All about the Angarsk pass in Crimea

"Better than mountains can only be mountains that have not been before ...". This statement of V.S. Vysotsky can be quoted for every lover of walks at a breakneck height. If you have not been to Crimea at the Angarsk Pass - it's time to go there!

The Angarsk pass is named after the Angara (translated as "gorge"), a tributary of Salgir, which is the longest river in Crimea. A noteworthy place called the 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 through the pass, the gaze opens to unique landscapes of the sea coast of Alushta. Many tourists consider the direction of Simferopol-Alushta the most picturesque among the Crimean roads.

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

In 1774, in the settlement of Shuma (now Verkhnyaya Kutuzovka), a battle took place between the Russian army led by Mikhail Kutuzov and the Turks. 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 police post is vigilantly watching the traffic. There is also a stop for intercity trolley buses. Motorists at the entrance often buy canned goods, sweets, Crimean sweet onion of the Yalta variety at a small local market near the villagers.

In the Middle Ages, a small mountain trail ran between the valley of the Salgir river and the coast itself.Then, on the southern coast of Crimea, the first large urban-type settlements had already appeared: Gurzovity (now Gurzuf) and Aluston (resort of Alushta). Like the other mountain passages, the Angarsk Pass was fortified with defensive structures. A narrow passage was hidden behind the stone walls Angar-Bogaz - the future launching pad for many hiking trails in the mountains.

Many years passed, and from the narrow mountain trail, a wide highway leading to the South Coast “grew”. At one of the stages of this transformation, a memorable Alexander obelisk of twelve-meter height appeared on the pass. The engraving on the monument reads: «The obelisk was built in honor of the appearance of the Alushta-Simferopol highway 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 fencing elements can still be found along the curb. Over a hundred years of operation, the road wore out, which entailed 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 were occupied by partisans. After winning the war, the road could no longer cope with the load, and a decision was made about the next reconstruction. As a result of changes, the canvas became twice as wide, sharp turns smoothed out, and problem areas were equipped with bridges. In 1959, the first trolleybus was launched along the mountain road, making the pass more accessible for tourists.

October 22, 2012 at the pass opened an unusual a monument to the historical Škoda 9Tr 1982 trolleybus.

In a mountainous area with a rich historical past, a base of the same name with a pass is located. Cozy houses are located among the pines and welcome all guests. It offers scenic views of Hangar-Burun is the eastern peak of Mount Chatyr-Dag.

During the Soviet Union, the camp site accommodated 200 people at a time. Tourists climbed the mountains, went hiking and set up tents. In the 70-80s. the Angarsky Pass camp site became popular in the winter.

Almost all hiking trails start from the pass. From here you can start climbing to Chatyr-Dag, where from a height of 1527 meters you can enjoy views of the South Coast and the Crimean mountains. From the east, the outlines of the mountain peaks of the South and North Demerdzhi are visible, whose heights are 1239 and 1356 meters respectively, the Karabi Highlands, as well as the Yayla Dolgorukovskaya, are visible.

On the eastern slope of Chatyr-Dag you can follow the path to the mysterious Yew Valley, in which a rare berry yew still grows. Further, the path goes around the lower mountain plateau, where tourists rush for the karst caves - Marble and Mamontovoy (Emine-Bair-Khosar). The trail ends in Krasnopolie.

Routes along the southern slopes of Chatyr-Dag (Tent Mountains) to Eklizi-Burun and Angar-Burun are popular with trekkers. Climbing the peaks begins with a weather station, from which there are two paths: to Kutuzovsky Lake and to the Yew Gorge. The road to the lake lies through the forest and on the way you have to overcome many steep climbs. Kutuzovskoe Lake is a very picturesque place located in the middle of a wide meadow. Not far from the lake there is Bukovaya Polyana - a popular and often visited place by many tourists.

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

On the southern slope of Chatyr-Dag, a wooded road leads to a clearing with the source of Saurgan. It was discovered back in 1915, spring water is suitable for drinking.

In winter, you can take a walk around the Angara Pass, having mastered cross-country skiing, go down from the slopes on a sleigh, snowboards and skiing. On the snowy Chatyr-Dag there are excellent ski slopes and a modern snow park.

Today, two runs are provided for beginners and professional skiers. 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 best indicator for the ski season). Here are excellent conditions for fans of tobogganing. There are separate tracks for ice cubes, nimble snow scooters and sledges.

At 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 goal of skiing, you should plan a trip for the January holidays. At this time, air temperature and its humidity are considered the most optimal for skiers.

In summer, the hottest in July and August. This is not the right time to travel to the pass with the kids. The thermometer column rises to + 35 ° C. And this is only in the shade!

If you are considering a visit to the Angarsk Pass for your vacation, then Settle on a camp site named after the pass - ideal. It is located near the highway and offers rooms for a small price. You can also settle in the cozy Kizil-Koba motel in the village of Perevalnoye. This is a more expensive option for settlement, but also more comfortable.

Many residents of Perevalnoy earn on renting out rooms and apartments for tourists at a small cost. If desired, you can choose such a budget option.

Trolleybuses No. 51 of Simferopol-Alushta and No. 52 of Simferopol-Yalta ride from the Crimean capital to the Angarsk Pass. You can get to the place by regular shuttle buses, but the fare will cost twice as much as buying a trolley ticket.

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

You can find out how to relax on the Angarsk Pass in winter by watching the video below.