The Best of Central Balkan National Park

Best period: June-October

Difficulty: difficult

Highlights:

• National Park Central Balkan – part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Botev Peak and Golyam Kupen Peak
• hikes in 3 different nature reserves: Stara reka, Severen Djendem, Steneto
• Wildlife, rich flora and fauna, wild nature
• Century-old beech forests
• Amazing views from the main ridge

Day 1: Sofia – Vasil Levski Hut 

Transfer from Sofia to Karlovo around 2:15 hours. We will start the ascend towards the hut along Stara reka river. Stara Reka is one of the nine reserves in the Central Balkan National Park. The hike is in a century old forest with many small bridges crossing the river. Accomodation in Vasil Levski Hut – 1400m.

Hiking time: 4:30 – 5 hours; +900 meters

Day 2: Vasil Levski Hut – Botev Peak – Pleven Hut

After short ascend we will reach the end of the tree line. The views towards Stara Reka reserve and the main ridge of the mountain are very impressive. We will reach refuge Botev – 2050 m. From here it is an hour to Botev Peak – 2376m the highest of the Balkan Mountains. Descend back to refuge Botev. Then we will cross the main ridge and start a descend through Severen Djendem (The Northern Hell) reserve. Accommodation in Vasil Levski Hut – 1400m

Hiking time: 7:30-8 hours; +1000/-1000 meters

Day 3: Pleven Hut – Golyam Kupen Peak – Dobrila Hut

We will gradually ascend again to the main ridge of the mountain. Then we will start a traverse direction west approaching the most alpine peak of the mountain – Golyam Kupen – 2169m. From both sides of the peak there are fixed metal cables (ropes) that require more attention. The last peak for the day is Ambaritsa – 2166m. Accomodation in Dobrila  Hut – 1800m.

Hiking time: 7-7:30 hours; +1100/-700 meters

Day 4: Dobrila Hut – Karlovo

We will start the day with walking on alpine pastures with horses and cows. Then continue with  a long descent towards Karlovo following a panoramic ridge with views towards southern Bulgaria.

Transfer from Karlovo to Sofia – 2:15 hours.

Hiking time: 4:30-5 hours; +100/-1300 meters

The price includes: Accommodation in huts; 3 full boards: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner; all transfers from/to Sofia; certified mountain guide for 4 days, all the expenses of the guide, all taxes.

Not included: Insurance, entrance fees, drinks.

Discounts available during low season, for students, bloggers, etc.
Please contact us if you need an offer for a bigger group.