«It is worth approaching Chatyr-Dag to be struck by a whole labyrinth of gaps, shadows, contours, hollows, ledges, huge shapeless blocks and gaping mysteriously gloomy failures, which are covered all over so mercilessly tormented by the struggle of the elements, the body of this giant,» — so wrote about mountain massif Chatyr-Dag S. A. Kachioni, author of the book «Chatyr-Dag».A. Kachioni, author of the book «In the wilds of Crimea».
Kachioni is not the only servant of the pen, who dedicated lines to one of the most striking mountain ranges of the Crimea, from the top of which opens a view of the entire peninsula. N.A. Golovkinsky wrote about Chatyr-Dag in his guidebook, his lines were dedicated to him by V.V. Mayakovsky, A. Mitskevich, V.G. Korolenko and many others dedicated their lines to it.
The reasons why this majestic and mysterious creation of nature has fascinated many outstanding people are obvious — everyone who has been here at least once has the most vivid and unforgettable impressions. However, even not fond of mountain tourism guests of Alushta can appreciate all the greatness and massiveness of Chatyr-Dag — from the city on it opens a very impressive view: against a background of piercing blue sky, like a large medieval fortification at the top, rises this «table of the gods». This is how the ancient Greeks called Chatyr-Dag — «trapezus».
The current name of the massif is translated from Crimean Tatar as «tent-mountain». And, indeed, this mysterious natural tent hides many beautiful things and, for sure, there are still many unknowns.
In 1964, Chatyr-Dag received the status of a natural monument, and since 1980 it became a nature reserve. Here were found about 130 deep wells, going into the deep unknown mines and fascinating bizarre natural formations of huge karst caves. This place is visited by thousands of tourists intrigued by the amazing wonder of nature.
Chatyr-Dag is interesting for both lovers of mountain tourism and ordinary tourists looking for vivid impressions. Climbing to the top of Eklizi-Burun, from which opens a stunning panorama — one of the most tantalizing adventures for guests of the Crimea. This peak is the fifth highest among all Crimean mountain peaks, it rises at an altitude of 1525 meters above sea level. In the north you can see Simferopol, on the south side you can see the huge Alushta Valley, in the west you can see the highest point of the Crimean mountains Roman-Kosh, and on the east side you can see the mystical Mount Demerdzhi and its Valley of Ghosts. This panorama is breathtaking even for the most demanding tourists!
The impressions are no less vivid and leave a visit to the caves hidden in the mountain massif. Marble and Emine-Bair-Khasar caves are among the five most beautiful caves in the world!
Mramornaja cave, opened in 1987, appears before the admiring gaze of the visitor in its pristine natural beauty — after its discovery it was immediately taken under protection and entered the World Association of Visited Caves. In the gallery of fairy tales here you can see what amazing works of art can be created by nature itself, the Pearl Lakes will be a delightful sight, the huge size of the «Collapse Hall», the area of which is about 5 thousand square meters, will make you feel like a grain of sand.
No less wonders and mysteries conceal Caves Emine-Bair-Hosar, in which the nature also showed its amazing imagination, Binbash-Koba, keeping the secrets, apparently, the terrible past — here were found the remains of thousands of people, and other numerous underground worlds of Chatyr-Dag.
If you go on holiday in Crimea, take note of the Chatyr-Dag massif, where the natural attractions of Alushta harmoniously combine with the developed infrastructure of recreation and entertainment. Here you can not only make an impressive climb to the top and descend into mystically beautiful caves, but also go skiing, visit the site of ancient man, see the remains of ancient fortresses and structures — the possibilities for recreation on Chatyr-Dag are endless!