Rodopi Mountain Adventures, Guided Bulgaria Walk

Day 1. Sofia to Trigrad village

Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to  hotel
Day 2. A Circular Route from Trigrad village via Yagodina cave

Transfer to Trigrad (3.5 hours drive) and then, following the upper edges of Trigrad Gorge through old coniferous woods head up towards the Yagodina Cave. The cave is among the longest in Bulgaria (with more than 10,000 m mapped so far).  Considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe with its outstanding stalactites, stalagmites, columns, ponds some with cave pearls in them (these are small, almost spherical concretion of calcite that form in a pool of water in a cave and is not attached to the surface on which it forms). Be prepared for temperatures of 6°C inside the cave during the cave tour.  Transfer back to Trigrad and overnight in a guest house.

Walking time: 3.5hrs; ↑ 820 ft (250 m); ↓ 2,132 ft (650 m)

Day 3. Trigrad to Vodni Pat village

Today's walk visits a village that, until very recently, has been closed to people due to its proximity to the Greek border. The walk combines forest tracks with an excellent river trail back to Trigrad. Climb through a well-shaded forest passing potato fields and crops and, after admiring the views, descend to the tranquil village of Vodni Pad. The final stretch follows a delightful babbling stream, leading to the upper end of Trigrad Gorge. The afternoon has a spectacular underground experience with a visit to the Devil’s Throat Cave and the highest underground waterfall in Europe, some 42m high.

Walking time: 5hrs; ↑ 1,312 ft (400 m); ↓ 1,476 ft (450 m) 

Day 4. Trigrad to Chairski Lakes

The walk to Chairski Lakes starts with a charming gentle ascent from the village to a forest trail leading into alpine meadows. During the summer these are full of flowers including orchids. The trail winds its way to the three Chairski Lakes dropping down into the Trigrad Gorge before tracing the Livadnitsa River and the 250m high cliffs to the Devil’s Throat Caves and onward to Trigrad.

Walking time: 6 hrs; ↑ 2953 ft (900m); downhill walk: ↓ 2297 ft (700m)

Day 5. Trigrad to Sofia

Transfer to Sofia airport for departure.

Necessary equipment:

For the full list with recommended items see the detailed trip dossier

Extra Days

The tour provides the opportunity more days to be added to the program if purchased in advance. These could be spent on self-guided walking in the area, more guided walks (to the famous Smolyan or Devin eco-paths), guided sightseeing tours to famous places nearby such as Shiroka Lyka (architectural reserve), Bachkovo Monastery and Plovdiv.  Also available are cycling, caving, swimming in the mineral pols of Devin and a week on the Black Sea coast Please ask for quotation for any of these possibilities.
 

Trigrad - a small village in the central part of the Rodopi Mountains, which has been closed for tourists for many years. 

Yagodina cave is one of the most beautiful in Europe with its outstanding stalactites, stalagmites, columns, ponds and cave pearls in them. 

The Devil's Throat cave has one of the highest underground waterfalls in Europe, 42 m high. 

Chairski lakes - declared protected area due to the presence of some rare plants, growing within the peat.

Wonderful Views

Unspoilt Bugaria

How to get to Sofia

By Rail – It is possible to get between the UK and Sofia in Bulgaria using Eurostar, local and sleeper trains. 

Here is a useful website.  The Man In Seat 61

By Bus – Getting to Sofia by coach is possible but it is a long journey.

Here is a useful website.www.busbud.com

By Car – From the UK, Bulgaria can be reached by car using a ferry or Eurotunnel and well-maintained motorways.

Here is a useful website: The AA Route Planner

By Air – There are a number of flights available from UK airports to Sofia Airport.  

Here is a useful website. www.opodo.co.uk/flights/

There are group transfers from/to Sofia airport between 09.00 & 19.00

For other low-cost flights to Bulgaria please check:

Wizz Air - http://wizzair.com/

Easy Jet - http://www.easyjet.com/

Germanwings - http://www.germanwings.com/

Penguin Travel -http://www.flybulgarien.dk/

Norwegian Air Shuttle - http://www.norwegian.no/

For more information on getting to Bulgaria please visit the Bulgaria Tourism website.