The Azovsko Praskalo waterfall is one of the most wildly beautiful and least visited waterfalls in Bulgaria - a hidden jewel in the untouched forests of the western Rhodopes that few have had the privilege of seeing. Unlike the popular tourist destinations, there are no surfaced paths, no information boards and no crowds here - only ancient beech forest, fading paths, the wild Azovska river and, at the end, the reward: 17 metres of free-falling water down a carved stone chute, throwing out sparkling curtains of spray. Combined with a visit to the ruins of the Thracian and medieval fortified town of Lefke, this walk is a true journey through time and wild nature - for experienced hikers who are not afraid of losing the path along the way.
Tour Highlights
- The Azovsko Praskalo waterfall
- The medieval town of Lefke
What's included
Included
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
Tour Itinerary
The walk begins in the village of Golyamo Belovo, on the historic Vazov trail - the same route the great writer set out on in his travelogue "In the Depths of the Rhodopes" (1892). We climb towards Sveti Spas peak, home to the ruins of the Thracian late-antique and medieval fortified town of Lefke - the most significant settlement in the area in its day. A fortress wall more than a metre and a half high rings the whole summit, and at its foot stands the Belovo basilica of St Spas - an early medieval church built towards the end of the 5th century and destroyed by the Ottomans in the 17th century. The remains are imposing and overgrown with ancient vegetation - the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else.
We continue along the dirt road and forest paths on the northern slopes of Alabak. The route follows the Azovska river upstream. The vegetation is exceptionally varied - oak, hornbeam, conifers and ancient beech forest with wide glades of hellebore. In places the path disappears, and you have to find your way by feel. The terrain includes stony scree and dense undergrowth.
The final reward of the walk: the Azovsko Praskalo waterfall - rarely visited, and for that reason an exceptionally well-preserved natural wonder. The water of the Azovska river runs down a natural stone chute in the rock for 17 metres, throwing out sparkling curtains of spray. The sight is especially impressive during the spring high water.
Important:
Three seasons trekking equipment
Shoes
Suitable shoes for the mountain, according to the weather forecast. High ankle or low shoes. You may wear sneakers to change into at the end of the program
Spare socks
Lighting
Headlamp - An absolute must-have accessory for every mountaineer. It may be necessary for the group to start a trek very early or finish the trek in the dark (force majeure). In these situations, each participant must have a headlamp. We recommend going with a proven brand like Petzl or BlackDiamond
Spare batteries
Backpack
About 40 liters backpack - Quite enough for one or two day hikes.
Backpack cover - in case of rain
Clothing top
Depending on the season and weather conditions
T-shirt or thin thermal base layer - from merino or synthetic. In no case cotton material
Fleece
A down jacket or other jacket with synthetic insulation - a thin down jacket is recommended. Evenings and mornings in the mountains, temperatures are low. No expensive down jacket needed
Wind and water proof jacket
Thin hat and gloves
Buff
Clothing bottom
Depending on the season and weather conditions
Comfortable long pants - in the perfect case with zippers for ventilation
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Summer hat
Sun cream with high protection
Buff with UPF protection
Rain protection
Raincoat
-or-
Waterproof top and bottom
Water and food
Water (1.5 liters)
Food for the trek
Money and documents
Money
ID or passport
Other
First aid kit
Trekking poles
Cancellation Policy:
Чл. 89. (Изм. – ДВ, бр. 37 от 2018 г., в сила от 01.07.2018 г.) (1) Пътуващият има право да прекрати договора за туристически пакет по всяко време преди започването на изпълнението на туристическия пакет. The tourist owes a penalty as follows: