Roman-Kosh in Crimea: description and location

The highest point of the Crimea is often called the "Crimean Everest." This is Roman Kosh Mountain, which is a must visit if you want to see the brightest places of the peninsula, be inspired by them and fill with pleasant memories. The case when you can, if you do not touch the clouds, so see them under your feet: and for this it is not necessary to be a climber and a physically well-trained person. The laurels of Hillary and Norgay, the first people who climbed Mount Everest, of course, do not shine for you, but if you have never been to the mountains, you will still experience great pleasure from feeling your own path traveled with your feet to the high and very beautiful peak of our planet.

The Babugan-Yayla massif is the largest in the Crimea, and the Roman-Kosh point located on it is the highest mountain in the Crimea. Its height above sea level is 1545 meters. It is considered a failed volcano with a relatively gentle slope and ascent, which makes it not the most difficult to climb.

Regarding Roman-Kosh, scientists still argue. Some say that the treelessness inherent in the mountain (very conditional) is a payment for the barbaric attitude of the people who destroyed forests here. Others do not believe in this version and believe that there have never been forests here. In ancient times, a trade route passed in these places. When a contemporary began to develop the territory, they found many interesting artifacts that can be seen today in museum collections (in Sevastopol, in particular).

There are several versions of the name of the mountain, and it is difficult to say which one is closer to the truth. Here, by the way, the Slavic name Roman is guessed. But there is also a Turkic “kosh” - a place for sheep shelter. There are lyrical interpretations of the name - "gorge of the three mountains" and "the spirit of the mountains." Finally, there is speculation that the mountain could be named after a mythical creature that the ancient peoples inhabiting the area could worship.

It should be noted that the significance of Roman-Kosh as the highest point of Crimea is not so long ago: For a long time this title was worn by the peak of Demerdzhi. But fortunately, justice has triumphed, and lengthy measurements have established that there is no point above the Roman-Kosh in Crimea. And right opposite the highest point is another legendary mountain of the peninsula - Ayu-Dag.

On the map you can see that these mountains are relatively close to each other, which means that when planning a trip, you can make a route taking into account the most striking and interesting heights of the Crimea. Although fans of climbing and trekking recently worried - Roman-Kosh was attributed to the territory of the Crimean nature reserve, that is, you can’t just go up the mountain. But on a fee basis you can. Of course, many are trying to find roundabout routes, avoiding meeting with foresters and rangers, but such a saving of $ 2-3 is meaningless: let there be a fee for climbing, if this allows you to keep the territory of the reserve in good condition.

Of course, lovers of romance and adventure know that there is a legend about Roman Kosh that is still alive: on it a treasure treasure hides in the bowels of the mountain, and you can still find it. Believe it or not - your right, but the legend has overgrown with various details that even the most rational person involuntarily listens to them.

If you climb to the top of the mountain, you can see there a pile of stones. Stones are brought here by travelers so that the mountain can become even higher. Perhaps in this way, the climbers want to strengthen the leadership of the Roman-Kosh so that the wrong measurements no longer oppress the highest point of the Crimea.

People go uphill to see breathtaking landscapes. And these are not just lyrical stamps: those species that open from the highest point of the peninsula really take their breath away. The feeling of the unity of the earth and the sky, the proximity of clouds, the freshest air and infinite space gives strength and inspires.

Finally, the climb itself is a wellness walk, which at the same time gives a load and relaxes. New species, mountain landscapes, almost wild nature - all this strains the sensory systems, makes the brain process information from a new route. But at the same time, the body fills with lightness, it is nourished by an endorphin “cocktail” that provides fresh air and natural beauty.

The fauna of the mountains will be interesting for the traveler. Here you have the opportunity to meet roe deer or deer on the way to the top. It is one thing to see noble animals in the photo, quite another to notice them in their natural habitat. True, the likelihood of meeting a bear is also there, but much less. But it is unlikely to fail to notice bright insects - huge dragonflies, motley butterflies will be companions of your walk.

From the very top of the mountain you will have a good look at the Central Basin, which is sometimes called the Forest Amphitheater. It’s hard not to notice the Partisan reservoir near Simferopol.

Finally, an acquisition that no one can take away from you cannot be called material - it is a feeling of pride, because you have ascended to the highest point of the famous peninsula. Of course, this is not Everest, not Elbrus and not Mont Blanc, but, as the famous mountaineer Viktor Bobok says, the main thing is to start.And why not start your climbing history with climbing Roman Kosh?

As already mentioned, Roman-Kosh is the territory of the reserve, therefore, even before the intended ascent, get permission for it from the environmental inspection.

There are several routes:

• from the Angarsk pass through the Konek ridge leading to Babugan-Yaila;
• along a mountain trail through Ai-Petri to the northeast;
• through the villages — either Soviet or Massandra;
• through Krasnamenka.

The climb itself begins at the rock of Red Stone, surrounded by vineyards. The road is delightful, it passes through a pine forest, along the path of pine trees are replaced by beeches, you can drink water from pure mountain springs. Therefore, those who consider the path to Roman Kosh completely treeless are mistaken. The forest is not just there, it is dense, so solitary ascents are not welcome - you can get lost.

The height of 1388 m is the Gurzuf saddle, which is the alpine pass of the peninsula (the highest). As already mentioned, in comparison with the same Ai-Petri, there are no steep and dangerous cliffs on Roman Kosh. This greatly facilitates the ascent, but here the wind can be strong, and you should be prepared for this.

It is always curious to read the diaries of travelers and climbers, who describe their adventure in all colors - the more risks, the more interesting it is to read. And carried away by such descriptions, many want to repeat the feat of extremal: for example, go to Roman Kosh alone, bypassing the inspection. But remember that this is a risk that you may get lost, catch a cold, get caught in a crime (illegal visit to the reserve).

On the other hand, such climbing stories are useful in that you gain someone else's experience by folding a virtual route in your head. As a rule, the authors of such notes pretty much supply their story with photographs, so you can successfully see what awaits you on your way to the highest point.

And some more interesting facts about the mountain.

• In the distant 1966, 1,200 pioneers of the famous Artek camp simultaneously climbed the mountain. This mass campaign was timed to the opening of the XV Congress of the Komsomol. At the top of the mountain, as expected in those years, a bust of Lenin was established.
• Krylatov’s song to Entin’s poems “The First Peak” is dedicated to Roman-Kosh Mountain.
• GPS Coordinates: 44.613889 N, 34.234338 E. Latitude / Longitude

However, great fame did not come to this mountain, because the famous Ai-Petri is still more associated with the Crimean peninsula. Stereotypes exist to break them: and your ascent to Roman Kosh can be interesting, inspiring and certainly no less significant than a visit to more famous places in Crimea.

Climbing can be called a walk, but it should be with preparation. The road to any peak is tiring: some ascent will become frankly difficult, some simply unusually long. As mentioned above, it’s easier to climb Roman Kosh than Ai-Petri, but still here the usual traveler, who is not preparing for the route, will be demoralized.

Even in a one-day trip, you will most likely find it useful:

• matches or other sources of fire (one box will not be enough);
• windbreaker - the weather at the altitude is changeable, you can easily get in the rain;
• replaceable shoes with non-slip soles;
• interchangeable pair of socks (and preferably two);
• insect repellents;
• a first-aid kit with the most necessary medicines (patch, painkiller, anti-inflammatory, bandage, iodine, antiseptic);
• sandwiches, water, a bar of chocolate (better than bitter);
• bottle for a set of pure spring water.

You need to leave early. Eat tight so that the next meal is not before lunch. If you feel ill along the way, pressure or temperature rises, you do not need to continue climbing. Height does not heal - with climbing you will only get worse; it’s better to move the hike to the top for another day.

Even if the weather is hot, and it seems to you that a tank top and shorts are the best choice of clothes, do not follow this whim. You go through a wooded area, somewhere you climb, somewhere you make efforts to overcome the terrain, because you need trousers, and you must bring a jacket or windbreaker with you.

When you reach the top, you will not see the bust of Lenin established in Soviet times. He was dismantled. Today there is a cross on top and a pile of stones. This view becomes recognizable: if it is captured with you in the photo, it means that you really climbed to the highest point of the peninsula.

As for the development of mountain sickness, the climb is not so significant that its symptoms appear. But, again, if on the road you feel bad - do not continue the journey. Nevertheless, most travelers calmly and with interest overcome this route. Often it is such an ascent that falls in love with a person in the mountains, he seeks new heights, prepares for the ascent, first becomes a tracker, and then, quite possibly, a climber.

You can learn about ten attractions in Crimea that are worth visiting from the video below.