Belbek River in Crimea: description and location

Rivers always had not only economic value for people, but also were an attractive place for tourists. The Belbek River can be called the decoration of the Bakhchsarai district in the Crimea. It is considered a landmark of the territory and always attracts the attention of people.

Belbek flows in the south-west of Crimea in the areas of Bakhchisarai and Sevastopol. Managra and Biyuk-Uzenbash rivers participate in its formation. This is a long water source, whose duration is 63 kilometers. Versions of the origin of the name include the following.

1. Translated into Turkic, Belbek means “strong back”. In the spring season, when the reservoir is filled with melt water, the rapid flow of the river is able to tear out trees with rhizomes and carry them along the stream, keeping it on its “back”.
2. Belbek is the original name of the river valley near the reservoir. Translated from the Turkic Bek - this is the “main”, and belle is the “narrow mountain pass”. After some time, the same name was given to the river.

During the time when the Kabardians lived on the upper reaches of the river, it had a double name. The upper part is Kabarda, and the lower part is Belbek.

Until today, the river is a bright landmark, which was created by nature itself.

The Belbek River is the most affluent in the Crimea region. It is characterized by the presence of four tributaries:

• Kokkozki - the most powerful river in the Crimea, its source is located on the Grand Canyon;
• Suatkana, what is in its composition a small waterfall;
• Quickiesflowing through the valley of Karalez - it is in this area that the local sphinxes are located;
• Kokche-Chokrak - "gray-blue" source.

The lower course Belbek overcomes big clay drifts. The mouth of the river is located in the village Lyubimovka, located near the Sevastopol Bay. In this part, it flows into the Black Sea. The bed of the reservoir has the appearance of a ravine with a width of about 300 centimeters.

The upper river is located on the slope of the Crimean mountain ranges in the north-western part. The bed of this site is formed by Ozenbash and Managotra. These are mountain rivers with turbulent flows and strong currents. Despite the small width, ponds with rapid direction carry their water on the rocky slopes.

When crossing the inner mountain ridge Belbek already, in this area the river becomes part of the beautiful Belbek canyon. The narrowest point of the river valley has a width of 300 meters and a depth of 160 meters. On the right part of the Belbek valley are two grottoes. The caves are known for the presence of Cro-Magnon camps who hunted, fished, picked berries and plants.

In the upper part of the reservoir is located hydrotechnical complex, consisting of three reservoirs. The fauna of the most full-flowing Crimean river is mainly represented by brook trout. This fish is characterized by an attractive appearance, the presence of small shiny scales, each of which has a white outline. Predatory creature lives in the upper Belbek, it is quite difficult to see it.

Tourists often visit Mount Burun-Kaya or Iron.The second name of the sight was due to its similarity with all the familiar object of life. If you climb a steep ascent, you can fully appreciate the beauty of the Belbek River valley.

Without reaching the top, there is a source of pure and fresh water, which anyone can enjoy. Not to mention the relic yew grove. It consists of a berry yew that has been growing for thousands of years. This rare plant in height reaches 2000 centimeters.

On the way to Belbek there are such settlements that are located along the banks, they help orient tourists:

• for those who began their journey from the upper reaches, it is worth going through Kuybyshevo, getting to the village by bus or personal transport;
• when lifting against the current, it is necessary to start from Lyubimovka, at this point people are driven by a bus bound for Sevastopol;
• if there is a desire to see many attractions, then the beginning of the road should be the village of Tankovoe or Maloye Sadovoe.

The valley of the river Belbek is quite a picturesque place, as it is characterized by full flow, people have long since settled this region. Here are concentrated not only man-made, but also natural monuments. The water in the reservoir is characterized by turbidity, so it is not suitable for swimming. However, for relaxing in the fresh air and reuniting with nature, the Belbek Valley is just perfect. This place was already appreciated by backpackers and fishermen.

Fish catches in the river are good, however, for this you need to choose the right place. According to anglers, it is known that the upper reaches of the reservoir is rich in trout, but it is worth remembering that this rare representative of the fauna is under protection. Fishermen can catch a chub, a barbel, a carp, a crucian, a carp and a perch in a section of a flat current. Hunters on live bait are sure to rejoice small fish, which in the river a lot. Near the mouth you can catch the pelengas and trophy pike.

According to people who often fish here, pike bite is excellent in these places. The problem of the withdrawal of fish is created by numerous branches and trunks of the river. Often fishing is pumped not by a bucket of fish, but by torn fishing lines. The fullness of the reservoir determines its economic use.

Also on Belbek there is an artificially created reservoir. Fresh water of this reservoir is very important for people living in the territory. Despite the fact that the largest river in the Crimea is inferior in size to the majority of reservoirs of world importance, it has many advantages. Due to the reliability of the “back” of Belbek, cargo has been transported along the river for many centuries, which supports the livelihoods of the population of this territory. Also, the river is an indispensable source of coolness in the hot season.

From the counterparts located in the Crimea, it is distinguished by the impossibility of drying out, as well as the turbulence of flows and insecurity. The coast of Belbek has always attracted tourists who want to relax from the bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature.

For more information about the most full-flowing river in the Crimea, see the following video.