The Uchan-Su waterfall is one of the main natural attractions of the Crimean peninsula. It has not only a wonderful name, but also a beautiful legend. Ancient legends say that near these places a dragon once abducted a beautiful girl. Now she again strives to return to people and falls from the rocks with water, saving the local population from drought. There is also a legend that there was once a sea here. A metal ring was found on the topmost rock, which could have served to secure ships. However, this is not known for certain.
General information
Uchan-Su waterfall is not only the largest waterfall in the Crimea, but also one of the largest in the former CIS countries. However, it attracts tourists not only with its size, but also with unusually beautiful nature. Almost any guide traveling with a group to Y alta must at least mention this natural monument. 7 kilometers from the city of Y alta, the Uchan-Su waterfall lurks high in the mountains. On the way to the Swallow's Nest castle, you can see only the edge of the brownish gorge and a white dot - a water intake house on the territory of the waterfall, which is almost invisible from such a distance. However, in the springeven from here you can see how two strands of water fall from the upper rocks - this is the Wuchang-Su waterfall.
How to get there?
You can get to the waterfall by public transport or by your own car, the Y alta-Bakhchisaray highway leads to it. But she is very dangerous. When traveling by car, you should take certain precautions. Do not accelerate to a speed of more than 40 km per hour. The track winds along the mountain slopes, it has many sharp turns, descents and ascents. A low speed will help you cope well with the serpentine road, and passengers will not get sick during the journey. The route was built in tsarist times. Construction began in 1858. Initially, only a section from Y alta to Uchan-Su was made (it was ready already in 1872). The construction of the road was completed by 1888.
You can also take a walk, starting from the house-museum named after A. P. Chekhov in Y alta.
Infrastructure
A small but well-groomed path leads to the waterfall itself. The car can be left at the souvenir shops on the highway. Entrance to the waterfall is paid. However, oddly enough, cashiers are not always on site in spring, so you can enter the protected area for free. It should be said right away that in spring the waterfall is much more beautiful and richer than in summer. The whole road to it is well decorated and equipped.
There are stairs leading to the waterfall cascades and viewing platforms. On one of the rapids, the Mogabinsky reservoir was built. On theOn the outskirts of it there is a small house. On its roof there is a sculpture of an eagle, an inhabitant of the Crimea. Many tourists manage to climb up to it in order to tie a ribbon not on one of the pine trees on the way to the waterfall, but on the neck of this majestic bird. From this place you can see how large portions of water break off the rocks and fall down. No wonder the name of the waterfall from the Crimean Tatar language is translated as "flying water". But the original name (Greek) Kremasto-Nero (which means "hanging water") is more suitable if you watch it from afar.
Description of the waterfall
The height of this magnificent structure of nature is 98 meters. In the summer, tourists can come close to the streams of water falling down. But in spring, the volume of water is much larger, which makes it difficult to approach the waterfall, but it looks more impressive. One of the travelers-local historians noticed that in June you can see only one-fifth of the entire power of Wuchang-Su. Therefore, it is best to come here in March or April, when the river has taken a lot of water from melting snow and rain. It is simply impossible to stand next to Wuchang-Su at such a time: clothes and shoes get wet, and the sound of falling water is deafening. Its power and greatness can be seen even in the photo.
The Wuchang-Su Waterfall originates from the river of the same name, 7 kilometers long. There is not one waterfall on her way, there are three of them. Wuchang-Su, the largest, is located at an altitude of 390 meters above sea level. Above there are two more waterfalls, the height of one of which reaches 16 meters. In especially cold winters, the water freezes here and tourists can watchicefall, which in itself is very dangerous. However, there were daredevils who not only admired the beauty of the ice waterfall, but also climbed it to the upper ledge. So, in the 1980s, such a "feat" was accomplished by climber Yuri Lishaev.
Nature
The road to the waterfall passes through a beautiful park with mighty tall pines - this is what Crimea is famous for. The Uchan-Su waterfall is also an opportunity to see the so-called Y alta amphitheater. Tall pine trees surround the city in a ring, creating a stunning sight. Pines in the Crimea differ from the northern ones in their trunk, which has a grayish tint (they are also called Palassa pines). The air here is crystal clear. Firstly, due to the fact that cars cannot be reached, and secondly, because pines produce a large amount of volatile production that purifies the air and makes it truly healing. Often trees are attached to the rocks themselves, preventing their destruction from rain and moisture. Streams of water rushing from the tops of the mountains form streams and channels, washing away stones.
Waterfall area
You can continue walking along the outskirts of Y alta along the Botkin trail. It is named after the famous Russian doctor and scientist Pyotr Botkin. The trail is surrounded by a beech-oak forest. Thanks to such plants, the air of these places has healing properties. The trail leads through the most beautiful Crimean landscapes, which offer a view of the mountains. You can complete your walking tour at the Y alta Zoo. Shuttle buses also run from here.taxis and buses back to town.
