About the natural beauties and fantastic landscapes of the Crimea, many legends and full-fledged works of art are composed. Every year a large number of tourists come here not only for the sake of beach or outdoor activities, but also for the purpose of personal acquaintance with local attractions. One of them is the Valley of Ghosts in the Crimea. What is this place and how to get into it?
Ancient legends
A lot of interesting stories and myths are connected with the Valley of ghosts. One of them is most popular. Many centuries ago tribes of nomads raided modern Crimean lands. The invaders destroyed and plundered villages, enslaved civilians or simply killed them. During the next raid, one of the nomadic commanders looked at Demerdzhi Mountain, enveloped in haze, and marveled at its beauty. He was seized by a mysterious premonition that before him the best place for a smithy was. He instructed one of his minions, called Blackbeard, to gather the strongest men and go to the top to forge weapons. From the braziers came a flame, destroying everything around. One day Blackbeard was approached by a beautiful girl, born in these places, with a request to stop work and save the magnificent landscapes. But the evil nomad did not listen to her and killed for such a daring request. And then the ancient mountains could no longer tolerate such impudence and anger, from the very top rolled huge boulders, and the flame descended. When the dust settled, the inhabitants of the surrounding villages could see the area filled with twisted silhouettes of people, and the nomads disappeared forever. It is believed that this is how the Valley of Ghosts appeared in the Crimea.
Mount Demerdzhi
Demerdzhi is one of the most beautiful mountains on the coast. It is on its slopes is the famous Valley of Ghosts in the Crimea. The very word "Demerdzhi" in translation into Russian means "smith". The mountain has two peaks: respectively, the northern and southern peaks. Interesting fact: in the Middle Ages the Greeks lived on this territory, and they called the mountain "Funa" - literally translated "smoking". Such a name of the summit deserved thanks to the clouds, which are picturesquely descending to the very peaks, because of what really the top of the mountain seems to be wrapped up in some kind of haze. Mount Demerdzhi consists of conglomerates, it is fragments of various breeds, pebbles of all sizes, cemented for centuries by sand and clay, stone boulders.
How did the Valley of Ghosts actually appear? Photo attractions
All the "exhibits" in the Valley of the ghosts are not made by hands. Bizarre statues, pillars, giant mushrooms are the result of winds and natural precipitation. The route of Simferopol-Alushta is quite even and under a slope it goes to the sea. It is during the trip on it that you can see the Valley of the ghosts. From a distance it seems that the site with stone statues seems to have been specially leveled. This phenomenon was studied by specialists. According to one version, sometime ago this area was flooded. And in place of the modern valley was the seabed. This theory has not been proven to date, but it has not been disproved either.
The ghost valley and the "Caucasian Captive"
Very close to the territory of stone statues were the filming of the cult film "The Caucasian Captive". Until now, a path has been preserved along which the legendary heroes marched. To look in this place it is possible and on "a nut of Nikulin", that tree from which its screen hero threw nuts in Shurik. A real attraction is the stone where Natalia Varley danced her famous dance to the song "Somewhere in the White World ...". However, only the legends go about the authenticity of this boulder. But everyone who wants tourists today can get on it and dance for a memorable photo or video.
Memo for tourists
The Valley of Ghosts in the Crimea today enjoys an incredible popularity among tourists. There are various excursions here from different cities. If you decide to see this miracle of nature with your own eyes, prepare for the trip thoroughly. An interesting offer is horse riding along the trails along the Valley of the ghosts. However, accept this excursion only if you are really confident in the saddle and do not get tired of riding on horseback. The valley of ghosts in Alushta looks picturesquely and calmly. But nevertheless, excursions here are recommended for adults, physically healthy people. In fact, the route is not the easiest, but sometimes dangerous. Beware of crumbling soil, do not climb on insufficiently stable stones.
Valley of ghosts in the Crimea: how to get to this amazing place?
Ready-made tours to this local attractions are offered by many travel agencies. However, if you are confident in your abilities and are not afraid of possible difficulties, try to go to the Valley of ghosts yourself. So, your goal is to get to Mount Demerdzhi - remember this name. With a private car or shuttle bus, you can reach Radiant. So, we go out / stop at the pointer. After that we return back to the foot of the mountain a little - this is Demerdzhi. Now take a landmark on the equestrian club, bypassing it, you will immediately see this natural attraction in all its glory. Now you know where the Ghost Valley is in the Crimea. Attention - the passage to its territory is free, but for paying attention to the location of the shooting of the "Caucasian captive", it is necessary to pay. Be cautious: enterprising people demand to pay for a photo session with "Nikulin nut" and "Varley stone". Do not rush to give money, politely ask for documents confirming any rights to this object.
Is this tour dangerous?
If you wish, not far from the foot of Demerdzhi Mountain you can find not only entertainment and sports facilities, but also a tourist gate. The Valley of Ghosts is not exactly a safe place, sometimes tourists get injured due to their own carelessness. Do not be too self-confident, choose for the hike comfortable sports clothes and shoes, walk on the beaten paths. To be afraid follows one plant growing in this area. Its name is ashen, people also call the "star" or "burning bush". If the plant contacts the skin, you will get a chemical burn (to the second degree). Bubbles usually appear after a few days and heal long enough. Romantic looks Ghost Valley in the Crimea (photo above) at sunset. But do not go on a tour too late. Remember, the Crimea very quickly darkens and you can not calculate your strength and do not have time to return to darkness. It is best to go here on an excursion in the early morning, when it's already light, but not too hot.