Greetings! I have prepared an extreme climbing tour for you. Not all drivers dare to climb the Ai-Petri plateau by car, there are those for whom the trip becomes entertainment. Undoubtedly, the route is memorable and picturesque - the higher you climb, the more you admire the panorama of the southern coast of Crimea.
Dear readers! The article was written a long time ago, but is still in demand, so I constantly update it and add relevant information. Updated 01/04/2019
There are four ways to climb Ai-Petri: on foot, in your own car, by cable car or with carriers ( list of carriers for January 2019 in VK: https://vk.com/ai.petri?w=page-1728944_54122784). Each option has its pros and cons, but at least one must be used. For hiking trails There are diagrams on the web.
Due to the lack of snow in the Crimean resorts in early January 2019, the Ai-Petri plateau became the most popular place for active rest. Hundreds of tourists posted their pictures on social networks from a snow-covered mountain: some on a sled, some on skis, and some in a kilometer-long traffic jam.
January 2, 2019 on the Ai-Petri plateau, traffic was paralyzed, there were freaks who climbed on summer tires (they had to be pulled out).
photo from the VK group “Weather on Ai-Petri”.
Dear, before the trip, look on the Web for weather conditions in winter time! If you don't care about yourself, think about the kids! Rescue services cannot reach some areas.
Calculate the capabilities of your car: 4x4, spikes or chains, full tank.
Current weather information for Ai Petri: https://ru.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Ay-Petri/6day/mid or in the specified group in VK.
On January 4, 2019, 6 avalanches descended, the transport itself could not get out, they called in heavy equipment and augers to break through people who got stuck. Avalanches covered a lot of vehicles.
Previously, there was an unspoken rule for visiting Ai-Petri: the rise to the plateau along a narrow serpentine before 12 noon, the descent after 12 noon. Now autotourists ignore this rule and create problems for themselves, others and rescue services.
Our trip to Ai-Petri took place in mid-March, we were lucky with the road - we met snow jams only on the northern descent.
The mountain serpentine leading to the plateau is the longest and most winding in the Crimea. Depending on weather conditions, some sections or the entire road may be closed, which is warned by a sign at the beginning of the path or sentries. There are landslides, landslides and avalanches.
Road T 0117 leads to the Ai-Petri plateau, and then along the northern slope, through grand canyon Crimea, in the Bakhchisaray district. The second name is the old Yalta highway.
There are springs along the way interesting rocks and most famous waterfalls Crimea: (on the southern slope) and Silver Streams (on the northern slope).
With all confidence we can say that the road to Ai-Petri is one of the most dangerous roads Crimea, so tired drivers and beginners have nothing to do there!
We headed to the top of Ai-Petri after a walk along the Yalta embankment in the afternoon. A cold wind was blowing from the sea and I was afraid that we would freeze completely at the top, but it turned out the other way around.
For those who do not know what the serpentine looks like on Ai-Petri, a map of our route.
View Larger Map
The second section closer to the plateau is a real rollercoaster with 180° turns.
As I said, the trip took place in early spring, so there were no leaves on the trees. In the middle of the way, we stopped to take a few photos, we didn’t have such an opportunity further because of the peculiarity of the route. There are “pockets”, but it’s better not to occupy them, you never know who will fall on your head ...
Photos from the VKontakte group “Weather on Ai-Petri” were taken on December 2, 2018. From the side of Bakhchisarai, the road to Ai-Petri is much worse, there are many holes.
Information appeared on the Web that in the winter of 2019 the road to Ai-Petri would not be closed.
This year, Krymavtodor specialists decided to change the rule. On the approaches to the mountain, weather stations will be installed that will predict the weather and the condition of the roadway. This will allow the road builders to react in time, process the road and bring it into working condition.
In March, there are whole meadows of snowdrops in the forest, but the phrase “oh, what flowers, let's stop” was clearly inappropriate, so I photographed what grew next to the road.
In some areas, the fence was completely absent. But my question is: “Why are there no fenders?”, A friend replied: “If we fly down, they will not help us.” Thanks for reassuring...
It remained to wait until we climb Ai-Petri. Mentally, I imagined what the plateau looks like, because the last time I was there was still years .... twenty years ago. Having entered the mountain, they left the cars in a free area next to the administration of the meteorological station.
From the so-called observation platform, a clear expanse opened up - a turquoise sky with glimpses of azure was buried in the sea surface of the Black Sea. Evergreen shrubs and trees framed Alupka and Koreiz with their thickets.
Silence and peace flew in the air, until under my feet .....the glass rang.
In general, it is better not to look down and not to touch the fence of the "view" platform. I then realized that for the joy of tourists there is a completely different observation platform, and this one, just like that, just in case ...
Here is the fence itself with an ornate ornament. It is a pity that a little more, and it will fly into the abyss. How will the observation deck remain without a fence ....
To the right in the distance, the teeth of Ai-Petri are clearly visible, it is there that the upper station of the cable car is located, the most high point 1234 m. and Three-Eyed Cave.
If you go straight, you will get to the showdown.
Here is such an "architectural" structure left after someone's division. Until 2011, there was a ski club on this site. Apparently, now these ruins will serve as a warning to posterity.
What followed was quite sad. “Cafes” set up in rows and stalls with incomprehensible souvenirs that have nothing to do with the products of Crimean craftsmen. special flavor national cuisine didn’t notice either, so we didn’t go anywhere for lunch, I can’t rate the dishes on offer.
Around neglect and chaos. Private houses, sheds, cafes, shawls, construction sites. After 15 minutes you forget what devil you came here for.
Subbotniks are held in all cities, and the most famous mountain Crimea, due to the difficult rise, remains aloof from civilization. Not even the most ordinary trash cans.
"Highlanders" do not want to ennoble the territory because of unresolved land issues. Ecologists are sounding the alarm and calling for the cessation of economic activity on the territory of Ai-Petri, to limit throughput for the development of eco-tourism. But they realized it too late: many entrepreneurs have been working here for more than a dozen years. The circle has closed and now all hope is for the new government, which will make a rational decision, so that “the wolves are fed and the sheep are safe” ....
On the edge of the cliff is another "architectural landmark". It was built on a grand scale so that from all the windows the mountains, the sea and the sun were visible.
On the faded sign is the inscription - Cafe " Jolly Roger”, the best recipes of oriental cuisine.
Next to the "oriental kitchen" is another viewing platform.
Here you can turn to the sea and escape from reality, but only in one direction, because on the other sides construction sites and private houses cover all the beauty of the plateau.
Due to the peculiarity of the relief, Ai-Petri is called yayla - a summer pasture. Since ancient times, settlements have been built on the plateau, but the biggest "contribution" was made by Homo sapiens.
Back in 2014, the media reported that the Ai-Petri plateau had been put in order, all construction debris had been removed and there were no illegal buildings. Was it even more interesting...
Perhaps the only object that is in its place is a monument to the Crimean partisans of the Great Patriotic War, who died in battle in December 1941.
The road to Ai-Petri was of great importance during the Second World War. It was along it that the Nazis transferred troops and equipment towards Sevastopol. The partisans managed to blow up a section of the road and prevent the enemy plans from being realized, but they all died in an unequal battle.
At the cost of incredible efforts, the soldiers were able to protect their land, the memory of them should be passed on from generation to generation, and not disappear under scaffolding...
Returning to the parking lot, we set off in cars across the entire plain of the plateau.
The further north you go, the more snow you get. In the lowlands, where the snow has not yet melted, snowboarders rode on the slopes. The first snow falls on Ai-Petri in October, and a stable layer persists from mid-December until March-April.
And we had a long descent along the mountain serpentine towards the Bakhchisary region. At the beginning of the road there was a track of snow and ice.
Previously, with bad weather conditions for private cars, the road to Ai-Petri was blocked from both Yalta and Bakhchisaray. DPS was on duty everywhere. You can climb Ai-Petri by cable car or by transport that carries out transportation.
Those who wish to get to Ai-Petri can easily find the carrier's contacts (link above) on social networks. Comfortable transport departs daily from Yalta.
The organizers of the transfer do not hide the fact that the track is actually closed. At the same time, it was not possible to find out exactly how the carriers “sneak” through traffic police posts: “We have other moves. No matter how, we'll get there."
Approximately 35 km from the top of Ai-Petri, there is a parking lot and a hiking trail to the Grand Canyon of Crimea. I already talked about this route in my report.
Of course, in March it is not as interesting there as in October.
Our March trip to Ai-Petri is over. Impressions remained ambiguous.
What happens on Ai-Petri in June 2018.
Between the "highlanders" and the owners of the cable car there is a rivalry for their client. I wonder what will surprise the upper station of the lift on Ai-Petri. How events will develop, time will tell. The article is updated all the time.
Hotels in Crimea on Booking. Under the booking form, be sure to check the box "I travel for work", because of the sanctions, Booking has blocked the search for hotels in Crimea.
Thank you for attention!
Loved by artists and sung by poets. It is located on the territory of the Yalta mountain forest reserve, towering majestically over Alupka and Miskhor. This stone mass with teeth and sheer cliffs resembles a magical castle, often hidden behind the clouds.
Mystery of the name
This natural object, where every tourist dreams of getting, is one of the peaks of the eponymous mountain range. In the Middle Ages, there was the church of St. Peter, which gave the name to this peak (translated from Greek "Ay" - saint, "Petri" - Peter). There are frequent fogs at the top, as well as winds of such strength that at one time a wind station was installed here. However, its blades could not withstand the gusts of wind and were torn off. But the locals claim that it was the angry spirits.
The height of Ai-Petri is easy to remember - 1234 meters above sea level, sounds like the beginning of a children's rhyme. Rising to the place of inspection, tourists will be able to see a wonderful panorama south coast: endless greenery, toy houses of villages and the sea, which gradually merges with the sky. Not far from the site, the famous battlements formed by sheer peaks are clearly visible.
- take into account that it is quite windy on Ai-Petri and 5-10 degrees cooler than below;
- take a hat and water with you;
- stock up on money: you might want to take pictures with animals there, try local dishes, buy a souvenir, or visit one of the caves.
What is worth seeing on Mount Ai-Petri in Crimea?
These places are more reminiscent of the steppe Crimea than mountain peak. Only by approaching the edge of a large and flat plateau, you can see how high you have climbed. For starters, you can climb to the Ai-Petrinsky teeth. Leads to the peak of the mountain hiking trail, the rise takes 30 - 60 minutes. There are benches and places to rest along the way, so the journey will not be tedious.
There are about 300 caves here, but only 2 of them are accessible to tourists. These are caves Trekhglazka and Yalta. The first is famous for the fact that an icy snowdrift always lies at the bottom. The ice mined here was delivered to the palace of Count Vorontsov and used to cool food and wine. Going down the stairs to the spacious karst hall, you can see stalactites, stalagmites and eternal ice at the bottom.
Near the cable car station, an original settlement was formed, which can also be considered a landmark of Mount Ai-Petri. Crimean Tatars vied with each other to try homemade wine, pilaf, chebureks, fragrant tea and homemade pastries. Those who wish can ride a camel or a horse.
There are four ways to get to the top of Ai-Petri
1. The lightest and fast way – cable car Miskhor - Ai-Petri. The funicular route passes over the hotels of Miskhor, vineyards and the tract Pinery. The cost of a one-way lift for adults is 400 rubles, for children from 6 to 12 years old - 250 rubles. In time, it takes no more than 15 minutes.
2. On fixed-route taxi. Transport departs from the bus station of the city of Yalta. There are no regular minibuses, but finding the right minibus is not difficult. The ticket price is 350 rubles. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours.
3. By private vehicle. A steep serpentine road leads to the top. From the Yalta bus station to the cable station on Ai-Petri, the distance is 30 km, but due to the difficult road, you will have to travel more than 1 hour. Below is a map with the route:
4. Walking along the Miskhor path. This is the most difficult and difficult option, you have to go for several hours and constantly uphill.
In conclusion, we propose to look beautiful video about the most famous mountain of Crimea:
Mount Ai-Petri is one of the most popular places Crimea and one of its business cards. As well as the famous cable car "Miskhor - Ai-Petri", which makes visiting the mountain easily accessible. The name of the mountain is of Greek roots and means "Saint Peter". The height of Mount Ai-Petri at 1234 m will give you the opportunity to enjoy excellent panoramas and feel the difference between the subtropical and mountain climates.
How to get to Ai-Petri
Mount Ai-Petri is one of the peaks of the Ai-Petri Yaila, located above the city of Alupka and the urban-type settlement of Koreiz (Miskhor is not a separate settlement, but is included in Koreiz).
Cableway to Ai-Petri
The official name of the cable car on Ai-Petri is Miskhor - Ai-Petri. The cable car can be considered a separate attraction. Opening hours from 9:00 to 17:00 for the ascent and until 18:00 for the descent. Without breaks and days off. Only in the spring it closes for maintenance work. Current prices and news can be viewed on the official website of the Miskhor - Ai-Petri cable car.
The cable car consists of three stations: "Miskhor" (located at an altitude of 86 m above sea level) - the lower station, "Sosnovy Bor" (304 m) - the middle transfer station and the upper station "Ai-Petri" (1152 m).
The cable car journey starts from the Miskhor lower station. 
The name comes from the village of the same name, Miskhor, which is now not independent and is included in the urban-type settlement of Koreiz. Now Koreiz, Gaspra, Alupka, Semeiz are located so close to each other that it is difficult to visually distinguish one from the other. And all of them, by the way, are included in the urban district of Yalta. Therefore, when we left Alupka, it was not clear whether we left it and entered Koreiz, there was a feeling of a single settlement. It's time to answer the question:
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How to get to the cable car "Miskhor - Ai-Petri"
- By car. From the South Coast Highway it is necessary near the concrete sign "72. Sevastopol. Yalta." and the gas station turn towards Koreiz (Miskhor) on the branch of the road to the Sevastopol highway. Further along the ring we exit to the Koreizskoe highway, and from it - to the Alupkinskoe highway. After driving a little, you will see the booth "Cableway Miskhor - Ai-Petri". Paid parking is right next to the lower station Miskhor. Maybe you can park the car on the side of the road, but the road there is very narrow and we were afraid.
- By public transport. The bus stop "Cable Road" is located directly at the lower station "Miskhor" and territorially belongs to Koreiz. Bus routes No. 102 (Yalta Bus Station - Alupka Vorontsovsky Park) and No. 132 (Yalta Clothing Market - Vorontsov Palace Alupka). Movement intervals: 15-30 min.
The length of the cable car is 2980 m. The distance between the lower station Miskhor and the middle station Sosnovy Bor is 1310 m. But the distance between the middle station and the upper Ai-Petri is already 1670 m, and there is not a single support tower. Often there is information that this is the longest unsupported span in Europe, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. There is also information (Wikipedia) that there is a Reiteralpe cable car that overtakes the Miskhor - Ai-Petri cable car in this indicator. At the expense of the Guinness Book of Records, it was not possible to verify the information for certain, but the Reiteralpe cable car really exists and is located in Germany in locality Oberjettenberg. The length of the Reiteralpe cable car is 2100 m, and the length of its unsupported span is 1980 m, and it was put into operation in 1965.
While the Miskhor-Ai-Petri cable car was just beginning to be built in 1967, in 1987 the first passengers were the reception committee, and it was put into operation only in 1988. It turns out that at the time when the cable car was built in the Crimea, there was already a Reiteralpe in Germany. Another thing is that the Reiteralpe cable car is used by the technical center of the Bundeswehr, this is a military-technical facility, therefore, I’m not sure that ordinary tourists will be able to ride this cable car. This is probably the reason for her lack of knowledge. Accordingly, we can unequivocally say that the Miskhor-Ai-Petri cable car in Crimea really has one of the longest unsupported spans in Europe and certainly in the first place in this indicator among the public. 
We arrived at the lower station at 2:00 pm and boarded rather quickly, but sometimes there are long queues, especially during the season. The ascent takes an average of 15 minutes. At the Sosnovy Bor station we transfer to the next booth. From here, the operators operate the cable car.
Pendulum type cable car, 4 cabins run in antiphase. The angle of elevation of the cabin near the mountain is 46 degrees. And this is one of the most exciting moments when the cabin slows down and comes close to the mountain wall. 
The path to the rocks "Teeth"
After leaving the upper station, without hesitation, we headed to the main sights, to the top and to the rocks "Teeth". 
Along the way, there is another attraction - Steven's maple. This tree is about 250 years old. These trees are endemic to the Crimea, that is, they are found only on the territory South Shore Crimea. This species was discovered by Steven Khristian Khristianovich, a Russian botanist of Swedish origin, the first director of the Nikitinsky Botanical Garden. 
It’s not far to go to the top, only 500 m, from time to time you come across encouraging signs. 
We go to the top. 
Suspension bridges on the rock "Teeth"
The most famous symbol of Ai-Petri is the teeth rocks. This group of rocks 60-80 meters high is an ancient reef. The rocks are formed by the weathering of unstable limestone rocks. 
To one of the rocks in the summertime do suspension bridges which can be covered with insurance. Naturally, this entertainment is paid - 500 rubles. In winter, suspension bridges are removed, they can simply be torn off by a gust of wind. Mount Ai-Petri is famous for its strong, gusty winds and is the most windy exact Crimea. The maximum recorded speed is 50 m/s. 
In addition, for lovers of air procedures and adventures, a troll track is organized on the top of Ai-Petri. 
Top of Mount Ai-Petri
The height of Mount Ai-Petri is 1234 m, and it is not the most high mountain Ai-Petri Yayla. The highest is Mount Roca (1346 m). 
And of course, the most important reason why everyone climbs Mount Ai-Petri is magnificent panoramas and views. 
And the big plus of Ai-Petri is that you don’t need to have climbing skills or go on a long and difficult hike for everyone, or even take an expensive excursion with an off-road vehicle (horses) to be at such a height with such beauties. Mount Ai-Petri is accessible to everyone. Of course, this has its own peculiarities: the attendance of Ai-Petri is very high. But without it in any way: either one or the other. Whoever was inspired by high-rise beauties can visit other peaks of Crimea. For example, a peak with a height of 1239 m, which we also visited as part of a short hike. 
Some of the photographs can already be called historical. They were made in early October 2016. The space next to the upper station is being cleared of shopping arcades and numerous cafes; how it will be arranged in the future - time will tell. We hope that it is beautiful and reasonable, from the point of view of preserving natural objects. They also deliberately did not write about the cost of the passage along the path to the battlements. This trail is included in the list of objects of the Yalta mountain and forest nature reserve. Previously, the passage was paid, how it will be organized in the future, time will also show.
Ai-Petri Yayla
Turning back, we will see the panorama of the Ai-Petri Yayla. 
The area of the Ai-Petri Yayla is about 300 km2. The climate differs sharply from the subtropical climate of Yalta. Climbing Ai-Petri, you need to take this into account, the temperature can be lower than that of the sea by 6-10 degrees, you need to take appropriate clothes with you. Winters here are full, snowy and frosts down to -25. Accordingly, this is one of the few places in Crimea where skiing is possible. skiing, snowboarding and other things. Ski resort is located not far from the radio engineering battalion, which is impossible not to notice, these are white balls that look like an observatory.
Since Mount Ai-Petri is composed of limestone, a strong karst process is widespread. Simply put, Ai-Petri has many caves and karst funnels, failures. A kilometer from the top, and even closer from the parking lot, there are three caves equipped for visiting: Yalta, Geophysical and Trekhglazka. If you have time, we advise you to visit them. We were in a hurry, we decided to visit them next time, since this time we were going to the caves and located on the Chatyr-Dag plateau. But to visit them, you need to go on a separate excursion, and the three mentioned above are nearby, this is their undoubted plus. And for the first acquaintance with the cave beauties will come in handy.
Ai-Petri Yayla is rich in natural and historical sights, and, in a good way, requires a separate study and inspection. Our walk ends here. We also went down by cable car, although it was possible to go down the serpentine and see a few more sights along the way. This, by the way, great option if there is a long queue for the cable car, and it is already finishing its work (by 18:00).
