Features of the route "Cave cities of Crimea"
Contents
According to our unofficial classification the route “Cave Cities of Crimea” is not difficult. Indeed, the mileage here is small (less than 10 km per day), and the elevation difference is also relatively small (on average 300 meters per day, instead of 600 on other routes). The route passes through a fairly populated area - if necessary, you can get out to “civilization” in just a couple of hours.
That is why we recommend “Cave Cities” for beginner tourists who are not confident in their own abilities, for groups with children, etc. However, even such a simple route has some features that I must warn you about.
When to go to "Cave Cities".
Since the altitudes here are low, the climate here is much warmer than on our other routes. Spring comes here earlier. Already in March, when there is still snow on the high mountains, fresh grass is already breaking through and flowers are blooming. Autumn here is also very pleasant: warm and delicious. Wild (or feral) apples, pears, dogwoods, and grapes ripen.
So, the ideal time for hiking in cave cities is April, May, early June and September-October. What about in the summer?
Heat.
From mid-June until the end of summer it is very hot here. The merciless sun white-hot the valleys surrounded by low mountains. One can only dream of a fresh sea breeze - only the hot wind carefully dries the streams of sweat flowing down the body. The only salvation is water.
Fortunately, there are bodies of water along the route almost every day. These are the rivers Kacha and Belbek, lakes in front of Mangup and in Fifth Balka. They are not too deep, but so fresh and cool:)
The proximity of civilization.
On this route we pass through populated areas several times. On the one hand, this is very convenient - if necessary, you can buy more food, or just treat yourself to ice cream. On the other hand, the proximity and accessibility of “civilization” can prevent immersion in a camp mood. Therefore, if unity with nature is important to you, you should not go to every stall you come across and turn your trip into shopping.