All about Mount Crocodile in Crimea

Mount Arman-Kaya, which is located in the Bakhchisarai district of Crimea, has another local name - Crocodile. Of course, it was named so not by chance, but for its striking resemblance to a predatory reptile, if we look at the mountain landscape from afar, for example, while in the nearby village of Tankovoye. From this place it seems as if a large stone crocodile, stretched out, lies along the Belbek River.

Mount Arman-Kaya (Crocodile) is located on the border of the Belbek and Karalez valleys near the Belbek river, its height does not exceed 300 meters above sea level, and its length reaches about 500 meters. The main rock here is white limestone, therefore the mountain is also called Bor-Kaya - "chalk rock". Due to the fact that limestone is a soft rock and easily amenable to erosion, the outlines of the mountains take such bizarre forms.

The western side of the stone crocodile is flat, and the eastern side is surrounded by sheer inaccessible cliffs. The name Arman-Kaya in translation from the language of the Crimean Tatars means "threshing place", since agriculture was developed here, and till now fertile soil is suitable for sowing various crops.

According to many scholars, in the Middle Ages on the site of Mount Arman-Kaya there was a sentinel of soldiers of the Principality of Theodoro. He allowed to see the road to Mangup-Kale and Eski-Kermen. This is indicated by the remains of a campfire found in the mountains and two man-made caves, as well as traces from the installation of a signal pole, stockade, protective wattle fence.The famous archaeologist Mikhail Y. Choref took an active part in the study of this place.

The special popularity of Crocodile Mountain is explained by the fact that not far from her were shooting the film "Skiff". To see this site, one must go to the “head” of a stone reptile. There are still movie decorations here: stairs leading to heaven, statues of pagan gods, a sacrificial altar, drawings on the rocks. Tourists love to take photos and shoot videos against the backdrop of this props harmoniously blending into the surroundings. Mystics and ufologists consider this area a place of strength and communication with spirits.

The image of stairs to heaven can be found in the legends of the peoples of the whole world, starting from the biblical story about Jacob's dream. The ancient Egyptians believed that on this ladder the souls of the dead rise to heaven. According to the legends of the peoples of America, the gods created such a ladder in order to make two sources of eternal youth on its top. Africans believe that there were times when higher powers descended and climbed such stairs to participate in the affairs of people.

Near the mountain there is a decorative sculpture of a crocodile, which clearly demonstrates the undoubted similarity of the mountain with this reptile. There are always many tourists with children who are eager to take a spectacular photo in memory of this amazing place.

In addition, two kilometers from the village of Tankovoy there is an observation deck from which you can see the stone crocodile in all its glory. There is a cozy cafe in which there is a special Crimean coffee and various aromatic teas from mountain herbs.

If you get to the Crocodile Mountain by bus, then there are two options for starting the route: Bakhchisaray and Sevastopol. By bus from these cities you should get to the village of Red Poppy. From here, Mount Arman-Kaya is clearly visible, and it is easy to walk to it.

By car, you also need to get to the village of Red Poppy (it is easier to do this from Bakhchisarai, heading towards Sevastopol) and stop at the automobile bridge over the Belbek River. At this place is an impromptu parking lot. You can also turn left at the sign in the village of Tankovoye and drive about another 5 kilometers to the target. GPS coordinates of the Crocodile Mountain for motorists - N 44.65832 E 33.78105.

Climbing Mount Arman-Kai is best started from the tail of a crocodile - from the village of Red Poppy. The road is simple and convenient, it is even suitable for climbing with children, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the Crimean nature. It is only necessary to cautiously step in places where the rocks look destroyed, and not approach the edge of the trail. In advance, it is worth picking up comfortable shoes that will not slip on stones, and take water with you.

Crocodile Mountain is an ideal place for lovers of romance, nature and outdoor activities. Having made this trip together with children, relatives and friends, you can get a tremendous charge of energy, breathe in the clean mountain Crimean air. In addition, such places with ancient history have a special aura, allowing you to establish spiritual contact with our distant ancestors by touching the objects that surrounded them.

See a tour of Mount Crocodile below.