The height of Mount Roman Kosh in Crimea. One-day hike to Roman Kosh and the Gazebo of the Winds

Today Roman-Kosh is located on the territory of the Crimean Nature Reserve. Officially, entry into the reserve is prohibited. In the summer months, there is a high probability that you will meet representatives of the reserve’s security at the Gurzuf saddle, who in most cases simply do not allow you to enter the plateau.

There are several ways to climb Roman-Kosh:

From the village of Krasnokamenka (Kyzyltash), go up the street that runs along the western outskirts of the village (on the right side of the road there are vineyards), then go through the motor depot, an abandoned quarry, then go up the path through the forest, marked in red (in the summer of 2008, the path from the quarry to the top It was difficult to read, the stamps were worn off, and the ascent was quite steep.

From Yalta, or from Mount Ai-Petri, moving mountain path along Yayla to the northeast (Mount Kemal-Egerek will remain on the left, then on the right is the Gazebo of the Winds).

From the Angarsk Pass (for those who are hardy) - climb the Konyok ridge to Babugan-Yayla, move southwest. On the left will be the peak Zeytin-Kosh (1537

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Today Roman-Kosh is located on the territory of the Crimean Nature Reserve. Officially, entry into the reserve is prohibited. In the summer months, there is a high probability that you will meet representatives of the reserve’s security at the Gurzuf saddle, who in most cases simply do not allow you to enter the plateau. You can climb Roman-Kosh in several ways: From the village of Krasnokamenka (Kyzyltash), go up the street that runs along the western outskirts of the village (on the right side of the road there are vineyards), then go through the car depot, an abandoned quarry, then go up the path through the forest, marked in red. (in the summer of 2008, the path from the quarry to the top was difficult to read, the marks were erased, the ascent was quite steep. From Yalta, or from Mount Ai-Petri, moving along the mountain path along Yayla to the northeast (Mount Kemal-Egerek will remain on the left, then on the right - Arbor of the Winds). From the Angara Pass (for the hardy) - climb the Konyok ridge to Babugan-Yaylu, move to the southwest. The peak of Zeytin-Kosh will remain on the left (1537 Save changes).

Roman-Kosh is the most high mountain Crimea - 1545 m. It is clear that this is not the Alps or Everest, but visiting the highest mountain of Crimea is also interesting. Roman-Kosh is located a few kilometers from the Arbor of the Winds and belongs to the territory of the Crimean Nature Reserve. But with good luck, you will reach the top of the mountain, passing the local forest rangers.

Official entrance to the territory of the Crimean Nature Reserve prohibited. In the summer you can often meet representatives of the reserve's security there, who rarely allow tourists onto the plateau. I personally haven’t gone yet for this very reason, but if you walk along the “secret” paths on a boring Tuesday, you probably won’t see anyone.

The mountain range stretches from the northeast to the southwest of Crimea. 180 km. Roman-Kosh is located on the Babugan-Yayla massif. The highest point of Crimea is 1545 meters above sea level. This is where the Crimean Nature Reserve is located, and Roman-Kosh is an integral part of it. Roman-Kosh is believed to be of Indo-Aryan origin and is translated as “supreme peace.”


The soil consists of large soluble rocks (limestone, rock salt, gypsum) called karst. When water dissolves limestone, underground karst caves are formed.

Also watch the video:

Nearby there is also an excellent mountain – Kush-Kaya, (). I’ve been there a couple of times, but I never went to Roman-Kosh :) And also Besetka of the Winds, which I mentioned earlier. I’ll also write to her, don’t miss it.


The grass cover in summer and autumn is very scarce; many scientists still argue to this day how much greenery there was on the territory of Yalta in ancient times. If you go lower from the top, you can see melted snow between the limestone fragments, which creates good conditions for the rapid growth of grasses such as yarrow, oregano, elecampane, etc... Often on Mount Roman-Kosh you can see a roe deer or deer running along the slope mountains.


According to legend, in the caves of Mount Roman-Kosh, pirates and robbers hid treasures that they looted through honest and backbreaking labor :). Then the mountain was called “Robber”. Later, governors and khans hid on it from enemies, where they kept gold and jewelry. But despite the rich legend, not a single gold coin was found in the Roman-Kosh caves.

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The weather, of course, cannot always please the soul of a traveler, GisMetio will definitely help you :)

For dessert: video from Roman-Kosh, they know how to clip videos :)

Reading time: 5 minutes

Anyone who has visited the highest point of the Crimean Mountains at least once cannot say “Roman-Kosh” without holding their breath for at least a second. And indeed: hundreds of travelers flock to this mountain for... No, not only for the beautiful view and clean air, but for the feeling of conquering the peak Crimean peninsula, "Crimean Everest". After all, not everyone gets to see the clouds from above...

Brief characteristics of the Roman-Kosh peak

Peculiarity: the highest point of Crimea, located on the Babugan-Yayla mountain range.
Height: 1545 meters.

Origin of the peak: The peak of Roman-Kosh is a “failed” volcano, which is characterized by a fairly gentle descent and ascent. This is the highlight of the peak and the main difference from the “steep” Crimean mountains, such as. The peak is practically treeless and the reason for this, according to some scientists, is the barbaric behavior of people who destroyed the forest here. Others are of the opinion that there were never forests here.

By the way, a fairly large trade route passed through this area in ancient times. And when the territory began to be developed by contemporaries, many ancient artifacts were found here, which are currently stored in the St. Petersburg and Sevastopol museums.

Origin of the name: The approach to the origin of the name is ambiguous; there are several versions. One of them is a connection to the Slavic name Roman. Another option, which is considered the most plausible, comes from the Turkic “place for corralling sheep.” More romantic translations of the name are “spirit of the mountains” and “gorge of three mountains.” There's another one interesting version- it could be named after a certain mythical creature who was worshiped by the people of these regions.

Mountain “competitors”: interesting is the fact that it is enough long time Demerdzhi was recognized as the highest Crimean point. But after lengthy and careful measurements, the palm was given to Roman-Kosh.

Location: the peak is located on the Babugan-yayle massif, not far from Gurzuf. Directly opposite the top is located.

Legend: There is a belief that somewhere at the top there is a treasure with ancient treasures hidden. By the way, even today there are people who want to find them! Another one, which Crimea is so rich in, says that on the way to Roman-Kosh you can see a silver deer, meeting which will bring you luck and happiness.

Interesting fact: In honor of the peak of Roman-Kosh, the dog kennel in Sevastopol received its name. He is engaged in breeding the Giant Schnauzer breed, and has been around since 1980.

Traveler tradition: when visiting the peak, you can notice a pile of stones. These stones are brought here by travelers, thus trying to further increase the height of the mountain. In addition to piles of stones, you can also see the remains of a monument that was erected in honor of Lenin in 1966. However, the constant damage caused by tourists to the pedestal led to the fact that it had to be dismantled.

Not so long ago, the peak of Roman-Kosh was made part of the territory. This means that entry there is officially prohibited today. But, to the delight of many travelers, prohibited in this case means paid.

There is a chance to get to the top by simply paying a local forester, who, in some cases, will even give you an official receipt. The cost of such pleasure is about 2-3 dollars. You can, of course, rely on luck and just try to climb the mountain, trying to avoid encounters with rangers and foresters, but especially in the summer months, the risk of meeting guards on your way is quite high. And illegal entry into the territory of the reserve in the event of a meeting with a principled guard or forester can lead to big troubles: the initiation of an administrative case and a rather large fine. So it’s better, nevertheless, to try to get a pass officially and calmly enjoy the beauty of this place

How to get to Roman-Kosh? Several possible paths


There are several ways to get to the top, choosing the one you like:
The shortest route: at the Yalta bus station we take a bus or trolleybus (which, by the way, runs from here every 20 minutes) to Krasnokamenka. From here you can get to the top on foot, however, it is better to do this not alone, but with a company of like-minded people (and a map, although a modern smartphone and navigator will do). Prepare in advance for the fact that the climb ahead is quite steep.

Extreme way: from the famous Mount Ai-Petri you can also get to Roman-Kosh, but only along mountain paths. Direction - northeast.

The road is for the hardy and physically fit: another “mountain path” to the top - from the Angarsk Pass. Direction - southwest. Along the ridge with the funny name Konek we move to mountain range Babugan-Yayla.

What to see at Roman-Kosh? Local attractions


The main attraction of this place is, of course, the view from here. And the road to the top will also give you a sea of ​​positive emotions - mountain landscapes, nature almost untouched by man, stunning air... Along the way you will also come across many picturesque meadows and meadows where you can take a short break. In spring, here you can admire the unusual wild flowers that grow in huge quantities on the way to the top.

Animal world The mountains also arouse genuine interest among travelers. The luckiest of them may encounter a timid roe deer or a nimble deer. They say you can even see a bear. Bright colorful insects attract attention - large dragonflies and colorful butterflies. Local birds are also worth mentioning, among which black storks and eagle owls stand out.

Not far from the top there is the Gazebo of the Winds, entry to which is also prohibited. However, the lucky few who were able to visit there claim that staying here charges you with incredible energy and strength. Miracles and nothing more!

From the top you can quite clearly see the Central Basin, which is a kind of forest amphitheater. The Partizanskoye Reservoir, which is located near Simferopol, can also be seen from here.
The inner feeling that you have conquered the highest point of the Crimean Peninsula is also valuable.

  1. The road to the top is quite long and tiring, requiring a lot of time. Therefore, it is worth hitting the road as early as possible. Climb to the top and experienced travelers takes about six hours. It is also worth choosing the right clothes and comfortable shoes.
  2. By the way, about clothes. It is necessary to take into account that it is quite cold at the top, and therefore you simply cannot do without a jacket or windbreaker.
  3. Make sure you eat and drink for the whole day. You will definitely need clean water. If you're lucky, you'll come across springs with clean drinking water along the way. By the way, the local water is surprisingly clean and pleasant. Scientists attribute this fact to the fact that limestones quickly absorb rainwater, filter it and, already purified, it comes to the surface.

If you climb Babugan-yayla from the western side, you will see a mountain, the top of which is the highest point along the entire length of the Crimean mountain range. Meet Mount Roman-Kosh. The height of the Roman-Kosh peak, of course, is not comparable to the Himalayas and Caucasus mountains, but here in Crimea the mark of 1545 meters is absolute for the peninsula.

The name of Mount Roman-Kosh does not have a clear source. Where it came from and what it means is not known for certain. In the literature there is such a translation option as “supreme peace”. But, perhaps, those who translate Roman-Kosh as “forest camp of shepherds” or “Romanian camp” are closer to the truth.

In the old days, this mountain was called “robber mountain,” since both land and sea robbers hid here, finding refuge for themselves and for their looted treasures.

Legends say that the local nobility also hid their wealth here, but modern treasure hunters (and there were many of them) could not find anything.

Roman-Kosh (like all the Crimean mountains) is made of limestone rocks, which are easily washed away by water and form a typical karst landscape - grottoes, wells, mines and caves. The entrance to such karst cavities is usually invisible. Karst phenomena are most pronounced on the eastern slope of Roman-Kosh, almost at the very foot of the mountain.

The foot of the mountain is quite wooded. Mostly pine trees and beech, characteristic of the Crimean highlands, grow here. Nature has protected many animal species in the mountain area, which is part of the Crimean Nature Reserve. In the wooded and steppe expanses near the mountain you can see roe deer, mouflons and other animals walking, which are almost not afraid of people.

On the northeastern slope of Roman-Kosha, a relict birch grove, where a rare Crimean bird lives - the spotted rock thrush.

The water of the Roman-Kosh springs is surprisingly clean and pleasant to the taste. This is due to the peculiarities of the Crimean yayla. The limestones from which it is composed quickly absorb melt and rain water, the water is filtered and comes to the surface, reaching waterproof rocks - clay or shale.

The appearance of Roman-Kosh is typical for the mountainous Crimea. If there are still forests at the base of the mountain, then, as they gain height, the mountain slopes become sparsely vegetated and then turn into mountain meadows. The vegetation here is sparse, although in the depressions and cracks where the fertile layer of soil is preserved, you can find plants with bright large flowers and whitish-gray edges of leaves and stems.

At the very top of the mountain there is a wooden cross, symbolizing to travelers standing nearby that they are at the highest point of the Crimean peninsula. So that tourists who are unaware of this fact do not think of the cross as some kind of burial, the inscription “Top of Crimea” is attached to the cross.

From the mountain, the entire Babugan-yayla is clearly visible, going east and northeast of Roman-Kosh. To the north you can see a wooded valley, and to the southeast and south you can see the distant sea with binoculars.

Roman-Kosh is not like that inaccessible mountain as it seems at first glance. Several types of excursions are organized to the mountain; people like to go there on mountain bikes, and by car, if you’re lucky, you can also get there from the village of Izobilny and from the Ai-Petrinsky plateau. Still, getting to the mountain on foot is much more interesting and we will mention three routes.

The first path goes west from the village of Kyzyltash (Krasnokamenka) through an abandoned quarry and through the forest along a path marked with red markers.

You can also reach Roman-Kosh from Mount Ai-Petri, along a mountain path that leads to the northeast of Yayla. The landmarks will be Mount Kemal Egerek (it will remain on the left) and the Arbor of the Winds (on the right).

The most prepared and resilient people can try to take the most difficult route. To do this, you need to climb Babugan-yayla along the Konek ridge, and then follow the paths to the southwest, leaving the peak of Zeytin-Kosh on the left.

Many sources also mention a fourth way - from Alushta past the village of Nizhnyaya Kutuzovka, leaving the Alushta reservoir on the left, approach Babugan-yayla through the Garden Cordon, beyond which the reserve zone begins. But this path is more distant and also very well lit, so we will not dwell on it in detail.

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