A UIMLA guide will lead you on a thrilling 5-day hut to hut hike through the Balkans of Bulgaria.
Private
Balkan Mountains
5 Days
Jun - Oct
High
Intermediate
The Balkans is one of the most famous mountain ranges in Eastern Europe. While it is only the third highest range in Bulgaria, the name alone genuinely stands out. However, this mountain range is far more than a name. Instead, it is an absolutely magnificent stretch of over 500 kilometres, and it is truly unforgettable. And on this 5 day hiking trek, we hope to give you the chance to see and experience the best parts of it.
The Balkans range has several incredible peaks within it. Some of those peaks you will have the chance to traverse. Those peaks include the highest peak in the range, Mount Botev (2,376m) along with Mount Ambaritsa (2,166m) and Mount Kupena (2,169m). Along with those amazing peaks, there are also several wonderful waterfalls you will get to see. Those waterfalls include Kademlijsko and Babsko. However, the most iconic waterfall in the range is the Rajskoto Pruskalo waterfall. This cascade is 124.5 metres high and is the highest permanent waterfall in the Balkans.
Finally, participants in this hike will also get to spend between 5 and 7 hours, each day, hiking through some of the most breathtaking landscapes you will ever see. We will hike through areas like the Rusalijski pass, where you will get to enjoy a panoramic view of the Central Balkan national park. And at the end of every day, you will get to rest in several different, comfortable mountain huts that will also grant you amazing evening views as well.
It would be our pleasure to guide you through the amazing Balkans mountain range. We have no doubt that you will enjoy every minute of it. So if you would like to explore this glorious stretch of mountainous terrain, just send us a request.
It would also be our pleasure to guide you on another Bulgarian hiking adventure, this time a 3 day trek through the Pirin Mountains.
Participants will arrive at the mountain pass of Beklemeto. From there, we will hike along the main ridge for approximately 6 hours, passing the Orlovo hut and the Dermenka hut, until we reach the Dobrila hut, where we will spend the night.
Today, participants will hike through part of the famed Dobrila – Botev traverse, where they will ascend Mount Ambaritsa (2,166m) and Mount Kupena (2,169m) before making our way down to the Vasil Levski hut, where we will spend the night.
Today participants will hike for approximately 4.5 hours to the Ray hut, where we will spend the night. We will also hike to the Rajskoto Pruskalo waterfall.
Today participants will spend approximately 7 hours hiking to the top of Mount Botev, before making our way down to the Tuza hut, where we will spend the night.
On the final day of the hike, participants will hike down to the Tuza village. We will pass the Kademlijsko and Babsko waterfalls before reaching either the Tuza village or the town of Apriltsi, where we can take transport back to Karlovo or Troyan.
More info
Participants should bring the following items with them: hiking boots, rucksack (35-45L), trekking poles, water and windproof jacket, rain cover, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm hat and gloves, water bottle (1.5L), travel liner (optional), torch, travel linen, personal first aid kit.
Meeting point
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
5.0
(7)
Mountain Leader
I work as a mountain leader since 2006, both with individuals and larger organized groups, mainly English speaking.
Together with a group of colleagues we offer a wide-range of activities: hiking, trekking, rock climbing and mountain biking, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ski touring and off-piste skiing.
All our guides are certified, experienced and passionate about their job and will guide you with a smile and care through the wild beauty of the Bulgarian and the Balkan mountains.
Languages
Russian | English | Bulgarian
Certificates
UIMLA
Gaelle
Lyuben is a very good guide. More than a ski touring guide , he is a perfect travel organiser. We were a group of 4 Belgium guys around 50 to make the 4 days touring ski tour. He chose for us a very good family guesthouse, with very good food. He let us discover local thermal bath, traditional restaurant. About ski touring, Lyuben chose each day the best spot possible for the landscape and the snow adapted to the changing weather conditions. Time keeping was perfect. Zero stress for any situation. He has a comfortable car and does not hesitate to drive hours to bring us to the best area or to bring back us to the airport. Very friendly, super adaptive with us, I warmly recommend Lyuben.
Greta
Matt
Lyuben and Ivo were excellent. Communication was great. Lyuben helped us hire kit before arriving. Each day was great with a good variety or touring and excellent snow. thank you!
Lissi
Wonderful 9-day hiking in the mountains of Bulgaria and Greece. It was easy to book a trip through the Explore-Share page. They responded quickly, everything was fine and well organized. My whole 9 days were very well organized. Guide picked me up on Sofia's airport and on the 9th day guide taken me back to the airport. Everything in between was organized by Top Guides Bulgaria. The physical effort was great, but it was worth it, wonderful views and very good emotions. I met three guides - Lyuben, Ruslan and Moni. They were very nice and friendly and very good guides. They kept my pace when hiking the mountains and helped and taught me if it was necessary. I felt safe and supported all the time. The hardest part for me was the last part of Mt. Olympus, climbing to the top, it took self-transcendence and a big effort. I haven't been rock climbing before. I am proud to myself that I made it. I was able to do this thanks to Lyuben's support, help and teachings. I am very grateful to him. When hiking in the mountains, you must be prepared to walk up the hill for several hours, which is physically difficult. At this time, wonderful views and feelings gives strength and the will to move on. Guide Moni had taken with him binocular. So we saw the animals and the birds more closer and he had knowledge to talk about them. In the mountains guide Ruslan talked about myths, local culture and nature. On the last day we had the city tour in Sofia. Guide Ruslan introduced me the historical buildings and told many interesting stories about history. All of it was very interesting to listen. The program of the days was very well structured. On the 5th day I felt physically tired and would not have been able to go hiking in the mountains straight away again. According to the plan, came the time to rest: Greece beach, the return trip to Bulgaria, a walk in the beautiful town of Bansko. After that I felt rested and enjoyed hiking in the mountains again. On the evenings of hiking days, you can relax: a delicious dinners in local restaurants, nights in lovely hotels and mountain huts, you can go to a mineral water spa, local market, etc. I am very satisfied and happy about this 9-day trip. Everything was very good. I have great memories and wonderful pictures of it. I definitely want to go back there, at another time of the year: to ski in the winter or to see waterfalls in the spring. Also, I would be happy to use the services of Explore-Share and Top Guides Bulgaria again when hiking in other regions.
Greta
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