-Bair-Khosar). The trail ends in Krasnopole.

Popular with hiking travelers have routes along the southern slope of Chatyr-Dag (Shater-mountains) on Eklizi-Burun and Angar-Burun. Climbing to the top begins with a meteorological station, from which there are two paths: to Kutuzovskoe Lake and to the Yew Gorge. To the lake the road lies through the forest and on the way you have to overcome a lot of steep ascents. Kutuzov Lake is a very picturesque place located in the middle of a wide meadow. Not far from the lake there is the Beech Meadow - a popular and frequented place by many tourists.

Along the beaten paths you can easily reach the top in just two hours. The plateau offers views of the unique stone pyramids, settlements at the foot of the mountain and the river. From the Angar-Burun and Eklizi-Burun mountains, the Angarsk Pass, Demerdzhi and the Angara Valley are well visible.

On the southern slope of Chatyr-Dag, a wooded road can be passed on a clearing with a source of Saurgan. It was discovered back in 1915, spring water is potable.

In winter, you can walk along the outskirts of the Angarsk Pass, having mastered cross-country skiing, and go down from the slopes on sleds, snowboards, and downhill skiing. On the snowy Chatyr-Dag there are excellent ski slopes and a modern snow park.

Today, beginners and professional skiers are provided with two tracks. So far, the third is not functioning due to the danger of avalanches. From January to March, the thickness of the snow layer is 30–50 cm (the optimum figure for the ski season). There are excellent conditions for luge fans. There are separate trails for ice floes, nimble snow scooters and sleds.

In the Angarsk Pass, the climate is quite comfortable. The average annual temperature is + 9 ° C. When planning a visit to the pass in winter with the purpose of skiing, it is worth a trip for the January holidays. At this time, the air temperature and its humidity are considered the most optimal for skiers.

In summer, the hottest in July and August. This is not the best time for a trip to the pass with the kids. The thermometer rises to the mark of + 35 ° C. And it is only in the shadow!

If for vacation you are considering the opportunity to visit Angarsk pass, then to settle at the camp site, named after the pass - ideal. It is located near the road and offers rooms for a small price. You can also stay in a cozy motel "Kizil-Koba" in the village Perevalnoe. This is a more expensive option for settling, but also more comfortable.

Many Perevalnoy residents earn on renting rooms and apartments to tourists for a small price. If you wish, you can choose this budget option.

To the Angarsk Pass from the Crimean capital go trolley buses №51 Simferopol-Alushta and number 52 Simferopol-Yalta. You can get to the place on a regular shuttle bus, but the price for travel will cost twice as much as buying a trolleybus ticket.

The Angarsk Pass is a great place to relax in the winter and in the summer due to the local natural conditions.

How to relax on the Angarsk Pass in the winter, you can find out by watching the video below.