Orta-sirt
Orta-Syrt is the smallest in area of the Crimean mountains, sandwiched between the giants of Dolgorukivska and Karabi-yaila. The Turkic name means "middle ridge", and the plateau really sits right in the middle of the eastern highlands.
The karst plateau: about a hundred lairs and several caves, including Samolyotna and Golubiny grotto. The height increases from north to south, from about 900 to over 1000 meters, the highest point being Yuke Tepe. A convenient intermediate point if you go for a long day through the Eastern Yails.
A place with a memory: during the war, there was a base of the Crimean partisans here, traces of the headquarters and a small partisan airfield remain. It is most comfortable here in late spring and summer, because in winter the open plateau blows through.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Horta-Syrt?
This is the smallest yayla (mountain plateau-pasture) of the Crimean Mountains in terms of area. The name is translated from Turkic as the middle ridge - because it really is sandwiched between the neighbors Dolgorukivska and Karabi-yaila, next to Tirke.
Where is it and what is its height?
On the border of the Simferopol and Biloghir districts of Crimea. The height increases from north to south: from about 900 m to 1000 m, the highest point is Yuke Tepe (1025 m), there is also Mount Doz (912 m).
What is interesting about this place for a tourist?
Karst relief: about 92 watering holes and 5 caves, among them Samolojtna and Golubiny grotto (Kulugun-koba). A convenient intermediate point between large farms if you are going for a long day in the eastern highlands.
Is there anything historical here?
Yes. There was a base of Crimean partisans in Veliky Vitchyznyan: the headquarters of the 1942 movement and the Small Partisan Airfield. At the height of 1025 there is a partisan cannon in memory of the battles of the same year.
When is the best time to go?
Like all Crimean yayls, it is most comfortable in late spring and summer, when there are no fogs and snow. In winter, the open plateau at an altitude of about a kilometer is subject to winds, so prepare according to the weather, not the calendar.