Mount Demerdzhi

Demerdzhi (the earlier Demirji name, meaning "blacksmith" in the Crimean Tatar) is the second after the Ai-Petri in terms of attendance of the mountain of Crimea, and, perhaps, one in the first in beauty. Demerdzhi mountain is a mountain range stretching from east to west for 5.5 km аnd from north to south for 3.5 km. The array has two peaks, also often called the mountains - the northern Demerdzhi and the southern one. 


Northern - with a height of 1356 meters above sea level for a long time was considered the highest mountain in the Crimea, but after accurate measurements, it turned out that it was slightly inferior to the Roman-Kosh. South, with a height of 1239 m. Is far from records, but more popular.

The top of Demerdzhi Mountain

If you drive through the Angarsk Pass (the route Simferopol - Alushta), you probably saw this array and even possibly paid attention to the rock resembling a head, nicknamed Catherine's head.

Like any notable place, the "Blacksmith" has its own legend and "Catherine's Head" is a part of it.

What to see on Demerdzhi? First of all, Demerdzhi chic, just luxurious views.

Clouds near

Note , Demerdzhi is the only mountain in the Crimea, where you can see the so-called. "Brocken's ghost" - its own multiply increased shadow on the clouds.

There are many mountain-climbing routes, such as hiking, car and even horse riding. Most of them begin in the village of Lucistoye, which, as seen on the map, is conveniently located relatively to the picturesque southern Demerdzhi and its sights.

The presence of interesting places or places of interest, distinguishes Kuznets from many other Crimean mountains. The most interesting and popular of them are the Valley of Ghosts and the fortress of Fun.

The first is usually a medieval fortress of Fun, built by one of the Mangup princes. It was a small fortification, believed to be a counterweight to Aluston - a fortress in the territory of modern Alushta. Funu several times destroyed and restored, finally it was destroyed during the Turkish invasion. Subsequently, the donjon was used for a long time as a pen for cattle, but, in the end, it was also taken away for building material.

Currently, the ruins of the fortress turned into a small entertainment center for tourists, where a tour of the territory and visits to attractions are charged.

The most famous attraction is the so-called Valley of ghosts. This is a small tract on the western slope of southern Demerdzhi, in which there are many rocks of freakish shapes.

There are two theories about the origin of the name of the valley. The first says that the name was given because the image of the rocks varies from time of day, lighting and weather, which gives rise to fantasy. The second, claims that in the tract there is some special vegetation that gives off a hallucinogen in the morning, why people visit visions. We are more inclined to believe the first version, though we did not check - there were no ghosts for the night in the Valley :-)

The valley acquires special mysteriousness when a fog breaks through it, which happens quite often.

Most excursions are end in the valley. But if you do not stop there and go further, you can enjoy the views presented above, and simply beautiful places, such as the Jurla waterfall.

Tips for visiting Demerdzhi

1. Attend the mountain better with a guide or a guide. You can do it yourself, but then carefully work out the route and keep in mind that tourist maps often lie.

2. For safety reasons, it is necessary to go to Demerdzhi in dry weather and count the time so that in the dark on the mountain do not move.

3. Comfortable clothes and shoes are mandatory, things are better to carry in a backpack, so that your hands are free.

4. There are several sources of water on the mountain, but its suitability for drinking is doubtful, so take water with you.

5. If you climb the mountain is not in peak tourist season, it is likely not to meet rangers charging fees.

How to get to Demerdzhi

The most common route to Demerdzhi is through the village of Radiant, which in turn can be accessed in two ways. First: get off at the Simferopol-Alushta highway at the stop "Radiant" and from it about 2 km. Go to the village. The second: to arrive by bus directly to Radiant, to the village there is transportation from the surrounding resorts, most often from Alushta.

Further, directly to the mountain - on foot, on horseback or by car along one of the many routes.