All about the Angarsk Pass in Crimea

"Better than mountains can only be mountains, which have not yet been ...". This statement of V.S. Vysotsky can be cited to every lover of walks at dizzying heights. If you have not yet been to the 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 the Salgir, which is the longest river in Crimea. A remarkable place called the Angarsk Pass is located at an altitude of 752 m above sea level. This crossing is considered the highest point of the highway leading from Simferopol to the resort town of Alushta. On the way towards the Black Sea through the pass, unique landscapes of the Alushta sea coast open up. Many tourists consider the direction Simferopol-Alushta the most picturesque among the Crimean roads.

Angarsk Pass is a place with a unique historical past. During the reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, a defensive line against the barbarian tribes passed in this area.

In 1774, in the settlement of Shuma (now Upper 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 near this Crimean pass.

Now on the Angarsk pass the traffic police post is vigilantly watching the traffic. There is also a stop for intercity regular trolley buses. Motorists at the entrance often buy preserves, sweets, and Crimean sweet onions of the Yalta variety at a small local bazaar from the villagers.

In the Middle Ages, a small mountain path 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 already appeared: Gurzovity (present-day Gurzuf) and Aluston (resort Alushta). Like the rest of the mountain passes, the Angarsk Pass was fortified with defensive structures. Behind the lined walls of stone, a narrow passage to Hangar-Bogaza - a future launching pad for many hiking trails in the mountains.

Many years passed, and a wide highway leading to the South Coast "grew" out of a narrow mountain path. At one of the stages of this transformation, a memorable 12-meter-high Alexander obelisk arose 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 the track to widen and rise. Parts of the old trail and fence elements can still be found along the side of the road. Over a hundred years of operation, the road was worn 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, a German garrison was located on the territory of the Angarsk Pass... And all the forests in the area were occupied by partisans. After the victory in the war, the road could no longer cope with the load, and a decision was made on the next reconstruction. As a result of the changes, the canvas became twice as wide, sharp turns were smoothed out, problem areas were equipped with bridges. In 1959, the first trolleybus was launched along the mountain route, making the pass more accessible for tourists.

On October 22, 2012, an unusual a monument to the historic Škoda 9Tr trolleybus produced in 1982.

The base of the same name with the pass is located in a mountainous area with a rich historical past. Cozy houses are located among the pine trees and warmly welcome all guests. There are picturesque views of Angar-Burun is the eastern peak of the Chatyr-Dag mountain.

During the Soviet era, the camp site accommodated 200 people at a time. Tourists climbed the mountains, went hiking and pitched tents. In the 70s and 80s. the Angarsk Pass tourist center has become popular in winter as well.

Almost all hiking trails start from the pass. From here you can start climbing Chatyr-Dag, where you can admire the view of the South Coast and the Crimean Mountains from a height of 1527 meters. From the east, you can see the outlines of the mountain peaks of the South and North Demerdzhi, the height of which is 1239 and 1356 meters, respectively, the Karabi highlands and the Dolgorukovskaya yayla are visible.

On the eastern slope of Chatyr-Dag, you can walk along the path to the mysterious Yew gorge, in which the rare berry yew still grows. Further, the trail goes around the lower mountain plateau, where tourists rush for the sake of karst caves - Mramornaya and Mamontova (Emine-bair-Khosar). The trail ends in Krasnopolye.

Popular among hikers are routes along the southern slope of Chatyr-Dag (Tent Mountain) to Eklizi-Burun and Angar-Burun. The ascent to the peaks begins from the meteorological station, from which there are two paths: to Kutuzov Lake and to the Yew Gorge. The road to the lake lies through a forest and on the way you have to overcome many steep climbs. Kutuzov 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 path, you can easily reach the top in just two hours. The plateau offers views of the unique stone pyramids, settlements at the foot of the mountain and the river. From the Angar-Burun and Eklizi-Burun mountains, the Angarsk pass, Demerdzhi and the Angara valley are clearly visible.

Along the southern slope of Chatyr-Dag, a wooded road leads to the meadow with the Saurgan spring... It was discovered back in 1915 and the spring water is drinkable.

In winter, you can walk around the Angarsk Pass, having mastered cross-country skiing, go down the slopes on sleds, snowboards and downhill skiing. Snow-covered Chatyr-Dag has excellent ski slopes and a modern snow park.

Today, beginners and professional skiers have two slopes. 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 (optimal for the skiing season). There are excellent conditions for fans of tobogganing. There are separate tracks for ice skating, nimble snow scooters and sleds.

The climate on the Angarsk Pass is quite comfortable. Average annual temperature - + 9 ° C. When planning a visit to the pass in winter for the purpose of skiing, it is worth planning a trip for the January holidays. At this time, the air temperature and humidity are considered the most optimal for skiers.

The hottest summer months are July and August. This is not the best time to travel to the pass with the kids. The thermometer column rises to + 35 ° C. And that's just in the shadows!

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

Many residents of Perevalnoye make money by renting rooms and apartments to tourists at a low cost. If you wish, you can choose such a budget option.

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

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

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