This trip offers a combined trek through two of the most exciting natural reserves in the Balkan mountains: Kozyata Stena and Severen Dzhendem, as well as a visit to the Troyan Monastery. We climb Mount Botev – the highest peak in the Balkan Mountains (at 2,376 m, or 7,795 ft) and enjoy the imposing view of the low-lying Sredna Gora Mountains and the fertile Thracian Valley. After descending the extremely steep southern slope of the Balkan, known as "Tarzan's walkway", we visit the small town of Kalofer. The mountain huts lie like pearls on a thread with the walking paths in between. The trip ends in the town of Plovdiv, which is the second largest city in Bulgaria, still housing romantic remains of its old quarters.
Departure dates for 2010: 19 June; 10 July; 31 July; 14 August; 28 August; 11 September; 25 September
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Beklemeto Pass in the Balkan Mountains where we stay overnight (2,30hrs drive).
Day 2. A loop-like hike to Troyan pass continuing west after that to Kozyata Stena reserve and further to Haidushka pesen hut. From now on we have about 7 km to reach the village of Chiflik famous for its hot mineral springs and swimming pools. Transfer to the hotel on Beklemeto.
Uphill walk: 250 m, or 820 ft; downhill walk: 950 m, or 3,116 ft; walking time: about 5-6 hours
Day 3. After breakfast we head to Dermenka hut (1500m). Nice descent along the stream of Cherni Osam River through the Steneto Reserve is expecting us to the village of Cherni Osam. We will visit Troyan Monastery and the nearby museum of local crafts “Oreshaka”.
Uphill walk: 450 m (1,476 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); walking time: around 7-8 hours
Day 4. Walk along one of the new local eco-paths will bring us to Pleven hut (1504 m a.s.l.) where we stay overnight.
Uphill walk: 700 m (2,296 ft); downhill walk: 100 m (328 ft); walking time: 2-4 hours (depending on the extensions in the afternoon)
Day 5. From Pleven hut the path goes through a beech forest, reaching a place, called “Murgata”. Then it continues by the foothills of the “Milk Peak” to “Hristo Botev” refuge with great views to the majestic rocks of Northern Dzendem reserve (Dzendem means Hell) . From there we start climbing the highest peak of the Balkan Mountains - Mount Botev (2376 m a.s.l.). From the peak the track weaves among the rocky slopes of the mount (The Tarzan's path), providing excellent view to the precipice of the Southern “Dzhendem”. Then we continue to “Rai hut” passing by the Heavens Waterfall ("Raiskoto pruskalo").
Uphill walk: 1000 m (3,280 ft); downhill walk: 900 m (2952 ft); walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 6. We start on a nice panoramic trail through the rocky slopes of the Southern “Dzhendem” passing through many small streams and rock formation, followed by a walk through alpine meadows to “Vasil Levski” hut, where we stay overnight. Possible 20 minutes walk to the beautiful Karlovo praskalo waterfall.
Uphill walk: 600 m (1,968 ft); downhill walk: 450 m (1,476 ft); walking time: about 5 hrs
Day 7. Today we walk downstream the picturesque valley of Stara river proclaimed for a natural reserve. We pass by two other huts enroute and end the trek in Karlovo town (birthpalce of Vasil Levski - the most Bulgarian famous revolotionery during Ottoman rule). Option for a swim in the river under the beautiful Suchurum waterfall near Karlovo. Transfer to the city of Plovdiv, where we stay overnight.
Uphill walk: 0 m; downhill walk: 100 m (3,280 ft); walking time: 4 hrs
Day 8. Transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv airport for departure (2hrs drive).
Accomodation and food: 3-star hotels (days 1, 2 & 3) and guesthouse (day 7) with private facilities and mountain huts (days 4, 5 & 6) with shared facilities on HB (breakfast & dinner included). Lunchpacks are included for the mountain treks during the days 5, 6 & 7.
Tour dificulty: moderate/difficult
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation and boarding as mentioned above
- Transfer to/from Sofia and Plovdiv
- English-speaking guide
- Luggage and private transfers throughout the tour
- VAT and all local taxes.
Price Excludes:
- Map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour)
- Tips, alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses.
Single room supplement: 75 euro.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Bulgaria
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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