Yosemite National Park is considered one of the most beautiful places on our planet. Meeting with the reserve, lurking the amazing beauty of pristine nature, leaves no one indifferent. However, do not go on a long journey to enjoy the amazing landscapes.
In Crimea, near Alupka, next to the Ai-Petrinskaya Yayla, there is a miraculous attraction, which is a miniature copy of America’s unique ecological system.
Surroundings reminiscent of the scenery for science fiction films
Falconry Mountain, or Shaan-Kaya, is an unusual natural monument, many centuries ago separated from the Ai-Petrinsky massif, obeying tectonic movements. Having crawled away for one and a half kilometers, it independently rises at an altitude of about 250 meters above sea level. As tourists who have been in the vicinity say, this corner is very similar to the scenery for science fiction films, when the main characters are transferred to the era of dinosaurs. Everything here reminds of prehistoric times, but without strolling predatory dinosaurs.
The majestic rock is an amazing sight: when you look at it from afar, then against the background of the rest of the Crimea mountains it is a little lost, but it looks quite severe and powerful near it. It seems that Shaan-Kaya (Crimea) grows directly from the earth in the midst of centuries-old pines, hanging over a person and covering the sky. The unusual relief made the mountain one of the most difficult climbing routes. Only in 1966 the first daredevils were able to conquer the summit, for which they received the title of champion.
Miraculous sight of Crimea
The Shaan-Kaya ledge hanging over the Black Sea, not far from the village of Simeiz, is characterized by a gentle northern slope, covered with forest, and on the south side it is a sheer cliff, which many extreme people dream of conquering. The mountain, 871 meters high, consists of limestone formed over 130 million years ago at the bottom of the Tethys Ocean. It existed in the Mesozoic era, separating two ancient continents.
At the foot of the mountain, scientists often find traces with the imprints of extinct organisms on the stones that appeared after various processes, as a result of which the mountains of Crimea grew on the site of a dry ocean.
Magnet for extreme
Shaan Kaya is an iconic mountain for all climbers. There are several laid routes of high difficulty for climbers. The fact is that there are very few flat areas and a small number of cracks. However, the difficulty of climbing does not scare people seeking thrills. The mountain was chosen by rope jumpers jumping from the top on a dynamic rope, and the negative slope of the rock allows them to do this with minimal risk. In addition, it was chosen by paragliders flying more than 200 meters in the air.
A special platform for extreme sportsmen has been created here, where experienced instructors work. In addition, video equipment is provided for those who wish to capture what is happening. It is interesting to observe on film that storm of vivid emotions experienced by those jumping down from a height. And all the tourists keep their eyes on the paragliders competing with each other.
Attractive place for tourists
However, ordinary tourists, who do not even think about climbing or jumping from the rock of Shaan-Kai, will be interested in finding themselves in a stone-pine city. At the foot of the gigantic mountain, "torn off" from the southern ridge, everyone feels its power, and clean air and incredible landscapes contribute to the fact that you can walk for hours in the vicinity, getting real pleasure. The steep slope of the rock, which opens before the eyes of travelers, is simply mesmerizing.
Emerald Bead
Nearby is the small lake Shaan Kaya, which attracts romantics. This is an "untwisted" place, and a few tourists pitch tents near a picturesque reservoir, whose beauty does not leave indifferent connoisseurs of the beautiful. Local residents also fish here, catching small perches and carps. But most often they come here in search of a quiet and peaceful place, where the air smells pleasantly of pine needles and there is no fuss.
The lake near the rock of Shaan-Kaya (locals affectionately call it the "emerald bead") arose as a result of lowering both relief and karst waters. They come to the surface and nourish a natural miracle, from the shores of which amazing views are opened.
There is clear ice water that remains cool even in the sweltering heat, but this does not frighten bathing people who later warmed themselves around a bonfire. You can stock up on life-giving moisture, since it takes about an hour to get to the nearest store. And those who want to stay for the night enjoy a delightful sight: in clear water shining sparks of stars are reflected.
Hiking paradise
The surroundings of Shaan-Kai are considered a real haven for savages, chosen by companies on hikes. Paved dozens of hiking trails leading to the cliff, from the height of which the southern coast of Crimea is clearly visible . A winding road goes through pine thickets, tiny vineyards, areas covered with boulders, and you also have to go through a blackening dead forest, which survived a terrible fire several years ago. There are parking lots where you can hide from heavy rain and make a fire.
It often happens that little-known places are of particular interest even to travelers who have seen a lot. And it is they who deserve to be visited by as many tourists as possible. Amazing corners unfamiliar to the general public leave an indelible mark on the soul, evoking the most sincere emotions.