Mount Kara-Dag

Kara-Dag (Crimean Tatar Black Mountain) is a mountain volcanic massif located on the border of the South Coast and Eastern Crimea, between Koktebel and the resort town of Kurortnoye. The highest point of the massif is located on Mount Svyataya, the summit of which is at an altitude of 577 meters above sea level.

In the middle of the 20th century, Kara-Dag was a very popular place, due to which its ecology was badly damaged. 

To protect Kara-Dag from the destructive influence of man, a reserve was created on its territory, as a result of which free access to the array for tourists was closed, and nature was able to partially tighten wounds, restore many species of flora and fauna.

Currently, the reserve includes 2,065 hectares of a volcanic massif and almost 900 hectares of the adjacent water area, is characterized by great biodiversity, and, which is of special interest to us, excursions have recently started here.

What  you can see?

The severe beauty of Kara-Dag is different from the cultivated beauty of the South Coast. Everything here is wild, chaotic, primordial.

You can inspect Kara-Dag as from water, and climbing the array on foot. Below is a diagram of the routes of excursions and the indication of interesting places and objects.

The walking tour lasts four hours (including 30 minutes allocated for familiarization with the museum's exposition), the route passes along the continental slope of the coastal ridge, and its length is 7 km. During the excursion you can see the rock "Ivan the robber", the Gyaur-Bakh gorge, the "Svyataya" mountain and other objects, and of course you will have magnificent views.

Here is a view from the massif on Koktebel:

The range of Karagach:

Gyaur-Bakh Gorge (Garden of the Infidels). By giving in the gorge dumped wrong wives. Apparently, the manners here were just as harsh as landscapes.

And this is the "Golden Gate" - the main symbol of Kara-Dag.

Walking tour passes through very picturesque places. But, according to most tourists, the sea far surpasses it in entertainment, besides passing on the ship near the steep cliffs of Kara-Dag, very clearly feel its greatness and power.

This gloomy overhanging cliff over the sea is Kara-Dag.

During the sea excursion you will be shown many different picturesque objects. For example, the grotto "Roaring", issuing during the storm corresponding to the name of the sounds.

Rock "The Head of the Mermaid"

Rock "The Lion"

And of course, the Golden Gate or the Devil'sGate, as the Tatars called them.

Smaller boats pass under them, and tour guides offer at that time to throw coins and make wishes.

The height of the "Golden Gate" is according to different data from 30 to 50 meters, and see how this machine is lost against the backdrop of the majestic massif.

Tips for visiting Kara-Dag

1. If the question is about choosing the type of excursion - foot or sea, then choose the sea. It is spectacular, at the same time it is shorter and you will not get tired of it on foot.

2. If you have problems with the heart or being overweight, a walking tour can be a serious test. You will have 3.5 hours of steep descents and lifts in the sun with just a few stops. Think about whether you need it.

3. To go on foot excursion should be in sports shoes. It is very desirable to take water with you. Do not be unnecessary headgear and backpack, so as not to take up arms with things.

4. For a sea excursion it is better to choose a small boat. He approaches the rocks closer than a larger vessel, and can go through the arch of the Golden Gate.

How to get to Kara-Dag

It is not difficult to get to Kara-Dag, you have to come to Kurortnoe or Koktebel and you are already under it. But you can get to Kara-Dag only with an excursion. Walking starts from the biostation on the outskirts of the village of Kurortnoye. You can reach it by minibus from Koktebel and Feodosia, if you are already in Kurortnoye, then you can easily walk. Sea excursions depart from Kurortny, Koktebel, Feodosia (in the latter case it will take longer). From Koktebel also mixed excursions are sent, during which the boat, passing along the reserve, will take you to the biostation station, and from there you will pass along the ecological path along Kara-Dag back to Koktebel.