Travel to the heart of the Bakhchisarai region of Crimea to the famous cave city Eski Kermen - this is not just an excursion, but a real adventure that requires the preparation of a vehicle. Getting here in an ordinary passenger car with low ground clearance will be extremely difficult, and in rainy weather it will be completely impossible. The route runs through picturesque but difficult dirt roads that test the vehicle's strength.
In this article we will analyze in detail the logistics of the trip, choose the optimal starting point and discuss the technical nuances of overcoming the Crimean off-road. You'll find out why GPS navigator can fail you in a dense forest and which coordinates are better to enter into your phone in advance. A trip to Eski Kermen by car is possible, but requires respect for nature and your car.
Choosing a starting point: where to leave the car
The most common and relatively easy route starts from the village of Krasny Mak. This is where the national park barrier is located, behind which the accessible area begins. However, it is worth considering that the road from the barrier to the foot of the mountain is a classic primer with rocks and ruts.
The second start option is from the village of Bogatyr. This path is considered more difficult for passenger cars, as the climb is steeper and the surface is often washed out. If you are not confident in the capabilities of your car, it is better not to take risks and choose the first option, leaving your vehicle at the entrance to the protected area.
The third, most extreme option, involves moving from the direction of the village of Mashino. Here the road passes through forested areas and requires excellent knowledge of the area. For the average tourist who just wants to look at the ruins, this route can be an ordeal that will take several hours instead of the planned thirty minutes.
⚠️ Attention: Park employees are often on duty at the entrance to Krasny Mak. Make sure you have paid the environmental fee, otherwise further travel will be prohibited and you will have to turn around.
You should not rely only on paper maps, as trails in Crimea may change after landslides or forest work. Use modern offline maps, where the tracks for jeeps are marked. This will help avoid situations when the road suddenly runs into an impassable windfall or a steep cliff.
Road surface condition and vehicle requirements
The road to Eski Kermen is not an asphalt road, but a technical passage that is rarely maintained. The surface consists of clay, crushed stone and large boulders. In dry summer weather, thick dust rises here, which can clog air filter in a matter of kilometers.
During the off-season, the clay base turns into a viscous mess. A passenger car with front-wheel drive has a high chance of getting stuck within the first kilometer. For confident passage you need four-wheel drive and ground clearance of at least 200 millimeters.
- 🚙 Ground clearance: The minimum clearance under the bottom should allow you to overcome stones 15-20 cm high without the risk of damaging the crankcase.
- ⚙️ Drive: Differential locks or off-road stability control are highly recommended.
- 🛞 Rubber: Road tires (“slicks” or “rain tires”) will ensure that you wait for many hours for a tow truck; You need a “toothy” off-road tire.
If you rented a car in Crimea, carefully re-read the rental agreement. Most companies strictly prohibited exit from asphalt roads. Damage sustained on the climb to Eski Kermen can cost you the value of your entire car or a huge amount of compensation.
Navigation and working coordinates
The main problem when traveling to Eski Kermen is the lack of a stable cellular signal in forest areas. Online navigators like Yandex.Navigator can take a long time to search for satellites or lead you along non-existent paths. Therefore, preparation offline maps required.
Enter the coordinates of the main parking lot in front of the barrier in Red Poppy: 44.6386, 33.8654. This is a safe point to park your car if you don't want to take any risks. For those traveling further, the key point is the fork at the base of the mountain where the hiking trail begins.
Use applications like OsmAnd or Maps.me after downloading maps of Crimea. These applications are best visible trails and tracks, posted by other users. Focus on tracks with high ratings and fresh comments.
| Waypoint | Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude) | Coverage type | Directions for cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Village Krasny Mak (entrance) | 44.6386, 33.8654 | Asphalt/Gravel | Free |
| Park barrier | 44.6350, 33.8600 | Soil | Only after payment |
| Parking at the foot | 44.6320, 33.8550 | Clay/Stones | 4x4 only |
| Beginning of the trail (trail No. 5) | 44.6310, 33.8520 | Forest path | Impassable |
Do not try to take shortcuts through fields or forests while following other vehicles. In Crimea, this often results in a convoy of cars stuck in a traffic jam on a narrow path, waiting for the jeep in front to get out of the hole. It’s better to lose 10 minutes, but go along a proven route.
Seasonal travel features
The time of year dictates its own rules of the game. In the summer, in July and August, the road to Eski Kermen is a dusty rut. Dust builds up in a column, visibility decreases, and fluff and insects fill the radiator, which can cause engine overheating when driving at low speeds.
In autumn and spring the situation changes dramatically. The clay becomes slippery like soap. Even experienced jeepers sometimes skid on inclines. At this time of year, traffic on ordinary cars is practically paralyzed. If you come in the off-season, it is better to leave the car in the village and walk about 3-4 kilometers.
☑️ Checklist for preparing a car for a trip to Eski Kermen
In winter, the passage may be officially closed due to snowfall and ice. Snow lies in the mountains for a long time, and equipment does not always have time to clear forest roads. In addition, in winter there is a high probability of encountering wild animals on the trail or being caught in sudden fog.
⚠️ Attention: In summer there is a high fire danger. Smoking in a car with the window open or stopping in dry grass can cause a fire. In a protected area this can result in huge fines and criminal liability.
Alternative lifting methods
If your car does not meet the cross-country ability requirements, this is not a reason to refuse to visit Eski Kermen. There are several proven ways to get to your goal without the risk of damaging your car. The most popular of them is jeeping tours.
Many local companies offer transfer services using prepared jeeps or ATVs. This is a safe and comfortable option that allows you to enjoy the views while an experienced driver overcomes obstacles. You will reach the very top or the point closest to the entrance to the plateau.
You can also consider taking a taxi from Bakhchisarai, but here it is important to agree with the driver in advance. Not every taxi driver will agree to go on a dirt road, fearing for the suspension. Typically, such trips are paid at double rates or hourly with waiting.
- 🏍️ ATVs: Ideal for single travelers or couples, they allow you to get through where your car might get stuck.
- 🚙 Jeep tour: Group trip, often including visits to other cave cities (Chufut-Kale, Mangup).
- 🚶 Hiking: The most reliable method, independent of technology. Takes about 40-50 minutes at a moderate pace from the Red Poppy.
Why shouldn't you drive a rented car?
Renting a car in Crimea usually involves a ban on operation off paved roads. Even if you take out “full insurance” (Super CDW), it often does not cover damage caused by driving off the pavement. Underbody damage, a broken crankcase, or getting stuck in mud will be considered a breach of contract, and you may be charged the full cost of repairs plus compensation for vehicle downtime.
Parking and car safety
The issue of parking near Eski Kermen is acute, since there are no organized parking lots with security and barriers directly at the foot. Cars are usually parked along the side of the road or in improvised areas that drivers have driven themselves.
Leaving a car with valuables inside in a deep forest is a bad idea. Although local residents keep order, the risk of theft or damage (for example, if large equipment passes by) remains. Take everything valuable with you or hide it in the trunk until you arrive.
When parking, try not to block the passage of other cars. The road is narrow, and passing two jeeps sometimes requires masterly skill. If you see that there is a car in front, it is better to park behind it, leaving room for maneuver.
Take photos of the parking area and surrounding landmarks (trees, rocks, poles). In a dense forest, all the trees are alike, and finding your car after a long walk in the heat can be difficult.
Don't forget about the reserve's operating hours. It is prohibited to leave your car overnight in an unauthorized place. If you plan to watch the sunrise on Eski Kermen, find out the rules for night visiting in advance or choose a campsite in a permitted area.
What to take with you on the road
Traveling by car to a remote site requires a certain amount of autonomy. Even if you're only planning a short trip, having a basic set of tools and gear can save the day. First of all, we are talking about navigation and connections.
In addition to your phone with maps, take a paper map or screenshots of the route. In the forest, the phone may be discharged and the signal may disappear. It is also a good idea to carry a supply of water with you, especially if you are traveling in the summer, when it can be very hot in the car.
- 💧 Water: A minimum of 5 liters of technical water (in case the radiator boils) and drinking water for people.
- 🔦 Lantern: A powerful LED flashlight, since it gets dark quickly in the forest, and you may have to return at dusk.
- 🔋 Powerbank: Capacious external battery for charging your navigator and phone.
⚠️ Attention: Don't rely on "maybe". In Crimea, there are often areas where mobile communications are available only on the tops of the mountains. Tell family or friends the approximate time of your return.
If you have the opportunity, take a shovel and rope with you. In mud or sand, these items become the most valuable. Even if you don’t know how to use them, there may always be other tourists nearby who need your help, or who will help you.
The main secret to a successful trip is a sober assessment of the car’s capabilities. If in doubt, it is better to leave the car in the village and walk, saving your nerves and budget.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to get to Eski Kermen in a regular car (sedan)?
In dry weather, experienced drivers sometimes drive high-clearance sedans (such as the Renault Logan Stepway) to the point where the steep climb begins. However, the risk of damaging the bumper or getting stuck in a rut is very high. To guarantee passage, you need an SUV with all-wheel drive.
Are there any gas stations along the route?
There are no gas stations directly on the route to Eski Kermen. The last gas station is located in Bakhchisarai or on the Simferopol-Sevastopol highway. You need to refuel in advance, as fuel consumption increases significantly off-road.
How long does it take to get from the barrier to the trailhead?
By SUV, driving from the barrier in Red Mak to the parking lot at the foot takes about 15-20 minutes at a relaxed pace. This section can be covered on foot in 40-50 minutes.
Do I need to pay to enter by car?
Yes, the territory is part of the Bakhchisarai forestry or national park. There is a barrier at the entrance where you must pay an environmental fee. The amount may vary, so have cash with you.
Does the navigator work without the Internet on this route?
Yes, if you have previously downloaded maps of the region in the application (OsmAnd, Google Maps, Yandex.Maps). The GPS/GLONASS satellite signal is received well in the forest, but data transmission over the network is completely absent.