Chiflik Haidushka Pesen Beklemeto Dermenka Hut Dobrila Hut Vasil Levski hut Mount Botev Kalofer

by vehicle

trekking to Plovdiv

Bulgaria Trekking

Dossier ref: BGTRBALTREK Transbalkan Trek Updated: 141206/ML This trip offers a combined trek through mountains where we stay overnight (2 hours from the monastery walls and visit the nearby Oreshaka two of the most exciting natural reserves in Plovdiv; 2.5 hours from Sofia). museum of local crafts. In the afternoon we leave the : Kozyata Stena and [D] for Apriltsi, where we will stay overnight. Please Severen Dzhendem, as well as a visit to the make sure you have any non-essential items of . We climb Mount Botev – Day 2. In the morning we start off from Beklemeto luggage packed up straight after arrival at the the highest peak in the Balkan mountains (at (1,320 m, or 4,330 ft) heading towards the peak hotel. It will be taken and returned to you on Day 7. 2,376 m, or 7,795 ft) and enjoy the imposing sections of the mountains leading to the Troyan Uphill walk: 450 m (1,476 ft); downhill walk: 650 m view of the low-lying Sredna Gora mountain pass (1,525 m, or 5,003 ft), before continuing (2,132 ft); walking time: around 5 hours and the fertile Thracian Valley. After westwards. From here the path follows the summit [B][D] descending the extremely steep southern of the Balkan ridge, passing along the southern slope of the Balkan, known as “Tarzan’s slopes of Kozyata Stena Reserve. The northern Day 4. In the morning we will embark on a short walkway”, we visit the small town of Kalofer. slopes of Kozyata Stena (1,562 m, or 5,124 ft) sightseeing trip around Apriltsi (506 m, or 1660 The mountain huts lie like pearls on a thread house an impressive population of Edelweiss, which ft), which affords you a good insight into the local with the walking paths in between. You will flower during the summer. This trek takes around way of living. Apriltsi combines the hospitality of be accompanied the whole time by a highly- three hours from Beklemeto. From there, the route local people, with the cosiness of its hotels and trained English-speaking mountain guide. travels northwest to the Haidushka pesen hut guesthouses, and the beauty of mountain nature, (870 m, or 2,854 ft; around 2 hours 40 minutes), leaving guests with wonderful memories. Here you Special highlights: weaving along the upper stream of Rogacheva will find the kingdom of the rocks. Inaccessible Balkan Mountains (highest peak: Mount Botev river. En route we pass a rocky gully famous for and steep formations rise from all sides of the 2376 m a.s.l.) are the longest (550 km) and the its avalanches in winter. We now have about 7 km mountains. At around noon we take a walk biggest of all mountains in . (4.3 miles) to go before we reach the village of along one of the new local eco-paths (offering Cherni Osam is a village, perched on both banks Chiflik (600 m, or 1,968 ft; 1 hour 20 minutes from magnificent views across the Balkan mountains and of the Cherni Osam River and an excellent base to the Haidushka pesen hut). Then we transfer to our the towering Mount Botev) to the Pleven hut (1,390 explore the National Park Central Balkan. hotel in Beklemeto. m, or 4,560 ft) where we will stay overnight. Chiflik is a village located at the upper stream of Uphill walk: 250 m, or 820 ft; downhill walk: 950 m, Uphill walk: 900 m (2,952 ft); downhill walk: 100 m the Beli Iskar River. or 3,116 ft; walking time: about 7 hours (328 ft); walking time: 3-4 hours Troyan Monastery “Assumption of Virgin Mary”, [B][D] [B][D] being the 3-th largest in Bulgaria, is built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance. Day 3. After breakfast we head off from Beklemeto Day 5. Our path set out from the Pleven hut, Beklemeto Pass (1320 m a.s.l.) is a mountain to the Dermenka hut (1,504 m, or 4,934 ft). This through a beech forest, reaching a place called resort very popular for summer and winter route features a pleasant descent along the Cherni Murgata. Then it continues by the foothills of “Milk mountain marches in the high part of the Osam river, where the Steneto Reserve (included in Peak”, crossing the springs of several rivers before mountains. the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere reserves entering a pleasant spot containing huge stones Plovdiv (160 m a.s.l.) ranks as the second on account of its virgin nature) awaits us. Then and tall grass. The trail meanders among these Bulgarian city in population and size. The old town it’s on to the village of Cherni Osam itself. Steneto large pieces of rocks to the Hristo Botev hut (2,050 of Plovdiv is one of the oldest European towns is also a recognised bird zone. The number of m, or 6,725 ft). Then we cross the river bed of contemporary to Troy and Mikena. birds registered here is higher than in any other the Haidushka river before walking through alpine reserve in the Central Balkan region. In Cherni meadows to the Vasil Levski shelter, where we stay Osam we will make a short stop at the local Natural overnight. ITINERARY History Museum, maintained for many years by a Uphill walk: 900 m (2,952 ft); downhill walk: 300 m Day 1. Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and Bulgarian teacher. Then we transfer to the Troyan (984 ft); walking time: 4-5 hours transfer to the Beklemeto pass in the Balkan Monastery, where we will take a short stroll along [B][L][D]

[email protected] www.penguin.dk Day 6. Walking by the ski runs near the Vasil Accommodation: Levski hut, signposts will lead you to the highest We stay in 3-star hotels (days 1, 2 & 3) and peak in the Balkan mountains – Mount Botev guesthouse (day 7) with private facilities and in a (2,376 m, or 7,795 ft). The Botev peak was formed mountain huts (days 4, 5 & 6) with shared facilities by granite deposited by the older Sredna Gora on HB (breakfast & dinner included). Lunchpacks mountain onto the folds of the still-forming Stara are included for the mountain treks during the days Planina range. During the development of what are 5, 6 & 7. now the Balkan mountains this granite was broken up by river erosion. As a result, the terrifying rock Luggage transportation: faces of the Northern Dzhendem and the Heavenly Unnecessary luggage will be transferred as follows: rocks to the south were shaped. The time needed Day 3: from Beklemeto Pass to Apriltsi and then to reach Mount Botev from Vasil Levski hut is one more time from Apriltsi (upon arrival) as you approximately four hours. From the peak the track will see it again on Day 7 weaves among the rocky slopes of the mountain, Day 7: from Troyan to Plovdiv, also picking you up providing excellent view to the precipice of the from the town of Kalofer en-route Southern Dzhendem as well as the surrounding peaks. You can also see the roof of the Rai hut – our last stop for today. We have around a 1.5 Tour type: IT+/GT hour walk from Mount Botev to the hut, passing the Heavenly Rocks and the Heavens Waterfall Difficulty grade: B (days 2, 3 & 4) / (“Raiskoto pruskalo”). At a height of 124.5 m (408 C (days 5 & 6) ft), it is not just the highest waterfall in Bulgaria, but on the entire Balkan Peninsula. We spend the Best period: June – September night in the Rai hut (1,560 m, or 5,118 ft). Uphill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); downhill walk: 900 m (2,952 ft); walking time: about 5.5 hours Weather: [B][L][D] Temperatures expected for this period are between +10 and +30C. Temperatures above 2000 m a.s.l. Day 7. The route begins with a descent along the may drop to -5C after the end of August. Rainfalls stream of Toundzha river to the resort settlement of or short but heavy showers are possible, being a bit Panitsite (taking about three hours). Some 6 km, or prolonged during spring and late autumn. 3.7 miles, further on is the town of Kalofer (600 m, or 1,968 ft), where the bus will be waiting to take Equipment and clothing: us to the city of Plovdiv, where we stay overnight. Necessary items: daypack for days 2 & 3 (35 l) Uphill walk: 20 m; downhill walk: 970 m (3,182 ft); and rucksack for the rest days in the mountains; walking time: 4 hours 3-season walking waterproof boots with suitable [B][L][D] ankle support; waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); sunglasses with UV Day 8. After breakfast you will have transfer to protection; sunscreen lotion. Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure (transfer time: For the full list with recommended items see 20 min to Plovdiv Airport or 2 h to Sofia Airport) “General”. [B] Vaccination: Optional. See “General” for more information.

Guaranteed departures for 2007: 16/6; 07/7; 21/7; 11/8; 01/9; 15/9 (other dates also possible upon request)

Price: 360 EURO Single room supplement: 70 EURO The price includes: accommodation and boarding as mentioned above; transfer to/from Sofia and Plovdiv; English-speaking guide; luggage and private transfers as mentioned above; VAT and all local taxes. The price does not include: map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), tips, alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses. [email protected] www.penguin.dk General Information Trekking in Bulgaria

TOUR TYPES & GRADES that you are in good condition and fit. You should be of time to handle and not each bank deals with them (in We provide different varieties of tours as regards to their physically prepared at home to get the maximum of the many cases it takes even few days since their deposition in types and difficulty grades! tour. Most of the trekking is done at a greater height (max the bank!) - thus they are not recommended! Whether you will choose individual and group tours with 3000 m). As on other tours you are free to skip some treks Here are some examples of comparative costs in Bulgaria a guide or combined tours with a guide for some part of and have a rest. (NB: prices in mid-range restaurants!): the trip depends on you. We emphasize on using local - Coffee – 0,3 Euro experienced guides with knowledge of the local language, D: Challenging - Tea – 0,3 Euro culture, history, art, etc. The tours are conducted in the Tours of this level demand that you be really in good - Beer (0,5 l) – 0,5-1 Euro English language. Guides in other languages are available shape. The paths are not always in the best condition - Soft drink (0,5 l) - 0,4-0,5 Euro upon request. and the marking can be scarce. There are day-treks with - Bottle of water (0,5 l) - 0,3-0,4 Euro big ascents and descents. Changing weather conditions - Bottle of mark red wine (0,75 l) - 5-10 Euro /even in midsummer/ play an important role when trekking - Three-course lunch - 4-7 Euro TOUR TYPES at a very high altitude and may cause changes of the - Lunch pack - 2-3 Euro Our tours are divided in different tour types, regardless preliminary route. This is to be decided by the mountain of being guided or not or if someone travels alone or in a guide on the spot. Normally, the treks are 6-8h per day, group. We have prepared your vacation so that you can but some can be longer. Preliminary trekking experience is CELL PHONE COVERAGE concentrate on new impressions and experiences, awaiting an advantage, but not necessary if you are really in good Currently the whole territory of Bulgaria is covered with a you all the time. Here is a description of the various tours: shape. Note that during some of the days, you should mobile connection. However the trekking & cycling tours personally carry your baggage, which is naturally an are done in mountainous areas where the signal could be IT: Individual tours additional difficulty. weak or even lacking from time to time. In such a situation There is no guide on this tour. You travel individually and you just need to change your location a bit in order to find we are responsible for the hotel overnights and /some/ available network. transfers. Sometimes you will travel together with other EXTENSIONS people. If you wish a guide can be arranged, if ordered. Yes, Black Sea We take it for granted that you can read maps, provided by This is a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity ELECTRICITY us upon arrival. to stay in Bulgaria for one week more at the incredibly In Bulgaria two-pin sockets are normal. Voltage is 220 low price! We can offer a great variety of means of watts. If you come from the U.S. or UK you need to IT+: Individual tours with a guide accommodation - from home stays (no meals) to 2, 3 and purchase an adapter, which is available only in Bulgarian The same as the Individual tours, with the only difference 4-star hotels (BB or HB) on the Southern Bulgarian Black cities and biggest winter and sea resorts. that there is a local guide provided for some of the days. Sea Coast: During the days with a local guide most probably you will - Sunny Beach - a big modern resort with hundreds of be together with other tourists. hotels, cafes, pubs, casinos, water-sports facilities etc. WEATHER - Nessebar, Sozopol - small towns (founded by the ancient Mean year temperature - + 10,5 °C (Abs. Min. - -38,3 °C ; GT: Group tours Greeks) with picturesque Old Quarters and a specific Abs. Max. - + 45,2 °C) There is a guide accompanying you throughout the whole atmosphere. Mean rainfall per year - 416 - 650 mm. in the lowlands; trip, meeting you at the airport upon arrival and leaving - Lozenets -a peaceful small village with a beautiful beach. 650 - 1193 mm. in the highlands you at the airport again for departure. We use well-trained Only 4-5 km from the forests of the Strandzha Mountains Rainy days per month – May – 7; June – 8; July – 6; and experienced local people with good knowledge of where you can go walking, biking or riding horses. August – 3; September – 6; (number may be higher in the English. The group size is normally 6-12 people, if not mountains) specially mentioned. Mean daily/night temperatures (up to 1000 m a.s.l.) - May EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING – 22/12 °C; June – 26/16 °C; July – 28/17 °C; August IG: International group tours You should always remember that you must try to keep the – 26/15 °C; September – 23/13 °C; The tours are similar to our group tours. The only weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. difference is that these are multi-national. Guided services Your packed rucksack should weigh no more than 10-15 are in the English language, if no special arrangements kilograms. have been ordered. Recommended items: waterproof rucksack (60 l) & daypack (35 l); walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; sandals; light casual shoes for walking DIFFICULTY GRADES and/or for travelling; gaiters; loose, casual trousers for To prepare yourself for the best of your vacation we trekking; waterproof trousers; fleece windstopper jacket; recommend that you start planning it in an advance. Good windproof, waterproof outer shell garment (breathable physical condition is required. In order to achieve it we if possible!); hat for sun protection; sunglasses with UV advise you to start walking, jogging or cycling everyday. protection; sunscreen lotion and lip balm; water bottle; Swimming a couple of times a week is also highly torch (headlamp); mobile phone; underwear (not cotton); recommended. You do not need much to get yourself in mosquito repellent; trekking sticks. shape. And don’t forget that the most important tip for an unforgettable active holiday is to choose a trip which corresponds to your physical condition! VACCINATION BRIEF ABOUT BULGARIA Tick-borne encephalitis, Marselle fever and Crimea Territory - 110 912 sq. km. A: Light haemorhagic fever is recommended by some medical Population - 7 538 000 (2003) (83,9 % ethnic Bulgarians; No special experience is needed. Everyone who is in sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at 9,4% Turks; 4,7% Roma; rest – smaller minorities condition to cope with long Saturday walks in the forest specific times of the year. Check latest requirements with Russians, Armenians, Vlachs, Jews, Karakachans etc.) can also cope with these tours. As a rule the trips are short your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. Relligion – 82,6% Orthodox, 12,2% Islam, 0,7% and at a low altitude. Often it is your choice to join or skip Protestant, 0,5% Catholics, 4,1% Others. a day-tour. The routes follow a hilly terrain without steep Capital city - Sofia (1 182 698 people in 1992) ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3-5h a day. MONEY AND PERSONAL EXPENSES Bigest towns - Plovdiv, Varna, Bourgas, Rouse, Stara You will need some extra money to cover meals, drinks and Zagora, Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven B: Moderate extra trips not included in the tour price. Additional money Mountains - 37 (biggest - Balkan Mountain: length - ~ 550 Most of you, who are used to walking during a long for souvenirs and personal things could also be spent. That km.; width - ~ 30-60 km.); (highest - Rila Mountain - peak weekend, will be in condition to cope with a tour of this is why it is always necessary to have Bulgarian money in Musala - 2 925 m.a.s.l.) level. You should be in good health condition and not too cash. Boundaries - North - Romania; East - Black Sea (coastline bad physical condition. We have successive days of longer The payments in Bulgaria are usually made in “LEV” (BGN), 378 km.); West - Serbia, Macedonia; South - Greece, and more difficult walking and days of lighter walking. which is the official currency. The exchange rate with EU Some parts of the day routes are done at a higher altitude. and USD is quite changing sometimes, but approximately Turkey; The paths are in good condition. We walk for 5-7h a day. it is: BGN:EU - 2:1; BGN:USD - 1,7-1. Credit Cards could Distribution of the lands - 0 - 400 m.a.s.l. - 59,8 %; 400 You are free to skip some walks and have a rest. be used primarily in some supermarkets and restaurants in - 1000 m.a.s.l. - 27,6 %; 1000 - 2000 m.a.s.l. - 11,9 %; the biggest cities as well as in the petrol stations. Usually it over 2000 m.a.s.l. - 0,7 % C: Difficult is marked on their front doors if Credit Cards are accepted. Protected areas - 3 national parks, 10 nature parks, 55 These tours include trekking which is a little harder, ATMs (“bankomates”) are more frequent (again in the reserves, 35 managed reserves, over 350 protected areas normally on a challenging terrain. We take it for granted biggest towns only!). Traveler’s cheques take quite a lot and 500 natural monuments.

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