Monument of nature Karaul-Oba in Crimea: description and location

The Crimean peninsula, in addition to the sea and the coast, is interesting for natural mountain monuments. Such sights include Karaul-Oba, which is of interest for its external features, centuries-old history and location.

The Crimean peninsula is not only remarkable for its sea coast and flora, but also for interesting places, one of which is the village of New World. “Visiting card” of this resort place was Karaul-Oba - a mountain with a stunning view of the kilometers around. In addition, the natural monument itself is interesting in light of its size, shape and history. The mountain range is located in a natural bay, distinguished by its unique climatic features.

A great place to visit was "Taurus stairs."

The massif got its name from the Crimean Tatars, Karaul-Oba in translation from the local dialect means “sentinel peak”. It was no coincidence that such a name was chosen, because a natural monument rises above the village by more than 300 meters. At the dawn of its appearance, the mountain range was a coral reef located under water. Of the remarkable features of this area, it is worth noting the location near the massif of the Taurus village.

Somewhat later, at the western foot of the "sentinel peak" was erected Bospor fortress. This hill was a strategically important object for all the peoples who lived in the bay, because it allowed you to view the area from its peaks, and also served as reliable protection.

He survived the massif and turbulent times in history, when this section of the Crimea suffered from raids by the Goths, who practically besieged it. In 576, the peninsula was conquered by Byzantium, and in the 13th century, a village located near Karaul-Oba became a Mongolian ulus. A hundred years later, the present New World was inhabited by Armenians. In the 15th century, the coral reef began to play an important military role for the Tatars, who could see the approaching enemy from above. In 1478, the Crimean Khanate became a vassal of Turkey.

The history of the Crimean winemaking is also inextricably linked with the New World and a large mountain range. In the famous Grotto Chaliapin, located in the cave of the massif, the best Crimean sparkling wines were stored, in the second part of the cave during the Russian Empire there were invited parties and tasting of grape drinks.

The cavity, which performed several functions, formed naturally in the rock. And the name in honor of Fedor Chaliapin was due to the fact that the artist himself allegedly performed in the grotto. The famous path that goes around the cliff was created specifically for walking, as well as visiting the prince’s possessions for Emperor Nicholas II himself.

Today, Karaul-Oba is a natural protected object, it originates from the Royal Beach, striking with its stone bends. Some parts of the mountain have rather unusual names. So, a cliff called “Mushroom” rises above the water. A dried tree, which is called the “Slingshot of a Giant”, has been preserved on its top. Further, the outlines of the massif develop into Cape Chicken, which has some visual resemblance to the dog's face. You can also find comparisons of elevations with a diving dolphin or the head of a slumbering dragon.

The whimsical forms of the massif are complemented by the famous Taurus Staircase, as well as the popular tourist route that crosses the Golitsyna trail and leads to world-famous wine cellars carved directly in the rock. This is another milestone in the history of the natural monument.

According to archaeologists, the staircase is more than two and a half thousand years old, it was also carved into the rock, contains two tiers, and sometimes does not exceed half a meter in width. South of Karaul-Oba, it passes into a plateau massif, which is also no less interesting in terms of its size, location and shape.

Today, the natural monument is part of the New World botanical reserve. For a more accurate determination of the location of the massif, we can say that Karaul-Oba is a natural watershed between Kutlak and Blue Bay. The mountain is two kilometers away from the village.

To visit this attraction from the sea, you need to go from the Royal Beach to the west of Cape Kapchik. From the village of Novyi Svet it is easiest to get to a hill, for this you can follow the tourist route along the Golitsyna trail as part of an excursion group or walk along the sea on your own.

You can get to the entrance to the trail from the end of Golitsyna street or go near the entrance to the local sanatorium "Preserved Grove". Arriving in the New World on your personal transport, it is recommended to leave the car in a parking lot near the beach, near the champagne wine factory, and then continue on foot to the reserve. There are also designated parking spaces at the end of Golitsyna Street. An alternative to a walk from the New World will be approach to the mountain from the village of Fun. To do this, you will need to move along the coastline to the east.

In addition to the official checkpoint in the reserve, there are many paths along which you can get to the array without paying for the entrance. So, vacationers can enter from the western side of Novosvetsky beach on the very edge of the settlement or through Veselovskaya bay.

Regular buses from Sudak and other cities of the peninsula run to the New World. The road to the village passes along a mountain serpentine, so during the trip you will also be able to admire the unique sea and mountain landscapes.

The main tourist route of the reserve passes through the mountain range, so for every vacationer there will certainly be a lot of interesting and exciting places in the process of visiting attractions. In addition to the famous juniper grove, from the cliff you can admire the breathtaking sea views. For vacationers, a visit to the top of the mountain is available, however, the way up will not go through all the tourist routes in the reserve.

The Golitsyn trail goes around the mountain, and ends in Veselovsky Bay. If you follow it to the indicated end, you can visit another attraction of the Crimea - the Kutlak fortress, the construction of which was carried out in the 1st century BC.

As for the mountain itself, the route at its foot is considered easy to walk, however, comfortable shoes and the availability of drinking water will be mandatory. Children and the elderly may need help to overcome some areas where the climbs will have a vertical slope.

It is worth noting that the trail in some places can confuse travelers visiting the attraction for the first time. therefore experienced guides offer guided tours. Accompanied by a competent employee of the reserve, it will be possible to avoid many unpleasant moments during the walk, in addition, during the tour you can learn a lot about the sights and legends associated with them.

The most popular routes for the reserve are two options, both indicated on the map located near the entrance. Each of them is assigned a serial number.

• Route number 1. A walk planned in this way is considered more difficult compared to the second route. It involves a passage through the "Paradise Valley", as well as an ascent to the top of Karaul-Oba. Tourists will definitely pass near the "Taurus Stairs" and "Cosmos Peak".
• Route number 2. As in the first version, tourists will have corresponding signs along the way, specifying the direction of movement around the reserve. According to most vacationers, it is on the second route that tourists enjoy the most beautiful views and landscapes, since it contains several viewing platforms. The path will lie through the "Bonsai over the Royal Beach", as well as the "Valley of Hell", "Refrigerator". The last place is a crevice in the mountain range, into which a person can climb.

As a rule, both options for walking along the mountain range suggest an overview of all the available attractions. Walking around the reserve, travelers will definitely see the so-called rhino. It consists of two sheer cliffs, providing resemblance to an animal. The “Valley of Hell” will be the very first place that tourists will visit on the trail if they move from the village of Vesyoloye. The place is located between the rocks and the peak of Karaul-Oba. Nearby there will be a cleft with a cool grotto.

"Cosmos Peak" has a height of 245 meters, it is located between two valleys. This place is appreciated due to the excellent viewing platform, from which it will be possible to see the entire eastern part of the peninsula."Paradise Valley" in the reserve is located between the peak and the immediate top of the mountain range.

In the stone labyrinths of Karaul-Oba one should visit a place called "Adam's bed." It represents a passage between the rocks that will hang over the heads of travelers. When considering the mountains in this section, it can be noted that their relief resembles bizarre inscriptions on the surface.

The Taurus Staircase is considered the most famous and sought-after attraction on the trail. According to the legends, the people of the same name who once inhabited the bay were engaged in its construction. In those days, she led to the sanctuary located on the mountain. The second version indicates that it was built already during the time of Prince Golitsyn. Today, the steps are in a dilapidated state, so tourists need to hold on to a special cable stretched along the stairs.

At "Peak of Cosmos" there are several picturesque rocks, in the outlines of which you can find some similarities with the figures of animals.

Tourists will be able to see three picturesque stone blocks standing directly in the water. They are called "Three Monks". Also during the tour in the eastern part of the valley you can visit the "Cave of the Taurus." It is believed that at one time this people lived in it, today tourists often stop there. Another interesting stone is called the “Rock of the Ax”, a lone pine tree grows on it.

A video review of Mount Karaul-Oba and its surroundings is provided below.