Nikitskaya Cleft - route and description. Nikitskaya Cleft - an unusual natural monument in Greater Yalta Nikitsky Rocks
As if illustrating the process of formation of rocky relief. Training routes for rock climbers.
As if cut by a giant sword, the rocks here form a gloomy, cold gorge. Sheer walls 25–30 m high hang overhead, and a forest grows along the upper edge of the gorge. With a width of about 30 m, the Nikitskaya chasm stretches from east to west for almost 200 m. The kingdom of gloomy rocks is complemented by stone chaos and scree, deep cracks from which cold air emanates. These rocks are a kind of natural condenser and moisture accumulator. All three exits from the chasm are cluttered with pyramidal rocks.
The steepness of the gorge attracts rock climbers, and its romantic picturesque attracts artists and filmmakers (for example, episodes of the movie “White Explosion” were filmed here). From the crevice you can walk into the mountains. Along the way, you will again encounter isolated limestone rocks in the forest, rising in ledges along the mountain slope. Each rock is a magnificent panoramic point on the surrounding wooded ridges and the distant blue of the sea.
The unique geological and geomorphological conditions of the Nikitskaya Cleft are complemented by interesting vegetation. On small area There are about a hundred species of plants in the tract (although many of them are represented by a small number of specimens). At the bottom you can see blackberry and clematis bushes, looking like soft emerald pillows. The lashes of evergreen ivy hide along the cracks. Here and there on the walls there were single gnarled trunks of juniper and Crimean pine. You look and are amazed at the amazing ability of plants to adapt to life literally on bare rocks. At the top, where brown soils have formed, the pine forms a continuous green cover. Keva tree, Greek rowan, and downy oak grow here. The evergreen small-fruited strawberry tree stands out with its red trunk. There are few such trees here - less than a dozen. Near the gorge there are also wild pears, dogwoods, hornbeams, rose hips and other trees and shrubs.
The upper entrance to the chasm is crowned by the Solntsev pyramid, named after the famous landscape specialist. Climbing from this pyramid to the edge of the rocks, you can admire the picturesque panorama of the coast and mountains. From here, from a height of about 250 meters above sea level, the trolleybus route, the Yalta Valley, closed from the sea by Cape Ai-Todor, are perfectly visible, mountain range Ai-Petri, vineyard plantations. From the crevasse you can follow paths to the mountains.
At the entrance to the Nikitskaya Cleft there is a spring Ayan-Koba (name after I. Belyansky), which is a crack in the rock, blocked by a wall of shell rock, resting its base on the concrete roof of the captage collector.
However, the most surprising thing about this place is its unexpectedness. Just ten meters from the highway there is a magical corner of nature - a landscape of a 30-meter kingdom, ruled by gloomy rocks, scree and chaos, deep cracks in the thickness of the limestone that has moved along the mountain slope.
How was the Nikitskaya Cleft formed?
Its occurrence is associated with a fairly rapid rise of the Main Ridge in the last, Quaternary, period of the Earth's history.
During the rise and warping of the Crimean mountains from cliffs Main ridge broke away large tracts limestones and gradually slid down the slope of the South Bank, consisting mainly of compacted clays.
Some massifs stopped at the beginning of their journey at the foot of the Main Ridge; others lingered somewhere in the middle South Bank Crimea (like the nearby Red Stone or Mount Paragilmen), and still others “reached” the Black Sea (like the Genoese rock in Gurzuf and the rock-islands of Adalary in the Gulf of Gurzuf). During the movement, cracks appeared in the limestone massifs, and some of them disintegrated into rocks and blocks.
"Machine Kiss"
Anyone who was on the rocks near the village of Nikita probably saw a commemorative copper tablet screwed directly to the rock wall. It marks the site where mountaineering training took place half a century ago. On the left is the route, which in those days was considered prohibitive - “Machine Kiss” - 6C+.
The legend (in the person of an eyewitness to the events, Valery Pavlotos) says that once a girl Masha Ivanova took part in the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions competitions held on these rocks. She was what we call “an athlete, a Komsomol member, a beauty” - a member of the strongest team in the Union “Vodnik”, all the guys, without exception, sought her attention.
So, this same Masha Ivanova, encouraging the athletes to achieve new records, promised her kiss to the one who will pass the route from the beginning to the end. The guys rushed to the rock. The rock turned out to be more stubborn, she didn’t even care about Masha’s kisses, she threw the guys off as if she were alive. The athletes became despondent. Then, to encourage them, the climber promised “anything” to the conqueror of the route. And then Shura Gubanov, the most famous climber at that time, entered into single combat with the rock. He climbed and climbed, higher and higher: half the route was covered, another quarter, then he reached the shelf at the very top... Masha began to bite her lips nervously: maybe she had gotten too excited, making promises! And Shura walked towards the goal. There was very little left, he grabbed a dry tree that had grown under the cliff, and... it crashed down with a deafening crash!!! You should have heard the scream of the Machine of Joy when the contender for its prize was doomedly hanging on the belay...
How to get there?
To get to the Nikita Cleft, you need to get to the western outskirts of the village of Nikita above Massandra. Behind a small meadow clearing, diagonally cut by a well-paved path, a steep-walled massif of limestone rose. Approaching it, we will find ourselves at a huge opening in the rock. At the entrance, like a stone guard, rose a pyramidal rock, torn into two parts. The impression is as if some giant tore the rock mass in half and, slightly moving the lower part, carved out a huge stone corridor - the Nikitsky chasm.
2004 information
Many thanks to the compiler, Andrey Vedenmeer, Yalta, for the materials provided.
NIKITA CLIMBING CENTER
The village of Nikita is located 3 km from Yalta. On the opposite side of the highway from the building of the environmental complex is the Nikitskaya Cleft. This natural monument is a clear illustration of the enormous power of earthly forces that change the relief of the landscape. As if cut by a giant sword, the rocks form a dark, cold gorge. Sheer walls 25-30 m high hang overhead, and a forest grows along the upper edge of the gorge. The 20-meter Nikitskaya chasm stretches from east to west for almost 200 m. The kingdom of gloomy rocks is complemented by stone chaos and scree, deep cracks in the limestone mass displaced along the mountain slope, from which cold emanates even on hot summer days. These rocks are a kind of natural condenser and moisture accumulator. All three exits from the Nikitskaya cleft are cluttered with majestic pyramidal salas. The steepness of the gorge attracts rock climbers, and the romantic beauty of the rocks attracts artists and filmmakers. Nikitsky rocks are the only and unique rock climbing center in Crimea. On Nikitsky Rocks there are 85 hooked routes of categories from 4 to 8c+.
| № | Name | Length | Col. from. | Category |
| Sector A | ||||
| 1 | Scam | 17 | 8 | 6b+ |
| 2 | Ratchet | 16 | 8 | 6a |
| 3 | Goliath | 19 | 10 | 6c |
| 4 | Fandanga | 22 | 10 | 7c |
| 5 | Repeat | 22 | 11 | 7a |
| 6 | Hype | 15 | 8 | 6b |
| 7 | Marilyn | 26 | 13 | 7a+ |
| 8 | Limpopo | 14 | 8 | 6b |
| 9 | Wise | 19 | 10 | 7c+ |
| 10 | Wanderer | 19 | 11 | 8a |
| 11 | Union | 18 | 10 | 6c+ |
| 12 | Esaul | 27 | 14 | 8a |
| 13 | Asteroid | 25 | 12 | 6c+ |
| 14 | Chameleon | 24 | 12 | 7a |
| 15 | Agate | 25 | 11 | 6b+ |
| 16 | Balm for the soul | 22 | 13 | 6c |
| 17 | Gusto | 21 | 11 | 7a |
| 18 | Indiana Jones | 21 | 11 | 6b+ |
| 19 | Tomboy | 22 | 12 | 6b+ |
| 20 | Matador | 14 | 8 | 8c+ |
| 21 | Centaur | 15 | 8 | 8b+ |
| 22 | Fantastic | 16 | 8 | 8a+ |
| 23 | Pilgrim | 26 | 13 | 7c |
| 24 | Caravan | 26 | 12 | 7b |
| 25 | Nerve | 27 | 13 | 7a |
| № | Name | Length | Col. from. | Category |
| Sector B | ||||
| 1 | Aborigine | 27 | 14 | 6b+ / 7a+ |
| 2 | King of the Hill | 27 | 12 | 6c |
| 3 | Scythian | 26 | 13 | 8b+ |
| 4 | Squadron | 25 | 11 | 8a |
| 5 | Helicopter | 21 | 10 | 7c |
| 6 | Car kiss | 19 | 9 | 6b+ |
| 7 | Quarry | 19 | 10 | 6c+ |
| 8 | On horseback | 23 | 11 | 7c+ |
| 9 | Anniversary | 22 | 11 | 7a |
| 10 | Benefit | 22 | 11 | 7a |
| 11 | Don't throw grandma into the nettles | 22 | 11 | 7c |
| 12 | Last rollout | 20 | 10 | 7a/7b |
| 13 | Monkey | 20 | 9 | 6b+ |
| 14 | The daring Pashka | 19 | 9 | 8a |
| 15 | Love games | 18 | 10 | 7a+ |
| 16 | Breeze | 17 | 8 | 8a+ |
| 17 | Clown | 16 | 9 | 7b |
| 18 | Mowgli | 15 | 8 | 7a |
| 19 | Call of the Jungle | 13 | 6 | 6b+ |
| № | Name | Length | Col. from. | Category |
| Sector C | ||||
| 1 | Thorn | 5 | 3 | |
| 2 | Tile | 9 | 5 | |
| 3 | Myth | 10 | 6 | |
| 4 | Red Fox | 25 | 13 | 7a |
| 5 | Little vampire | 16 | 8 | 6c+ |
| 6 | American Gregory | 21 | 11 | 7a |
| 7 | Abyss | 19 | 11 | 8 ? |
| 8 | North Pole | 20 | 11 | 5a |
| 9 | Bastion | 20 | 11 | 5b |
| 10 | Painter | 21 | 11 | 5b |
| 11 | Firefly | 18 | 10 | 5b |
| 12 | Cornice | 5 | 3 | |
| 13 | 9 | 5 | ||
| 14 | Kant | 5 | 3 | |
| 15 | 6 | 4 | ||
| 16 | KONG | 19 | 9 | 5s |
| 17 | Pinery | 18 | 9 | 5b |
| 18 | Fresh breeze | 15 | 7 | 4 |
| 19 | Chafer | 15 | 7 | 4 |
|
Name
We ask everyone who has already been to our climbing walls more than once and those who come for the first time to pay attention to the following information:
1. The length of the routes (even familiar ones) and the number of quickdraws. That is: it is advisable to have a rope 60 meters long and a set of guy lines of 15 pieces.
2. In connection with the equipment of climbing walls with modern descending devices - rigidly fixed carabiners - to organize the “top belay”, a quickdraw is additionally used, which is snapped into the descending device (carabiner) when setting the route, and then the top rope is snapped into the quickdraw. This allows you to save the trigger carbine.
3. Route categories are pre-defined. The information will be updated throughout the year. Current information on rock routes can be obtained from Andrey Vedenmeer (Yalta).
4. Carefully read the documents regulating your stay at our climbing walls. This will help create comfortable conditions for everyone: RULES for staying at the climbing walls of Big Yalta, RULES for safety when conducting classes at the climbing walls of Big Yalta
Best regards, M.S. Panferova, Honored Trainer of Ukraine, International Master of Sports.
At an altitude of about two hundred and fifty meters above sea level, not far from Yalta, there is one of the Crimean attractions, which is definitely worth a visit for tourists who find themselves in these places. The name of this attraction is the Nikitskaya Cleft, or, as some call it, the Ayan Rocks. It’s hardly worth highlighting these places as a separate subject for the trip, but as one of the components tourist route, or as a place to rest when driving along the Alushta-Yalta highway, Nikitskaya Cleft can be recommended to all travelers. Attractive reliefs and the grace of the landscape cannot but please the eyes of those who visit this place.
Some information about the Nikitskaya Cleft
The crevasse is located on the outskirts of the urban-type settlement Nikita, on its western side. At the entrance to the village there is a branch road leading directly to the crevasse. Entry into the crevice by vehicle is prohibited for any type of vehicle, since these places have the status of a natural monument. Together with the Uchan-Su waterfall, it is part of the Yalta Nature Reserve. Passing through the crevasse presents no difficulties. At the very entrance there rises a limestone rock, as if cut into two parts. Bare steep slopes about 30 meters high hang over the gorge, creating a gloomy feeling. During the day, the sun's rays practically do not penetrate into the crevice, so it is always fresh and cool here. The length of the Nikitskaya Cleft is about 200 meters.
The beauty of these places is captured in cinema, in local folklore, and in paintings by artists.
Natural polygon
The rock surfaces are chosen by rock climbers for their training. The slopes of the Nikitskaya cleft are perhaps the only and truly unique place for rock climbing in the Crimea. Groups of fans of this extreme activity can almost always be found in the gorge. The mild climate throughout the year encourages an influx of climbers to these areas. 85 routes of varying difficulty provide an opportunity for both beginners and experienced rock climbers to enjoy the climb. Groups from here regularly climb different countries peace.
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Nikitskaya Cleft is a natural monument, which consists of chaotically arranged almost vertical cliffs. However, all this rocky splendor frames a narrow path that tourists love so much. The Ayan Rocks are clearly visible from the highway, however, entry into the reserve territory by any vehicle is prohibited. Often the crevice becomes a “transfer point” that is not planned by the tour program. However walking These places are still suitable for most vacationers.
What are they?
Rocks and huge stone fragments are located throughout the entire area of the chasm. The length of the route is only 200 meters, but you can wander around the natural attraction for several hours, admiring the dark beauty of the gorge. Almost no sunlight penetrates here, since the rocks hang over the crevice. The absence of light indicates a temperature that is lower than at the inlet.
At the entrance there is a guardian mountain, divided into two parts, which opens the entrance to the wonderful world of the Ayan Rocks. Also at the entrance to the crevice you can see a spring gushing from a crack in the rocky base. The height of the rocks is about 30 meters. If you climb to the very top, you will see a beautiful view of the South Coast and the Yalta Valley. Further from the crevasse, the ascent into the mountains begins. The Ayan rocks themselves look like a separated small mountain range.
The Nikitskaya Cleft corridor looks like a completely wild corner of nature. However, the western side was once a fortification: traces of pottery and other signs of human presence can still be found here.
Despite the fact that the chasm consists of sheer cliffs, here you can find more than 100 types of plants that have been able to adapt to the gloomy mountains. The upper edge of the rocks is a “green cushion”, where everything is covered with grass, ivy and blackberry bushes.
The unusual landscape became a film set for some Soviet films. For example, “White Explosion”, “Sannikov Land”, “In Search of Captain Grant”, “Sportloto-82”.
Legends are associated with the Ayan Rocks. One of them says that not far from the mountains lived a girl named Maria with seven brothers. One day, the Turkish Pasha came to her to take her to his harem. However, the brothers killed the Turk, after which they went into a crevasse, seeking protection from nature. In response to the murder of the pasha, a detachment of Janissaries was sent to the village, who tracked down the brothers and Maria. When the brothers fell in battle, the girl threw herself off the cliffs in order to remain free until the end.
Nikitskaya Cleft is the site of various competitions among rock climbers who come here throughout the year. Local climate soft enough to be able to climb rocks even in winter.
The name Maria is associated with another interesting story that occurred in these places. The events took place relatively recently, during Soviet Union. Maria Ivanova, together with a team of rock climbers, explored the Ayan Rocks. One of the particularly tricky routes was not easy for the climbers, so the girl encouraged her colleagues. She promised to kiss the one who climbed to the top of the cliff.
However, those who wanted to win Masha’s favor were never able to conquer the sheer cliff. And only Alexander Gubanov, an experienced rock climber, stubbornly moved towards the top. At the very last moment, when he had almost reached the peak, the climber could not resist and hung on the belay. So the Machine’s lips never kissed anyone. However, today this route is not considered so “impassable”.
How to get to the Nikitskaya Cleft
Login nature reserve only one, it is located west of the village urban type (side opposite the sea), next to the Yalta-Alushta highway. There are bus and trolleybus routes that will take you to a stop near the reserve. Further, behind the green barrier, a walking path begins that leads directly to the Nikitskaya Cleft. You can walk to the natural monument in half an hour.
It is one of the most favorite places for tourists. Except pure south sea and the variety of beaches, in this part of the peninsula all kinds of attractions are concentrated as much as possible, a visit to which leaves no time for boredom. Such places that definitely need to be visited include the Nikitskaya Cleft (Ayansky Rocks or Nikitskaya Cleft). This attraction is so called because it is located next to the village of Nikita - in the part opposite coastline. From the Yalta-Alushta highway you can also easily get to the Nikitskaya Cleft, although it is not visible from the highway.
Geographic coordinates of the Nikitskaya Cleft on the map of Crimea GPS - N 44.5188 E 34.2282.
In the village of Nikita, an excursion path begins that leads to the Nikitskaya crevice. It passes through a cedar grove, constantly rushing upward. But very soon a flat area surrounded by rock formations opens before the travelers’ eyes. This is the Nikitskaya Cleft.
It is more than two hundred meters long, and the height of its walls in some places exceeds fifty meters. The distance from wall to wall is about thirty meters. 
On the one side Nikitskaya Cleft there is a rock completely entwined with vines. It remains richly green all summer, since the microclimate here is quite humid, and the bright Crimean sun practically does not reach here. By the way, such climatic conditions They make it possible for juniper, pistachio, strawberry, oak, dogwood, hornbeam, wild pear to grow well here - and this is not a complete list of plants that the Nikitskaya Cleft is rich in.
The western edge of the chasm is presented in the form of a stone blockage, the height of which is commensurate with the height of the tract itself. Also in this part, fragments of dishes of ancient people were found, for whom the Nikitsky crevice acted as a home. A deep crack has formed in the south. To prevent its expansion, it was reinforced with a metal mesh. Many small cracks and small grottoes cover the northern rock. An unusual fact is that all four sides of the cleft have different colors: black, gray, beige and even orange.
More Nikitskaya Cleft is a place for training climbers. They even equipped several routes for rock climbers with varying levels of training. Many champions were brought up in this mountainous part of Crimea.
And film crews have come here more than once. “Sportloto 82”, “Children of Captain Grant”, “White Explosion” - all these films were created within the Nikitskaya Cleft. Nikitskaya Cleft is one of the most beautiful