Want to see the "flying water"? This is how the name of one of the most famous waterfalls in Crimea is translated. Find out where it is and how to get to Uchan-Su, as well as when is the best time to visit it.
Handsome Uchan-Su is hiding in the southwestern spurs of the Ai-Petrinskaya yayla, at an altitude of almost 400 m above sea level. Water rushes from a 98-meter ledge and, hitting limestone rocks, breaks into a myriad of sparkling splashes. It seems that it does not fall, but really flies!
The mesmerizing spectacle of a powerful mountain stream can be seen not all year round, but only in spring, autumn or after heavy rains. Summer in Crimea is dry, so the huge waterfall almost dries up. In winter, there is not much water either - it will not impress! True, in especially cold years, the waterfall freezes and turns into beautiful ice pillars.
The Uchan-Su waterfall has two cascades. On the ledge is a small stone structure with an eagle at the top, spreading its wings. This is an old water intake pavilion, to which tourists used to climb. Now the road to the gazebo is closed, as the stairs are in disrepair. Surprisingly, Uchan-Su feeds Yalta with water. From here, the purest mountain water flows into the Mogabinskoye reservoir.
The picturesque Uchan-Su river originates high in the mountains. It flows from a spring in a picturesque gorge. Lovers of trekking are happy to go up the trail to breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Find out more about the sights of Yalta.
How much is the passage to the waterfall
Since 1973, the waterfall has been part of a nature reserve. During the high season, you need to pay an environmental fee - 50 rubles, for children under 14 years old - free of charge. In other months, you can get to the waterfall completely free.
When is the best time to come to Uchan-Su in Crimea
In the summer, hundreds of excursion groups are brought to the waterfall, and there are always a lot of people at the foot. To admire the beauty of the Crimean nature without a crowd of people, come on weekdays - early in the morning or closer to sunset.
How to get to the Uchan-Su waterfall
The Uchan-Su waterfall is located 6 km west of the center of Yalta. You can get here by buses No. 8 and minibuses No. 30, which run several times a day from the Yalta bus station. Keep in mind that during the cold season, when there are few tourists, flights are rare.
If you are traveling by car, then you can get to the waterfall from Yalta like this - head along the South Coast Highway towards Sevastopol. There is a signpost at the turn to Uchan-Su. The last part of the path goes along the serpentine.
