Lost in the Eastern Rhodopes: an Adventure among Peaks, Sanctuaries and Forgotten Villages
Immerse yourself in an adventure through the mystical Eastern Rhodopes - a land of ancient sanctuaries, breathtaking panoramas and forgotten villages. Over four days we climb emblematic summits, cross the longest suspension bridge in the Balkans and reach the southernmost point of Bulgaria - Veykata peak. This route combines challenging walks with the discovery of hidden corners of history and nature. Ready for a journey off the beaten track? Let us head together into the wild heart of the Rhodopes.
What's included
Included
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
Tour Itinerary
A transfer of about 4 hours brings us to the hut, where we settle in and have time for a quick lunch. Wasting no time, we pack our bags and set off for an extraordinary place that will amaze us and take us back in time. First we cross the river Borovitsa and begin the ascent of Bezdiven peak from the east. On the way we pass several rock sanctuaries while we search for the forgotten village of Doyrantsi - a place where, by the latest count, only two people still live. We then return to the hut for a well-earned rest and time to share impressions.
After breakfast a transfer takes us to the village of Shiroko Pole, where our first walk of the day begins. Our first goal is the Monyak fortress, which offers impressive views over the Kardzhali reservoir. We then descend from it and cross the longest suspension bridge in the Balkans (261 m) to reach the village of Lisitsite.
We return to the hut for lunch and a short rest, then set off for the Utrobata (Womb) cave. On the way back we descend by the Rayski Izgled (Paradise View) eco-trail, from where we enjoy some of the most spectacular meanders of the river Arda, in the magic of the sunset.
Today we rise early again, because a transfer of about 1 hour 40 minutes lies ahead to the southernmost inhabited place in the country - the village of Gorno Kapinovo. From here begins the long way to Veykata peak, on the very border with Greece, in the heart of the Gyumyurdzhinski Snezhnik ridge. We walk mostly through forest on old border paths until we come out on the ridge itself. From the summit captivating views open in every direction.
Once we have enjoyed the panorama and rested, we head back along the route. At the end of the day we return to the hut, where a well-earned dinner and time to share our impressions await.
This morning we allow ourselves a lie-in and a cup of fragrant coffee in peace and quiet. Then we pack up and set off back to Sofia. On the way we will have the chance to visit another place of interest in the region and stop for a pleasant lunch before continuing our journey home.
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: