All about Mount Crocodile in Crimea

Mount Arman-Kaya, which is located in the Bakhchisarai region of Crimea, has another local name - Crocodile. Of course, it was not named that way by chance, but for its striking resemblance to a predatory reptile, if we consider the mountain landscape from afar, for example, being 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 eroded, the shape of the mountain takes on such bizarre shapes.

The western side of the stone crocodile is flat, and the eastern side is surrounded by steep inaccessible rocks. The name Arman-Kaya, translated from the language of the Crimean Tatars, means “a place of threshing”, since agriculture was developed here, and the fertile soil is still suitable for sowing various agricultural crops.

According to many scholars, in the Middle Ages, on the site of Mount Arman-Kaya, there was a sentry post of the 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 fire pit and two man-made caves found in the mountains, as well as traces from the installation of a signal pole, a picket fence, and a protective fence.The famous archaeologist Mikhail Yakovlevich Choref took an active part in the study of this place.

The special popularity of Mount Crocodile is explained by the fact that not far from it took place the shooting of the film "Skif". To see this site, you need to reach the "head" of a stone reptile. There are still movie sets 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 that blend harmoniously into the surroundings. Mystics and ufologists consider this area a place of power 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 the souls of the dead ascend to heaven along this ladder. According to the legends of the peoples of America, such a staircase was created by the gods in order to make at its top two sources of eternal youth. Africans believe that there were times when higher powers went down and up such stairs to participate in the affairs of people.

Near the mountain there is a decorative sculpture of a crocodile, which clearly demonstrates the undeniable 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 Tankovoye there is an observation deck from which you can see the stone crocodile in all its glory. There is a cozy cafe, which has a special Crimean coffee and various aromatic teas from mountain herbs.

If you get to Mount Crocodile by bus, then there are two options for starting the route: Bakhchisarai and Sevastopol. By regular bus from the named cities, you should get to the village of Krasny Mak. 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 Krasny Mak (it is easier to do this from Bakhchisarai, heading towards Sevastopol) and stop at the automobile bridge over the Belbek River. An impromptu parking lot is located in this place. You can also turn left at the sign in the village of Tankovoye and drive about 5 kilometers more to the goal. The coordinates of Mount Crocodile by GPS for motorists are N 44.65832 E 33.78105.

The best way to start climbing Mount Arman-Kaya is from the crocodile's tail - from the village of Krasny Mak. The road is simple and convenient, it is even suitable for climbing with children, allowing you to admire the beauty of the Crimean nature. You should only step carefully in places where the rocks look destroyed, and do not approach the edge of the trail. In advance, it is worth choosing comfortable shoes that will not slip on stones, and take water with you.

Mount Crocodile is an ideal place for lovers of romance, nature and outdoor activities. Having made this trip with children, relatives and friends, you can get a tremendous charge of energy, breathe in the clean mountainous 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 the excursion on Mount Crocodile below.