Trail Trekking Plovdiv

About
We will spend the day walking around the beautiful nature of the Rhodope mountains. Our journey will take place in the Red Wall reserve - the biggest biosphere reserve in the region, which has diverse flora and fauna. Highlights
• 30 km from Plovdiv
• See the second largest Monastery in Bulgaria
• Enjoy the beauty of the Bulgarian nature
• the Ossuary dating back to the 12th century
• Outdoor picnic

Description

We will spend the day walking around the beautiful nature of the Rhodope mountains. Our journey will take place in the Red Wall reserve - the biggest biosphere reserve in the region, which has diverse flora and fauna.
Our first stop will be the Bachkovo Monastery “Assumption of the Holy Virgin” built in 1083. It is the second largest in Bulgaria and preserves the Miraculous icon of the Mother of God.


The path leading to the waterfall is next to the monastery and around 20 minutes we will be at the spot. However, prior to it, we will visit the Ossuary, one of a kind in the Eastern Orthodoxy. Still-preserved frescoes, dating back to the 12th century, can be seen here.

And, next is the waterfall itself. It is 15 meter in height and was formed out of a karst fault, with several of its water branches. We will stop for some photos here. Further along, a picturesque view of the Rhoodope mountains is revealed to us.
Alongside the path is the so-called ayazmo, which is a water source, near a sacred for the Christians place, for example a temple or a monastery. It is believed that the Icon fell at this place and water sprung after that.
About 2km to the east of the monastery is the Kluvia – the area where the Miraculous icon of Virgin Mary was found. The word kluvia has Greek origin and means cage . Which describes well the cave niche where the Icon was first discovered. According to the legend, the monks hid the Icon there, in order to keep it safe from the invading Ottoman empire.
Not far from it, is the small “St Archangels Chapel. Each year, on Easter Monday, there is a procession with the Icon from Bachkovo Monastery to the chapel, where a liturgy is held and the Icon “sleeps”for one night. On the next day, it is brought back to the monastery.
After this interesting walk we will have a picnic at one of the meadows along the path.
On our way back to Plovdiv, we can spend some time shopping at the food and craft stalls, where you can buy homemade jams or different handmaid products.

About
Go on a short walking adventure through Karlovo see the beauty of Central Balkan Park, the valley of Sredna Gora. Walk along the Great River to the Turtle Peak and enjoy the fresh air and beauty of the Balkan nature. Highlights
· See the “Great River”
· Walk around the beautiful nature of Central Balkan Park
· See the “Karlovsko Praskalo” waterfall
· Look down from the Turtle peak
· Enjoy a nice traditional meal in one of Central Balkan Park’s hut restaurants
Description
From Plovdiv we will travel to the town of Karlovo, where - if there is time and desire - we can look at Renaissance houses, emblematic churches, the Sukhumor Falls, several nice pubs, and the Cross, with a marvelous view of the city, the valley and the Sredna Gora. From there we enter Central Balkan Park to start our hike in Bulgaria's Stara Reka Reserve and the picturesque gorge of the river.

From Stara Reka it’s about 2 hours and 30 minutes to the Balkan Hut Hubavets (964 m), situated at the waters of the Little River and the Big River, amidst a splendid beech forest.
We continue walking along the Great River and for about an hour we arrive at our next destination Balkan roses(1100m). Shortly after, we will enjoy a series of beautiful water puddles and ponds called Kazanite, as well as a wonderful view of the Turtle peak, and after an hour we reach Hut Levski (1450 m). 15 minutes’ walk from the hut is the waterfall "Karlovsko praskalo" with a height of 26 meters.We will be hiking along extremely beautiful coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests, amidst a unique landscape and rich fauna and flora; we will be crossing the river many times over fairy-tale bridges.
Our hiking in Bulgaria takes us to a Hut restaurant where only in the summer season are open.

About
An adventure through the middle Stara Planina, take the lift and see the beautiful views from up high. Walk through the town of Sopot and see the house museum of Ivan Vazov a Bulgarian novelist and poet. Highlights
· Take the lift from the start up to the Middle Stara Planina
· See one of the emblematic peaks in Balkan Mountains
· See the Sopot monastery
· Panoramic views from Middle Stara Planina Description
We start by a short transfer from Plovdiv to Sopot (65 km), it’s about an hour from Plovdiv.
Once we reach Sopot we will be taking the chair lift and overcoming a displacement of 832 m in 22 minutes as we reach the intermediate station in the area of Pochivaloto (1389 m) from there to hut Dobrila (1800 m) it will take us an hour and 30 minutes Ambaritsa peak is one of the emblematic peaks in the Balkan Mountains and its panoramic views are exceptional.


On our way back from the Ambartisa peak we will be able to see the town of Sopot, it’s a town situated in the fertile sub-Balkan mountain valley of Karlovo, and it’s the western part for the famous Valley Rose. We can take a stroll through the town and see the Sopot monastery "St. Spas",
also the craft center of Sopot and the house museum of Ivan Vazov the Bulgarian poet and novelist.
When we finish with our tour we will be heading back to Plovdiv.

About
This 3-day program takes us to the Rhodope mountains’ area of Belintash, famous for its Belintash Rock Formation. The terrain is not difficult, and our route follows the established tourist trails – the hike is around 6 hours long and includes a couple of relatively steep sections. No prior hiking experience is required, but a decent physical condition is recommended for this trek. The best time to take this trip is from April to November. Highlights
• 2 full days of walking in the beautiful and green Rhodope Mountains
• Visit the old Thracian sanctuaries of Belintash and Karadzov Kamuk
• Explore the Red Wall Reserve and the second biggest monastery in Bulgaria – Bachkovo Monastery Itinerary Day 1
We meet-up at the city of Assenovgrad, located at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains, about 2 hours away from Sofia and only 20 km away from Bulgaria’s second largest city – Plovdiv. Assenovgrad is relatively small, but with a rich history – it is famous for its beautiful churches and the medieval Assenova Fortress. Bus transfer to the small village of Vrata in the afternoon. The next step of our tour - the ancient cult site of Belintash - is only a 40-minute drive away. We’ll be taking a tour around this 300-meter long rock formation, used in ancient times by the Tracian people for religious rituals and sacrificial gifts to their gods. Accommodation in the area, in a hotel or a guest house. Day 2
This day starts with a hike up to the Karadzhov Rock, the second rocky plateau used as a place for worship in the past., located across the valley from Belintash. While Belintash is relatively easy to access, the same cannot be said about Karadzhov. From there we descend down to Sushitsa River (Dry River) and through the Ryakata neighbourhood, only accessible by a 4 km dirt road. We go up to the ridge via a relatively steep trail, past Haidushki Kamuk, to Karadzhov Kamuk, located at an altitude of 1448 m. The path up to the top is made up of steps cut into the rock thousands of years ago by the Thracians. Nowadays this section is secured by railings, and reaching the top using the steps, with the view of the valley beneath us, makes for an exciting experience. We follow the mountain ridge from there to the Krastova Gora Monastery – a monastery that is not very old, but is popular among the local population. Our next stop is the village of Mostovo. Overnight in a guest house. Total amount of walking for the day: 6 hours; +600/750 m. Day 3
This day takes us through the Chervenata Stena (Red Wall) Reserve and down to the Bachkovo Monastery. The hike begins with a gradual ascent to Martsiganitsa Hut. From there we enter the Chervenata Stena Reserve – an area rich in rare and endangered plant species. It is named after the Chervenata Stena Summit, particularly its impressive west wall, which appears a bright red at sunset. Descent to the Bachkovo Monastery via small gorge with a few narrow sections. Visit to the Bachkovo Monastery –the second biggest in the country after the Rila Monastery. We can take a bus to Plovdiv or Sofia from there in the afternoon. Total amount of walking: 6 hours; +500/-900 m. The other possible option within the areais to drive past the Bachkovo Monastery and visit the biggest waterfall in the Rhodope mountains on foot – the Slivodolsko Padalo Waterfall. Total amount of walking: 2 hours. The price includes
• The services of a qualified and experienced mountain guide
• Two overnights at hotels or guest houses along the way Notes
This hiking excursion is suitable for groups of 4-10 people.
Required equipment:
hiking boots, rucksack (35-45 l), trekking poles, water and windproof jacket, rain cover, sun hat, sun lotion, sunglasses, water bottle (1 liter), torch, personal first aid kit.

About
This tour encompasses some of the Rhodope mountains’ most mysterious natural and archeological wonders. Starting from the Kardzhali area, we will explore the ancient Thracian sanctuaries of Tatul and Belintash, each unique in the territory of Bulgaria. We’ll hike through the Chervena Stena nature reserve and to the top of Mount Chervena Stena. We will visit the second largest and most significant monastery in Bulgaria – Bachkovo Monastery. Highlights
• Visit the ancient Thracian sanctuary of Tatul – unique in the territory of Bulgaria
• See the Belintash sanctuary – a mystical places that has baffled historians since its discovery
• Visit Bachkovo Monastery – the second largest in Bulgaria
• Hike through the Chervena Stena reserve


Description
Day 1
Your trip starts with a pick up from Sofia Airport. You will be transferred to the Kardzhali area to see the Thracian sanctuary of Tatul.

Tatul is considered one of the most fascinating and puzzling megalithic complexes in Bulgaria. The sanctuary itself is hand-carved into a rock massif, and the part of it that acts as a tomb is in the shape of a flat-topped pyramid – the only one of its kind in the country. The many objects found in the sanctuary date across several different time periods – from the Copper Age to Medieval times, meaning it was likely continuously used over a period of 5000 years. We will explore the sanctuary and learn more about its history and use.
Overnight at a beautiful hotel near Kardzhali. Day 2
After breakfast, we’ll go on a short drive to the trail leading up to the Womb cave. With a moderately steep ascent through a sparse forest and past a few gazebos, we will reach the fascinating cave.

The Womb is naturally-formed cave that was used as a Thracian sanctuary sometime around the 11th century BC. It resembles a human womb, and every day around 12 o’clock noon, the rays of the Sun shine through the opening of the cave, symbolizing the merging of the sun and the earth to create life.
We’ll go back the same way. From there we’ll drive for another 2-3 hours until we reach the spacious mountain plateau of Dobrostan, where our hike to Mount Red Wall begins. We’ll enter the eponymous reserve and with a light ascent through centuries-old pine forests, we’ll reach the peak (1501 m above sea level). The view from the top towards the valley of the Chaya river and the Bachkovo monastery is gorgeous. We’ll head back to the car and spend the night at the base of the Belintash area. Day 3
After breakfast we’ll begin a descent down the slopes of Belintash towards the picturesque valley of the Sushitsa river. Just up ahead, we’ll see the impressive Haiduktash rock formation.

Past it, we will go up a moderate slope towards the next sanctuary in our tour – Karadzhov Rock (1448 m above sea level). The eponymous rock formation takes the shape of a large rounded boulder caught between two imposing rocks. This was the site of religious rituals in pre-historic times. Numerous fragments of ceramic vessels have been discovered under the boulder, the oldest of which date back to the early Iron Age.
After we see the imposing rock, we will head back the same way towards the valley of the river, from where we will begin our ascent towards the third Thracian sanctuary for the day – Belintash. There is a powerful magnetic anomaly in the area that throws compasses off.
Belintash is the second largest Thracian sanctuary in Bulgaria and was likely used as a Solar observatory. The rocks have been carved into shapes resembling the heads of gods and animals. The head of the god Sabazios faces east, towards the rising sun. The nature of this sanctuary is steeped in legend and mystery, and historians have theorized about its significance for centuries. We will climb up the rocks to the top. The view from up there is breathtaking, with Haiduktash and Karadzhov Rock visible before us. From there we’ll drive to the Bachkovo Monastery area, where we will spend the night. Day 4
After breakfast, we will walk a short distance to the Bachkovo monastery – the second in size and significance only to the Rila monastery. We will explore the monastery complex and take in its tranquil atmosphere. After that, we will go on a short drive to the base of the cliff upon which Asen’s Fortress sits.

Asen's Fortress is a medieval structure built into the rocky ridge of the Rhodope mountains over the Asenitsa river. Parts of its walls remain intact, and there is a very preserved and still functioning church atop one of the ridges.
Once we have seen Asen’s Fortress, we will return to our car and drive south to the heart of the Rhodope mountains – the deep canyons of the inflows of the Vacha river. One of them – the Trigrad gorge – is near the Devil’s Throat cave, famous for having the highest underground waterfall in the Balkans and with its enormous main chamber. After exploring the cave, we will spend the night in the area. Day 5
In the morning after breakfast, we can visit Yagodina cave.
Yagodina cave is 250 million years old, notable for its intricate stalactites, stalagmites, stalagnates and its so called “pearls” – lime beads formed out of the minerals contained within drops of water that fall on the small rocks paving the cave floor. Its beauty and romantic atmosphere make it a popular attraction for couples, and wedding ceremonies are often performed in one of its chambers. It is said that couples that get married in this cave never separate.
This is the last stop of our tour. After, we will head back for Sofia.

About
This week-long hiking trip takes you through some of the most beautiful areas in the Rhodope and Rila mountains. From Plovdiv, the 2019 European Capital of Culture, to centuries-old monasteries and historic villages, to spectacular natural landmarks, among which are the Seven Rila Lakes and the Marvelous Bridges, it allows you to experience a bit of everything Bulgaria has to offer. Highlights
• Explore the oldest living city in Europe – Plovdiv
• Visit the two largest monasteries in Bulgaria – Bachkovo and Rila monasteries
• Experience Bulgarian history and culture at scenic rural villages like Gela, Shiroka Laka and Orehovo
• Delve into the stunningly beautiful Trigrad Gorge and the nearby Yagodina cave
• See natural landmarks such as the incredible Seven Rila Lakes and the Marvelous Bridges Description Day 1
After your arrival in Sofia you, will be transferred by a bus to one of the oldest European cities and second largest in the country – Plovdiv. Situated on 7 unique syenite hills, it is a cultural, historical and touristic centre. We’ll go sightseeing in the Old Town architectural reserve, including the Ancient Amphitheater, as well as a walk through one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe that is lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafes. The night will end with a traditional dinner at a Bulgaria restaurant. Day 2
The day begins with a short transfer (20 min) to Asenovgrad and Asen’s Fortress, overlooking the city from the picturesque cliffs above it. From here, we’ll be entering the Rhodope mountains. Bachkovo Monastery is only 10 minutes way by bus. It is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria, founded 1000 years ago. It takes an hour to reach the Marvelous Bridges (1450 m) – two natural rock bridges unique in size and beauty and towering over the Aidar Dere river, 1450 m above sea level amidst a pine forest. The size of the upper bridge is particularly imposing – 96 m long, with an impressive 43 by 45 m opening. The lower bridge is impassable, akin to a canyon in a cave. This is where our fairytale walk in the woods begins. The terrain around Skalni Mostove lodge becomes steeper towards Mezargidik Pass (1950 m) and the preserved parts of the ancient, almost 2000-year-old road. We’ll be following this road through the centuries old forests on the way to Persenk lodge. After a short break by the lodge, we’ll continue our moderate ascent towards Orehovo village, where we’ll be spending the night. Day 3
This day begins with a transfer to the Shiroka Laka architectural reserve. After exploring it, we’ll be transferred to Gela village (10 min), where the day’s hike begins. After leaving Gela, we’ll begin a light descent down a dirt road in a south-west direction towards the Kikezite area. A short, steep path followed by a nearly even forest path takes us to the beautiful area around Lednitsata lodge. From there we leave the forest path behind us and head through an old pine forest and gorgeous flower meadows. This moderately steep route leads us up the mountain’s crest to the entrance of a small scenic pass. From there, we’ll begin a descent down the spacious meadows covering the slopes of mount Karlak – the tallest and largest summit in the area, with a peak reaching 2188 m above sea level. We soon leave the main road and we begin a steep descent towards Mugla village, passing by a spring, a small forest-covered valley and a stream with about 10 small waterfalls, through fields and meadows. It is as if time has stopped here centuries ago. From Mugla’s ancient wooden minaret onward, the route suddenly begins to get steeper towards the mountain crest. Past the crest, the path goes down to open meadows surrounded by hills in all directions. A soft grassy path leads to the Chairi Lakes protected area. This is one of the most beautiful places in the Rhodopes – small lakes with bogged islands, on a plateau wreathed by hills, all possessing a sort of untouched beauty. It is worth spending more time here. On this day the bus will not stay with the group. Day 4
After leaving the Chairi lakes via a forest path between the lakes and along a collapsed bridge, we reach the Pierced Rock – a short picturesque tunnel. The road slopes gracefully through the black pines of the gorge of Chairska river. There are 11 km to the beginning of the Trigrad Gorge. From here on, the river valley narrows significantly, the slope becomes steeper and the route enters the most picturesque part of the Trigrad Gorge. The vertical cliffs are 8-10 m from each other and the path is carved into the cliff itself. After several dizzying turns, in the most narrow and deep up to 400 m part of the gorge, we’ll go out to a small parking lot at the entrance of the Devil’s Throat cave. We’ll enter the cave’s enormous chamber and see the 60 m tall underground waterfall. 1 km away from the cave is the village of Trigrad, from where we’ll go on a nice walk (2 km) down the forest road. This is followed by a modest climb (1,3 km) up the left slope of the gorge and a 6 km descent through a beautiful spruce forest and spacious meadows in the direction of Yagodina village. The view towards the surrounding canyons is breathtaking. Shortly before the village we cross a karst area dotted with ponors and whirpools and we start climbing to Mount St. Elijah, famous for its panoramic view and the vertical 600-meter-tall wall. From there we descend to the village and the place of accommodation. Day 5
The day begins with a walk to the Yagodina cave, which has, along with its fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, so called “pearls” formed out of the minerals contained within drops of water that fall on small rocks. The cave is well laid out and is to be explored with a tour guide in small groups. After exploring it, we’ll be transferred to the largest monastery in Bulgaria – Rila Monastery. We will tour the monastery and then we continue with a transfer to the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula – Rila Mountain. We’ll spend the night in a cozy hut near the lift that will take us to the Seven Rila Lakes in the morning. Day 6
Our morning starts with a short ride on the lift to the area of the Seven Rila Lakes, all named after the shape they resemble. From the upper lift station starts a moderately steep path to the Kidney lake, followed by the Eye and the Tear. Along the way, we’ll get to enjoy the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscapes. The terrain is entirely alpine. From there we will climb to the Razdela saddle and to the nearby Vazov / Damga peak (2670 m), where the beautiful panorama of Urdini lakes and their deep valley. We return to the lift past the other lakes, where a short transfer to Sofia awaits. Day 7
On our last day, with the time we have left, we’ll go on a short sightseeing trip around Sofia, followed by a drop-off at the airport. The price includes
• Professional guide
• Transfers along the route
• Accommodation in hotels and mountain lodges along the way Notes
This hiking trip requires a group of 6-15 people.
Bookings must be made a minimum of 2 months before the start of the trip.