Chatyr-Dag, the plateau silhouette one of symbols of Crimea that
can be seen from various distances and points of region. Plato is
full of coast caves, mines, wells and downfalls. More than 160
different objects are placed near cost and most worth full of them
is Marble cave discovered by accident in 1987. The cave is equipped
with necessary equipment and opened for tourist visits in 2001. The
entrance in cave is 920 a.m.s.l. and cave consists of three main
sections: Upper and Lower gallery and “Tiger” walkway
(Tigrovy vxod). Stalactites and stalagmites divide galleries in
different large halls. Total discovered length of cave walkway is
2050m, but only 1km is equipped and opened for tourists. The lower
gallery is proclaimed as highly protected nature reserve and is
closed for tourists, only research and scientific work is allowed.
Despite the fact that lower gallery is closed for visits it is
still one of 5 most beautiful caves in the world and it is sad that
this beauty is closed for tourists.
Information from locals and employees tells that roads to cave
are accessible during whole year, but my personal experience tells
that in winter season road’s snow plowing is not carried out.
During my visit in November 2003, I had to leave my car
approximately 3km from the cave and rest of distance I hiked
through 30cm thick snow. Later on we got knew that we were first
visitors in last 2 weeks, by this I want to tell you that winter is
not the best season to visit this place.
The entrance fee is 70 hryven ( ~7 eur), hiketime in cave ~1.5
hours, humidity in caves up to 90%.
Small note on cache maintenance: milyenko has
graciously offered to help. Thanks!
FTF:!!! sominens and Richus from Latvia!!!