Karaul-Oba

Karaul-Oba is a low mountain above the village of Novy Svit, within the botanical reserve of the same name. The name is translated as "watchman's hill", and the height here is a modest 342 meters, but the mountain is made up of reef limestones that have weathered into bizarre rocks, arches and a chaos of ruins.

Despite its small stature, the place is full: here is the famous "Golitsyn's chair", carved simply in the stone on the viewing platform, and an archaeological complex of national importance with traces of ancient settlements. Walking along the paths between the rocks is more interesting than many much higher peaks.

The mountain stands between Novy Svit and the village of Vesele, about 2 km from the village. The routes here are narrow and rocky in places, so comfortable shoes and caution on scree will not hurt.