Snowshoeing Weekend in Vitosha Mountains
Experience the joy of making your own path.
Situated just within a stone throw away from the center of Sofia, Vitosha offers excellent conditions for hiking. The mountain, famous for being one of the symbols of the Bulgarian capital has very well organized network of tourist routes, which together with its well preserved nature and unique landmarks offers unique experience. It is also the first park in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula declared as protected area.
Tour Highlights
♦ Kamen Del peak (1862 m.a.s.l.) offers the best view of Sofia city.
♦ The nature landmark Zlatnite Mostove (The Golden Bridges) is the largest stone river on Vitosha mountain.
♦ Cherni Vrah (The Black Peak) is the highest summit of Vitosha Mountain.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Zlatnite mostove - Kamen Del Peak - Aleko Mountain Base
After a short transfer to the nature landmark Zlatnite mostove area (The Golden Bridges) we start walking in the direction of Momina Skala hut, where we will stop for a short break. From the hut we head towards Kamen Del (1862m.a.s.l) – the peak that offers the best view to the city of Sofia. Then we continue, walking along the border of Torfeno Branishte nature reserve (Peat reserve) to Aleko mountain base, from where we take the cabin lift to Simeonovo. According to your wishes the route could be extended with another 1.45 hrs. walk from Aleko mountain base to Simeonovo district. The bus will wait there to transfer us to your hotel.
Walking time 3:30 hrs. uhill/downhill: 580m / 130m
Day 2. Kumata Hut - Cherni Vrah - Aleko Mountain Base
Transfer to Kumata hut, which is the starting point for the snowshoeing towards the highest peak of Vitosha Mountain – Cherni Vrah (2290m a.s.l.). The route to the peak follows the border of the natural reserve “Torfeno Branishte” (Peat Reserve) and offers panoramic views to Rila Mountains. After a cup of hot tea in the small cafeteria of the weather station on the top, we start descending to Aleko Mountain Base, where the bus waits to transfer us to your hotel in Sofia.
Walking time: 6-7 hrs; uphill/downhill walk 600m/500m walk
Included in the price: ►English speaking guide► snowhoses and walking sticks► all transfers
Not included: ► meals► drinks ► tips ► insurance
Recommended travel period of the year: January - March
Nessesary equipment: Dress in layers (breathable)! Do not use cotton underwear!
Recommended items: daypack (40 l); thermal underwear; winter walking waterproof boots (hard-soled); gloves/mittens; hat that covers the ears; sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion; lip balm; water & wind proof jacket & pants;
Good to know: ►walking with snowshoes is rather adventurous and although not technically difficult it could be a bit strenuous over mountain slopes. Reasonable physical condition is required►we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay at the Bulgarian ski resorts for one week more at the incredibly low price! We can offer a great variety of means of accommodation - 2,3 or 4-star hotels.
How to get there: For 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/
Links to additional information: Walking Bulgaria