Balkan Mountains Walk
All content by World Expeditions
A delightful walk to discover the traditional villages and timeless countryside of Bulgaria
The Balkan Mountains offer keen walkers a series of trails through a diverse landscape that is dotted with tiny villages that brim with traditional hospitality. A land where time stands still evidenced by the old water mills that are still in operation and the use of centuries old methods to produce local specialties such as "rakia" (brandy), wild berry jams and Balkan brine cheese. Surrounding the villages are immense beech forests, alpine meadows carpeted with flowers, high ridges with endless views and lush river valleys. During this week long self guided walk there is ample opportunity to experience these highlights while on foot while at night you'll soak up the warm welcome in specially chosen hotels and guesthouses.
Highlights
- Central Balkans National Park (716 sq. km) - One-third of the Park’s territory comprises nine reserves, four of them - Boatin, Tsarichina, Steneto and Dzhendema are part of the world Biosphere Reserves Network under the UNESCO “Man and Biosphere” Program.
- Glozhene Monastery was built in the 13-th century by the Ukrainian prince Glozh, housing an icon said to be 1000 years old.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Sofia, transfer to hotel
On arrival at Sofia Airport you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight accommodation. The remainder of the day is free for personal exploration of the city.
Day 2 Transfer to Etropole Monastery, walk to Cherni Vit and transfer to Divchovoto (5hrs)
This morning you will be transferred to Etropole monastery – 90 km. The monastery, surrounded by old forest, is one of the most important spiritual centers in medieval Bulgaria. Next to the cloister there is a beautiful waterfall. Transfer to Yamna. The path follows the ridge over the village and descends to the outskirts of the village of Cherni Vit. The transfer car waits here to bring you to the Kordela hut near Divchovoto village. Walking distance: 17km; walking time: about 5hrs; uphill walk: 400m; downhill walk: 600m
Day 3 Explore the beech forest in Boatin Reserve, overnight Ribaritsa village (3.5-4hrs)
This morning you embark on arguably the most adventurous part of the trip. The track passes through century-old beech forests in the Boatin Reserve (at 825m), reaching a high point at 1,080m after an hour of gentle ascent. From there, it descends over the other side of the hill, reaching a forestry road that leads to the region of Kostina, where one of Bulgaria's national heroes (Georgi Benkovski) was killed by the Turks. You can have lunch there. From this point you walk 3km along a peaceful asphalt road amongst gardens, meadows, villas and houses, arriving in the village of Ribaritsa, where you stay overnight (at 545m). Walking distance: 10.5km; walking time: about 3.5-4hrs; uphill walk: 250m; downhill walk: 530m
Day 4 Ridge walk along 'Debeli Dial' above Ribaritsa and return to hotel (4.5hrs)
After breakfast we have a transfer to the ski resort of Borovets (1,350m). Today you walk along Debeli Dial, the ridge surrounding Ribaritsa from the north and climb its highest peak Debeli dial (1150m). The path continues to Vasiliov Hut, but before that, you will turn right descending down the Osenovia Rat ridge on the upper section of Ribaritsa, which is actually the longest village in the country (12km long). On the way back to your hotel you have the opportunity to observe the way of life of local people and to enjoy the atmosphere of a typical Balkan mountain village. Walking distance: 14km; walking time: around 4.5hrs; uphill walk: 400m; downhill walk: 400m
Day 5 Transfer to Teteven, at leisure to visit the sights or option to walk to a nearby peak (4hrs)
In the morning you will be transferred to the neighboring town of Teteven (located at 415 m, and some 6 km from Ribaritsa). From the town you walk to Cherven Peak – the easternmost of the three peaks raised above the northern side of Teteven. The path ascends through broad leaf forests and vast meadows to the rocks of Cherven Peak, offering a superb panoramic view over the town of Teteven and the valley of Beli Vit River. From there you take the new eco-path leading to Babintsi village and further down to Teteven. Later there will be time for sightseeing and shopping. There are some interesting sites in the town which are well worth visiting – like the historical museum, the Vsiah Sveti church (and the chapel next to it); the St. Ilia Monastery built in the 14th Century; the picture-gallery in the centre of the town etc. An optional afternoon walk to the picturesque waterfalls Skoka (The Jump). Walking distance: 13km; uphill walk: 700m; downhill walk: 700 m
Day 6 Walk to Lesidren village (4hrs)
Today you follow the path between Teteven and Lesidren village moving amidst lush forest and meadows. Overnight in Lesidren. Walking distance:15km; uphill 650m; downhill walk: 700m
Day 7 Transfer to Saeva Dupka Cave, walk to Glozhene Monastery and to Goliam Izvor (4hrs)
This morning you will be transferred to the cave "Saeva dupka", following which a further transfer takes you to the village of Glozhene. From here a short trek through the beech wood delivers you to Glozhene Monastery, where you can see the 1000¬year-old icon of St. George. From the monastery you will come across a dirt road leading to the pass between Goliam Izvor village and Teteven, and then following the quiet road, you reach Goliam Izvor. Stay overnight in Goliam Izvor village (450m). Walking distance: 13km; walking time: about 4hrs; uphill: 400m; downhill walk: 350m
Day 8 Transfer to Sofia, trip concludes
Transfer to Sofia Airport for departure (1.5 hrs drive).
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of a mixture of local and international dishes.
- 6 nights in simple family hotels with private facilities (days 1-6), 1 night guesthouse with shared facilities (day 7)
- Luggage transfers and transfers where specified during the walk
- Map and detailed road book
- Private transfers to/from Sofia airport
- Local back-up and emergency phone number
Summary
- HOTEL, GUESTHOUSE, B&B
Trip Main Activities
- SELF GUIDED WALK
Group Size Min
Group Size Max
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Rucksack (35L); 3-season walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information given to you on booking.
What You Carry
You will carry a daypack with everything you require for the day only.
Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$1,020
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
Contact World Expeditions customer serviceAdvertisement
Advertisement
