In Crimea there is a not very popular, but extremely picturesque canyon Uzundzha, along the bottom of which the river of the same name meanders. Along the way, she creates incredibly beautiful landscapes, and this paradise is considered one of the most amazing natural objects of the peninsula.
This is a wild and not very popular place among tourists, which is a deep gorge with a fabulous river sandwiched between giant rocks. Unfortunately, not even every Crimean has heard of the canyon, and it is necessary to tell about the amazing natural landmark that creates an atmosphere of peace of mind.
Scenic Gorge
The not very famous Uzundzha Canyon (Crimea), located near the village of Rodnikovoe, is beautiful at any time of the year. In winter, when the snow-white blanket completely wraps it up, it looks quite severe, and in sunny summer, the slopes on which St. John's wort blooms acquire a beautiful emerald yellow color.
In spring, tourists admire the numerous cascades, and when there is no water, the riverbed is exposed and you can see the smooth stones that make it up. Their surface is covered with limetuff coating, and even an ordinary bottle thrown into the water by not the most accurate tourist is covered with a dense whitish crust. Snowdrops bloom here, and snow-covered areas alternate with green glades that are on the sunny side.
The river of the same name
Translated from Tatar, the word "uzundzha" means "long", and in fact the length of the seasonal mountain river flowing in the canyon and erasing the boundaries of centuries is 11 kilometers. The channel of the water artery flowing from the slopes of high mountains into the Baidar Valley is filled only in spring, when the snow begins to melt, or in rainy autumn. But in summer the flow becomes less intense, and already in June, a few tourists see miserable trickles that dry up after a month.
It's amazing how a small river cut through the mountains for many years on its way such a picturesque Uzundzha canyon, the landscape of which is more reminiscent of the Carpathians than Crimea.
Skelskaya cave
Here is the Skelskaya cave, which was discovered at the beginning of the last century by local residents. The speleological group found that the length of the underground grottoes is 700 meters, and their depth exceeds 90.
The cave, located near the settlement, is eagerly visited by all guests of the Crimea, as a result of which it was seriously damaged by vandals. In the 90s, it was equipped for tourists, they had good lighting, and you can get inside it only accompanied by an experienced instructor and for a separate fee.fee. After the collapse, it was locked up for a year, and only a few years ago the tours resumed, so everyone who visits the canyon of the Uzundzha River is sure to get acquainted with the amazing underground world. The high arches of the cave are decorated with sinter formations resembling fantastic animals, and in its very center there is a real giant - a stalagmite called "Knight in Armor".
Giant menhirs
In the vast Uzundzhskaya hollow there is the village of Kolkhoznoe, where there is a children's sports camp, several dachas and a tourist guest house. In its vicinity you can see three-meter stone giants, to which people from different parts of the country come to fulfill their cherished desires. Archaeologists believe that Skelsky menhirs appeared before our era and have a special energy.
Behind the village begins the second part of the gorge, where there is no paved road. Tourists first follow the path, then along the riverbed, and in the spring it is not very easy to do this. But in autumn or summer, when it is dry and there are no heavy rains, it is not difficult to move.
Clear Lake
The Uzundzhi channel is overcome quite easily, but there is a difficult section along the way, where the rocks meet, breaking off with sheer walls. To pass, you must have special climbing skills and use a rope. A little further is the confluence of the river with its tributary Topshanar, and 500 meters away you can see a small lake, which is filled with jets of icy water from the Suuk-Su spring. Most tourists seeinggreen expanse, they dream of taking a dip, but the desire to swim disappears after the cold burns their feet. At the lake, you can fill your eggplants with the purest drinking water of excellent quality.
Uzunja Cave
Next to the lake is the Uzundzha cave with a very narrow entrance, which turns into a rather low corridor, which will take a long time to crawl. The underground world is a whole system of tunnels stretching for one and a half kilometers, no more than 50 centimeters wide. There are no beautiful limestone formations here, so the cave is of little interest to people. Underground passages are dangerous for movement, and those who wish should not inspect the grottoes without special escort.
End of the road
Tourists are more attracted by the cascade of small waterfalls falling during the wet period, located next to the cave, and in hot summer you can see only a smooth stone in this place.
The picturesque canyon Uzundzha, squeezed on both sides by rocks, almost at the very end of the valley forms a high ledge, from which a magnificent waterfall breaks down in the spring, which does not have an exact name. On the left slope there is an observation deck suitable for relaxing, where you can hide from the scorching summer sun and shelter from snow or rain.
A little further is the so-called Dead Gorge, passing through which some tourists feel a breakdown. Animal bones are often found underfoot, and it is not surprising that mystical traditions are composed about him. Here you will have to climb a lot of rocks, and this is not an easy path for unprepared beginners. From its picturesque corners, two waterfalls can be noted, covered with a green carpet of moss, next to which there is an exit from the gorge.
Uzunja Canyon: how to get there?
It will take a lot of patience to get to a little visited place, remote from the main routes. You can get to the canyon located in the southeast of the Baydarskaya Valley from Sevastopol, in the vicinity of which there is a fabulous place. You need to get by taxi or shuttle bus to the fifth kilometer, where the bus station is located. It is best to arrive here in the early morning, while there are still not many people who want to go to the suburbs.
Here you need to take a ticket to the village of Rodnikovoye (the journey to it takes a little over an hour), and get off at the designated place at the bus stop. Then you can go to the canyon only on foot, turning right at the fork where the sign is set. If you move further, you can see the parking lot where the Skelskaya Cave is located. Those who do not want to visit it go further along the dirt road. Guests walk past the village of Kolkhoznoye and the children's camp "Gorny" along the path leading to the hotel "Uzundzha", next to which a local landmark is hidden in dense trees.
A bewitching sight opens up from above the eyes of tourists. The Uzundzha Canyon is adored by lovers of unforgettable impressions and natural beauty, devoid of all traces of human civilization. It's wildthe place will make you forget about everything, so tourists recommend keeping track of time so as not to be late for the last regular bus. And for those who want to spend the night in a miniature gorge that gives peace and tranquility, you can take a tent with you.
What tourists say
Tourists admit that the colorful Uzundzha Canyon is filled with a special atmosphere. Reviews of guests of the Crimea are full of the most positive emotions, as a delightful natural monument makes you forget about all the problems and worries. A beautiful corner is surrounded by centuries-old trees, and in the evenings, when the bright rays of the sun do not penetrate into the gorge, it seems mysterious.
Tourists who have seen a lot note that the canyon is one of the most picturesque places on the peninsula. You want to admire the miraculous landmark, where time seems to have stopped all day long, and comfortable recreation areas are created so that those who wish can stay for the night.
Uzunja Canyon, whose photos are unlikely to convey its fabulous beauty, will surprise you with amazing landscapes of unique nature. All those who are not afraid of difficulties say that a natural site must be visited in order to understand how beautiful it is. It seems that this is a real piece of heaven on earth.
