Transbalkan Trek
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 mountain 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. You will be accompanied the whole time by a highly-trained English-speaking mountain guide.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(HK-9653-P) |
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accommodation in 3 star hotels, guesthouses and mountain huts |
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breakfast and dinner included |
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transfer to/from Sofia and Plovdiv |
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English-speaking guide |
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luggage and private transfers throughout the tour |
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VAT and all local taxes |
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Price Excludes |
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flights, map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), tips, alcohol drinks and other personal expenses. |
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Suitability / Level |
Moderate |
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Theme |
Activity Days
(Click to Search All) |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Departure dates for 2008:
21 June; 12 July; 02 August; 16 August; 30 August; 13 September
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv airport and transfer to Beklemeto Pass in the Balkan Mountains where we stay overnight.
Day 2: In the morning we start from Beklemeto towards the peak parts of the mountains to Troyan pass, continuing west after that to Kozyata Stena reserve. From now on we have about 7 km to reach the village of Chiflik. Then we have transfer to our hotel on Beklemeto. The whole trek takes about 5-6 hours (uphill walk - 250 m; downhill walk - 950 m).
Day 3: After breakfast we head from Beklemeto to Dermenka hut. Nice descent along the stream of Cherni Osam River through the Steneto Reserve is expecting us to the village of Cherni Osam. Then we have a transfer to Troyan Monastery for a short sightseeing tour. In the afternoon we leave for Apriltsi, where we stay overnight. The whole trek takes about 7 hours(uphill walk - 450 m; downhill walk - 650 m).
Day 4: In the morning we make short sightseeing trip in Apriltsi, providing a good insight into the local way of living. Around noon we make a walk along one of the new local eco-paths to Pleven hut where we stay overnight.(1-4 hours walk depending on the extensions)(uphill walk - 900 m; downhill walk - 100 m).
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. Further on we cross the river bed of Haidushka River, followed by a walk through alpine meadows to Vasil Levski hut, where we stay overnight. The whole trek takes about 6-7 hours (uphill walk - 900 m; downhill walk - 300 m).
Day 6: Walking by the ski-runs near Vasil Levski hut, the waymarks lead to 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, providing excellent view to the precipice of the Southern Dzhendem. Then we continue to Rai hut passing by the Heavens Waterfall ("Raiskoto pruskalo"). We stay overnight in Rai hut. The trek today takes about 4-5 hours (uphill walk - 1000 m; downhill walk - 900 m). .
Day 7: The route starts with a descent along the stream of Toundzha River to the resort settlement "Panitsite" (about 4 hours). Six kilometres away from here is the town of Kalofer, where the bus is waiting for us to take us to the city of Plovdiv, where we stay overnight (uphill walk - 20 m; downhill walk - 970 m).
Day 8: After breakfast you will have transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.
Highlights:
- Balkan Mountains (highest peak: Mount Botev 2376 m a.s.l.) are the longest (550 km) and the biggest of all mountains in Bulgaria.
- Cherni Osam is a village, perched on both banks of the Cherni Osam River and an excellent base to explore the National Park Central Balkan.
- Chiflik is a village located at the upper stream of the Beli Iskar River famous for its healing mineral water and spa hotels.
- Troyan Monastery “Assumption of Virgin Mary”, being the 3-th largest in Bulgaria, is built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance.
- Beklemeto Pass (1320 m a.s.l.) is a mountain resort very popular for summer and winter mountain marches in the high parts of the mountain.
- Plovdiv (160 m a.s.l.) ranks as the second Bulgarian city in population and size. The old town of Plovdiv is one of the oldest European towns contemporary to Troy and Mikena.
FOR LOW COST FLIGHTS TO BULGARIA please check: Wizz Air; Sky Europe; Easy Jet; Germanwings; My Air; Flybulgarien; Norwegian Air Shuttle. CONNECTING THE TOUR: in summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport. We can arrange for you public transport tickets or private transfer to the starting point of the tour. |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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We stay in 3-star hotels (days 1, 2 & 3) and guesthouse (day 7) with private facilities and in a 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. |
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Holidays
Extras |
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