Crimea is the pearl of the Black Sea coast, rich in natural beauty. Everything is harmonious here: mountains, valleys, snow-white beaches, blue Black Sea. Here come Russian and foreign tourists not only for a pleasant holiday, but also to admire the sights, including those created by nature.
One of such amazing places is the Uchan-Su waterfall in Yalta. To be exact, it is not exactly in the city, but 7 kilometres away from it. It is named so in honour of the mountain river of the same name, fed by springs with crystal clear water. Let's tell you what attracts tourists from all over the world.
Legend of Uchan-Su waterfall
There is only one legend of the origin of this waterfall. It consists in the fact that in the family of vine-growers lived a very beautiful girl with a beautiful voice - Zeinab. Her singing attracted the Spirit of Mountains (according to another version it was a dragon), who took the girl with him to the top. Whether Zeinab suffered from such a neighbourhood, the legend is silent, but she definitely remembered her people left below. And when drought caused the crops to die, followed by famine, she appealed to her patron to give the people water. The Spirit of Gore thought of nothing else but to turn his young captive into water.
However, an evil demon, who also lived in the mountains, opposed this idea and created an obstacle in the form of rocks in the way of water. So the maiden turned into a waterfall, whose turbulent jets come down from the height of the mountains - she overcame all the obstacles. The maiden saved her people from imminent doom, and herself forever remained a waterfall, that is, turned into eternity.
According to legend, called this girl Uchan-Su for the ease of walking. In translation from the southern coastal dialect of the Crimean Tatar language it means "flying water". This is the most famous name, but there are others: Cremasto-Nero - from Greek "hanging water" and Akar-Su - from Crimean Tatar "flowing water".
Description of Uchan-Su waterfall
Photo: Андрей Романенко. Source: Wikipedia
The waterfall originates from the Uchan-Su River flowing along the South Coast of Crimea (SBC). Its length is only 7 kilometres, but it feeds fresh water to all of Yalta. The reservoir is called waterfall due to the large water discharge and four formed waterfalls. Its sources are springs on the south-eastern slopes of the Ai-Petrinskaya yayla at an altitude of 1233 metres above sea level. The Uchan-Su flows through a steep gorge, flows into the Black Sea in the vicinity of Yalta hotel "Oreanda", and two kilometres from the source forms a waterfall of the same name with a height of 98.5 metres. The waterfall itself is at a height of 390 metres above sea level.
The Uchan-Su waterfall has four steps on which the water falls down from the height into the gorge. The height of the steps is 90, 15, 8 and 7 metres. The total water discharge is 50 litres per second. Despite the external power, in hot summer days the waterfall almost completely dries up. And then the locals joke by putting up a sign "The waterfall is not working". In winter, if there are heavy frosts, the water jets freeze. In this case, the natural reservoir can be used by mountain climbers for their competitions and training.
A bit of history
The Uchan-Su waterfall was first mentioned by Catherine II in her notes while travelling in the Crimea. She called it "a sight worthy of astonishment". And though there were no roads in the modern sense to the Uchan-Su waterfall at that time, one had to overcome not the easiest way to look at the falling water, geologists, naturalists and just nature lovers got to the place each with their own purpose.
The Empress in her description of "Catherine II's Journey to the Crimea" indicated that the height of the waterfall was 150 fathoms (324 metres). Of course, everything was estimated by eye, so it is not surprising that they were mistaken almost 3 times more. Another traveller from France, Charles Montandon, estimated the height of Uchan-Su at 40 fathoms (86.4 m). And only a professor from St. Petersburg, Stepan Kutorga, came close to modern values, indicating a height of 90 modern metres.
Until 1872, there was no special flow of tourists to the waterfall for obvious reasons - the roadless area. And when a military engineer, Colonel I.S. Shishko laid a road to the waterfall, passable for buggies and carriages, began a pilgrimage of holidaymakers in Yalta. Not every first but every second resident and tourist wanted to see the Uchan-Su waterfall with their own eyes. Already in the early XIX century such excursions were extremely popular among all segments of the population.
Here, for example, is how the excursion of the beginning of the last century to the waterfall is described in historical documents: "Gathering was carried out at 8 a.m. at the Mountain Club, where three and four horses, harnessed in comfortable rulers, covered with sun umbrellas, were already waiting. The rulers were guided by Tatar guides, they also offered treats to the travellers: berries. The way lay uphill through the pine Crimean forest, the road was surrounded by slender tall pines and spruces. In half an hour the travellers arrived at the Uchan-Su waterfall. Further it was necessary to pass a little bit on foot. Each batch of tourists was accompanied by a photographer, took pictures of those who wanted to buy photo cards for memory.
By the way, the mentioned Mountain Club - Yalta branch - carried out at that time innovations in the tourism industry. He actively promoted the improvement of the resorts of Yalta, in the framework of which were created walking tours to the mountains on the arranged trails. In particular, in 1899 the first in Russia tourist trail of 8 versts was created, which ran from the Uchan-Su waterfall to the ridge of the yaila along the most picturesque parts of the slope. Later it became a prototype of tourist trails of the 1980s, laid in Ural.
Since 1947 the Uchan-Su waterfall has been declared a nature reserve. Since 1973 it has been included in the territory of the Yalta State Mountain Forest Reserve.
Uchan-Su waterfall was declared a nature reserve.
Tourist routes to the waterfall
Photo: manolovaolga. Source: Pixabay
You can visit Uchan-Su at any time of day and year. But, as practice shows, there is no special sense in summer: the reservoir either dries up completely, or does not have that striking power. The ideal time is autumn, when it rains, the river itself becomes full-flowing, and the Uchan-Su waterfall is turbulent. You can also come here in spring during the period of abundant snowmelt in the mountains.
As for the time of day, then, given the location of trails on the territory of the reserve, it is better to go to see the waterfall from 8:00 to 18:00. Especially since you will have to pay for the entrance (150 rubles for 2023). And from the residents of Crimea and preferential categories of citizens are not charged.
One of the most popular trails - Shtangeevskaya. The walk will take about an hour with the possibility of stopping at two viewing platforms. It is impossible to get lost, as there are signposts everywhere. Tourists can even step aside to rest in the shade or swim in a quiet pond with cold water. There is a path to the side leading to the source of the river - the springs. The water here is potable, so you can safely quench your thirst.
Interesting objects at Uchan-Su waterfall
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The figure of an eagle on the second cascade of the waterfall. Near the sculpture is a water intake. The area is enveloped by myriads of small splashes, so it is difficult to stay here for a long time: tourists quickly get wet, risking to ruin photographic equipment.
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Fixtures for snow collection. They were erected during the Soviet era near the mouth of the river. It was an attempt to prevent the Uchan-Su waterfall from drying up as long as the collected snow would feed the spring.
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A viewing platform near the river of the same name. From here the waterfall can be seen from up high, from the headwaters to the lowest tier.
It should be noted that the staircase leading to the eagle sculpture is closed to visitors due to its emergency condition. But people get to the ledge of the Uchan-Su waterfall on the path.
In addition to the Shtangeevskaya trail there are Botkinskaya, Taraktashskaya, Stavrikayskaya. All of them either intersect, converge, or enter each other. As for the Botkin trail, its length is 7.5 kilometres, designed for 3 hours of leisurely walks. It was laid and recommended by a cardiologist doctor, in honour of whom it was named. It is easy enough to traverse, which is very important for heart patients. It runs along the southern slope of the mountain massif of Yalta yayla in a protected pine forest. Starts on the outskirts of the city, not far from the Glade of Fairy Tales, and ends at the top of Stavri-Kaya, closing with the Shtangeevskaya trail.
On the Botkin trail there are two interesting natural objects - waterfalls Lower and Upper Yauzlar. Near the same arranged places for rest, there is a gazebo. Above the trail the river Yauzlar forms a waterhole or a stone bath, which is pleasant to immerse in hot summer days.
During the walk along the paved paths there are amazing views of valleys, mountains and the city itself. There are dozens of locations for the most beautiful photos. And fences, fences on steep slopes are installed for the safety of tourists.
To visit the Uchan-Su waterfall can be part of organised excursions from Yalta, the South Coast, from other points of the Crimea. It is usually included in the programme of excursions to Mount Ai-Petri.
How to get to Uchan-Su Waterfall
It is most convenient to get to the waterfall from Yalta. And here in this city-resort go from any point of the Crimea. Although there is no airport and railway station, there are trolleybuses on the South Coast and shuttle buses.
By aeroplane
Tourists fly to Simferopol, more precisely, to the airport 15 kilometres away. Here you can change to trolley buses № 17, 20 or bus 49 and come to Simferopol, and then from the railway station go to Yalta by trolley bus № 52. You can and do not stop in the city, and immediately at the airport to take the trolleybus number 52 and in two hours already be at the resort.
A flight to Crimea takes 2.5 hours from Moscow and 3.5 from St Petersburg. As of 2023, none of the peninsula's air terminals accept aircraft. Therefore, visitors are looking for alternative ways to get to Yalta and then to Uchan-Su.
By train
Yalta from Moscow is reached with transfers. Direct train "Tavria" from Moscow (Kazan station) goes to Simferopol. Then tourists transfer to a bus or trolleybus to Yalta. You can also call a taxi, order a transfer, hire a car.
By car
There are 4 alternative options. All of them involve travelling along the M-4 "Don" motorway - comfortable for long distances, but in some places a toll road. In Rostov-on-Don, travellers choose a route either to Temryuk or to Krasnodar and Slavyansk-on-Kuban. Having overcome the Crimean Bridge, tourists move along the Tavrida motorway along the South Coast via Koktebel, Sudak, Alushta. From Krasnodar to Yalta is 520 kilometres. Usually motorists overcome them in 7 hours, depending on the speed limit and traffic congestion.
From Yalta to Uchan-Su
The easiest way to get there by car. It is necessary to leave on the South Coast Highway from the city towards Sevastopol, orientate on the sign "Sanatorium "Uzbekistan". There will be a turn to the waterfall. Part of the way passes in mountains on a serpentine, therefore the driver and passengers should be prepared for it.
Public transport is represented only by bus number 30, following from the bus station in Yalta. It goes through the whole city with stops, so the journey time is about an hour. Getting off at the final stop with the name "Waterfall", to Uchan-Su you need to walk a little. Near the trail there are souvenir shops, where tourists buy things with the image of the waterfall or other Yalta and Crimean sights.
You can also walk to the desired point from the city, if the distance back and forth is not frightening. At any point, there is the option of taking a passing vehicle, hitchhiking or hailing a taxi.
What else to see around Yalta
Photo: iam_os. Source: Unsplash
Depending on how long you stay in the capital of the Crimean resorts, you can pick up a tourist programme for yourself. It is not necessary to use the services of tour guides, to many interesting places are quite reachable independently.
10 popular places for Yalta holidaymakers:
Glade of fairy tales
Not even a museum, but a real city in the forest, where fairy tale characters, both Russian and foreign, are presented. Most of the exposition is in the open air. It will be interesting not only for kids, but also for adults as an opportunity to plunge into childhood.
Nikitsky Botanical Garden
The largest, most beautiful on the peninsula and the oldest in the world - founded in 1811. It occupies an area of more than 1000 hectares. And the local arboretum boasts 2000 exotic plants. In winter, the greenhouse with fragrant flowers is open to the public.
Mount Ai-Petri
It is located 26 km from Yalta, so it is better to get there by cable car "Miskhor-Ai-Petri". In a closed carriage to go no more than 15 minutes. From the height of the mountain opens a delightful panorama, and on the slopes are equipped with places for recreation and points of catering.
Swallow's Nest
Photo: enelene. Source: Pixabay
The calling card of the peninsula, which everyone who arrives here for the first time is keen to look at. It was originally a wooden dacha for a Russo-Turkish War general, and over time has evolved into a small stone castle on a cliff. Perhaps the most popular point for photo shoots in Crimea.
Yalta Mountain Forest Nature Reserve
It is located between Foros and Gurzuf, occupying an area of 15 hectares. Here are dense coniferous forests, mountain massifs, relict groves of juniper, alpine meadows and other natural landscapes of the peninsula.
Yusupov Palace
The complex belongs to the Presidential Property Management Department and is a closed territory. You can see it only as part of an organised tour. Despite the fact that since its construction it has belonged to various famous personalities, up to our days has survived almost in pristine condition.
Yalta Film Studio
This is where the famous Soviet films "The Caucasian Captive", "The Man from Capuchin Boulevard" and others were shot. You can also visit the now defunct film studio by signing up for an excursion in advance.
Marble Cave
The largest in Crimea, opened on the Chatyr-Dag plateau in 1987. Several halls amaze with man-made and natural objects, such as stalagmites, stalactites, columns, roses carved from stone on the walls, fairy-tale characters, Stalactite Forest. Walking here is completely safe, as there are hiking trails for visitors.
Vorontsov Palace and Park Complex
Photo: Konstantin Dyadyun. Source: Unsplash
Located near the foot of Ai-Petri mountain. Five buildings combine different styles - pseudo-Moorish, neo-Gothic, English. The buildings are connected by passages, staircases and courtyards. The palace looks organically against the background of the surrounding landscape and is available to visit every day.
Temple of the Sun
Another interesting natural object, which is also called the Crimean Stonehenge. Huge boulders 8-10 metres in diameter form a kind of construction with an altar in the centre. The age of the stones - about 160 million years, and to this day neither travellers nor scientists can not solve the purpose of this place for the ancient inhabitants.
This is an unfinished list of places around the city that we recommend visiting. In fact, it is much wider and includes natural beauties, museums, monuments and much more. And, of course, the rushing mountain rivers and the waterfalls on them are important among the peninsula's tourist attractions.
When travelling to Yalta, plan a few days for sightseeing. Start with the Uchan-Su Waterfall, and then choose to visit natural beauty and man-made sites. Mountains, sea, gorges, embankments, palaces, parks, waterfalls and much more surprise and mesmerise. It is not for nothing that those who have come to Yalta at least once are keen to visit here again.
