Orta-Syrt Yaila
Orta-Syrt is the smallest in area of all the Crimean highlands, a kind of small mountain plateau on the border of the Simferopol and Biloghir districts. The Crimean Tatar name means "middle ridge": it lies exactly in the middle between Dovgorukivska, Karabi-yaila and Tirke-yaila, so it is convenient to jump to the neighboring massifs from here.
The height ranges from 900 meters in the north to 1000 in the south, the highest point is Mount Yuke-Tepe (1025 m). Despite its modest size, 5 caves and almost a hundred karst sinkholes are hidden here, and during the Second World War, the headquarters of the Crimean partisans and the Small Partisan Airfield stood on the hill.
The main caveat concerns water: there are practically no permanent watercourses on the plateau, even the southern springs dry up in the summer. The nearest reliable water is the Burulcha River, so fill up a flask in advance.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Yayla Horta-Syrt?
This is the smallest in terms of area of all the Crimean fields - a kind of mountain plateau-baby between the neighboring massifs. The name from Crimean Tatar means "middle ridge", because it lies right in the middle between other yails.
What is its height?
In the north, the plateau is about 900 m, and to the south it rises to 1000 m. The highest point is Mount Yuke-Tepe (1025 m), there is also the peak of Doz (912 m) and an unnamed height of 951 m.
Where is it located and what is nearby?
On the border of Simferopol and Biloghir districts, between the Burulchi River and its tributaries Suat. Neighbors are Dovhorukivska (Subatkan), Karabi-yayla and Tirke-yayla, so it is convenient to jump to the neighboring massifs from here.
What is interesting to see?
Despite its modest size, there are 5 caves and 92 karst sinkholes hiding on the island - there is a place for speleologists to dig in. And this is also a historical place: during the Second World War, the headquarters of the Crimean partisans and the Small Partisan Airfield were located here.
What should you know about water?
Almost nothing good: there are practically no watercourses on the plateau, even the southern springs dry up in the summer. The nearest reliable water is the Burulcha River, so fill up the flask in advance.
Tours visiting this place
Reports from these routes
It was clear even before the start of the hike that the route would be interesting and difficult. We had to follow guerrilla paths and cross Karabi-yayla with its “lunar…
What's there to love about hiking? This question is asked by many people who do not understand at all how it is possible to happily walk all day with a backpack, not take a shower…
Demerdzhi, Kara-Tau, Likon, Dzhurla, Dzhur-Dzhur, Chatyr-Dag, Karabi-Yayla, Ayu-Dag, Chigenitra, Suat, Suuk-Su, Ai-Alexiy and much..., much more... this is not a complete list of…
Where did the Orient Express go on June 20, 2010? We always spend our holidays actively, not for the first time we have been gazing at the mountains, caves, waterfalls, ruined walls…
The most important thing about the trip July 18-23, 2010 "Orient Express". You know, I have loved adventure novels since childhood. Reading the works of such classics as Jules…
Route “Orient Express” Crimea, June 5-10, 2011 For those who are hesitant to go hiking, don’t hesitate – go! And it doesn’t matter how old you are - 20 or 60. You will have fun in…
Review of the "Orient Express" hike September 12-17, 2010 Two weeks later, after I returned from the hike, I found time to write about this unforgettable, fantastic, magnificent…
Route "Orient Express" Crimea, May 1-6, 2013 I am writing a review two weeks later, and my thoughts still return to these days. Those who still doubt, put all doubts aside, and…
Hi all! It’s winter outside, but in my soul there are pleasant memories of the hike, a lot of photographs, contacts of new friends and an indelible tan obtained while passing…
The hike begins from the station: and if entering it in your hometown, the hike may seem distant and unrealistic, then when you get off the train and meet the members of your group,…
Trek “Orient Express” Crimea, May 1-6, 2013. First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the organizers of the hike for developing such a wonderful website as…