Roman-Kosh in Crimea: description and location

The highest point of the Crimea is often called the "Crimean Everest". This is the Roman-Kosh mountain, which must be visited if you want to see the brightest places of the peninsula, be inspired by them and be filled 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 person who is physically well prepared. The laurels of Hillary and Norgay, the first people to climb Everest, of course, do not shine for you, but if you have never been to the mountains, you will still experience great pleasure from the feeling of your own path, traversed with your feet to the high and very beautiful peak of our planet.

The Babugan-Yaila mountain range 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 descent and ascent, which makes it not the most difficult to climb.

Scientists are still arguing about Roman-Kosh. Some say that the treelessness inherent in the mountain (very conditional) is a payment for the barbaric attitude of the people who destroyed the 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 through these places. When a contemporary began to explore the territory, many interesting artifacts were found here, which today can be seen in museum collections (in Sevastopol, in particular).

There are several versions of the name of the mountain, and it is difficult to say which of them is close to the truth. Here, by the way, the Slavic name Roman is guessed. But there is also a Turkic "kosh" - a place for sheep corral. There are also lyrical interpretations of the name - “the gorge of the three mountains” and “spirit of the mountains”. Finally, there is speculation that the mountain may have been named after a mythical creature that could have been worshiped by the ancient peoples who inhabited the area.

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 held by the peak of Demerdzhi. But fortunately, justice prevailed, and long-term measurements have established that there is no point higher than Roman-Kosh in Crimea. And directly 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 brightest and most interesting heights of Crimea. Although recently fans of climbing and trekking got worried - Roman-Kosh was attributed to the territory of the Crimean Natural Reserve, that is, you cannot just go up the mountain... But on a paid basis you can. Of course, many are trying to find roundabouts, avoiding meeting with foresters and gamekeepers, but such a saving in the form of 2-3 dollars is meaningless: let there be a payment for the ascent, if it will keep the reserve in good condition.

Of course, lovers of romance and adventure know that there is a legend about Roman-Kosha, which is still alive: according to it, a treasure trove is hiding in the bowels of the mountain, and it can still be found. 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 a pile of stones there. Travelers bring stones here so that the mountain can become even higher. Perhaps, in this way, the climbers want to strengthen the leadership of Roman-Kosh, so that incorrect measurements do not oppress the highest point of Crimea anymore.

People go up the mountain to see the breathtaking scenery. And these are not just lyrical clichés: the views that open from the highest point of the peninsula are truly breathtaking. The feeling of the unity of the earth and the sky, the proximity of clouds, the freshest air and endless space gives strength and inspiration.

Finally, the ascent itself is a health walk that is both stressful and relaxing. New species, mountain landscapes, almost wild nature - all this strains the sensory systems, forces the brain to process information from a new route. But at the same time, the body fills with lightness, it is fueled by an endorphin "cocktail" that provides fresh air and natural beauty.

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

From the very top of the mountain, you will have a good view of the Central Basin, which is sometimes called the forest amphitheater. It is hard not to notice the Partizanskoe reservoir not far from Simferopol.

Finally, an acquisition that no one can take away from you cannot be called material - this is a feeling of pride, because you have reached the highest point of the famous peninsula. Of course, this is not Everest, not Elbrus or Mont Blanc, but, as the famous climber 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 planned ascent, get permission for it from the environmental inspectorate.

There are several routes:

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

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

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

It is always curious to read the diaries of travelers and climbers, which 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 the extreme: for example, go to Roman-Kosh alone, bypassing the inspection. But remember that this is a risk that you can get lost, catch a cold, be caught in a crime (illegal visit to the reserve).

On the other hand, such climbing stories are useful because you gain someone else's experience by putting together a virtual route in your head. As a rule, the authors of such notes pretty much supply their story with photographs, therefore, it is possible and successful to see what approximately awaits you on the way to the highest point.

And some more interesting facts about grief.

• Back in 1966, 1200 pioneers of the famous camp "Artek" ascended the mountain at the same time. This massive campaign was timed to coincide with the opening of the 15th Congress of the Komsomol. At the top of the mountain, as was expected in those years, a bust of Lenin was erected.
• Krylatov's song to the poems of Entin "The First Peak" is dedicated specifically to the Roman-Kosh mountain.
• GPS Coordinates: 44.613889 N, 34.234338 E. Latitude / Longitude

However, great fame never came to this mountain, because the famous Ai-Petri is still more associated with the Crimean peninsula. Stereotypes exist to break them: your ascent to Roman-Kosh can be interesting, inspiring and certainly no less significant than a visit to the more famous places of Crimea.

Climbing can be called a walk, but it must be prepared. The road to any peak is tiring: some ascent will become frankly difficult, some will simply be unusually long. As mentioned above, it is easier to climb Roman-Kosh than Ai-Petri, but even here an ordinary traveler who does not prepare for the route in any way will be demoralized.

Even on a day trip, you will likely find it useful:

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

You need to leave early. Eat a large meal so that your next meal is not earlier than lunchtime. If on the way you feel bad, the pressure or temperature has risen, you do not need to continue climbing. Altitude does not heal - as you climb, it will only get worse for you, it is better to postpone the hike to the summit for another day.

Even if the weather is hot and it seems to you that a T-shirt and shorts are the best choice of clothes, do not follow this whim. You are walking through a wooded area, somewhere you are climbing, somewhere you are making efforts to overcome the relief, therefore you need trousers, and be sure to take a jacket or windbreaker with you.

Having reached the summit, you will not see a bust of Lenin erected there in Soviet times. It was dismantled. Today there is a cross at the top and a pile of stones. This view becomes recognizable: if it is captured with you in the photo, it means that you have really climbed to the highest point of the peninsula.

As for the development of altitude sickness, the rise in altitude is not so significant for its symptoms to appear. But, again, if you feel bad on the road, do not continue. And yet, most travelers calmly, with interest overcome this route. Often it is such an ascent that makes a person fall in love with the mountains, he looks for new peaks, prepares for the ascent, first becomes a tracker, and then, quite possibly, a climber.

You can find out about ten sights in Crimea that are worth visiting from the video below.