25 days, 700 km and 100 peaks - cross the Balkan mountain range from west to east and have a good swim in Black Sea, where the finish line is

Share this:

The international hiking trail E-3, better known as “Kom – Emine” begins from Kom peak follows the ridge of the Balkan mountain range for 650 km and leads you to the steep, spectacular coast of Black Sea around Emona Cape.Cross the Balkan mountain - Kom Emine

Due to its length and altitude, Kom–Emine is among Europe's longest uninterrupted high-mountain trails. The first person who finished the trail was P. Deliradev in 1933 and since then thousands of people successfully reached the sea shore by all means of transportation: on food (running or walking), by bikes, by motorcycles and on skies, during winter.

In case you consider yourself a passionate hiker, it’s an adventure worth being included in your “to do list”
The trail takes approximately 25 days to be finished. Each day varies a lot. Walking could be between 6 and 12 hours; distances covered could start from 20 and reach up to 50 km per day. The highest point of the trail is Botev Peak (2,376 m /7,795 ft), which is also the highest summit of the Balkan Mountains, located in the intersection of the Central Balkan National Park. In total you’d summit or circumvent approximately 100 individual peaks.

Cross the Balkan mountain - Kom Emine

Usually you’d start around 5 or 6 am, so that good distances could be covered during the mild cold mornings, as sun and heat in the Balkan could be quiet tiring. In the late afternoon you’d reach one of the picturesque huts where you could refresh yourself with some cooked meal and spend the night among fellow hikers. There are a few nights that you’ll spend in mountain shelters, so you should take care of the dinner by yourself.

Cross the Balkan mountain - Kom Emine

Some of the highlights during this trail are: Raysko Praskalo Waterfall and the nature reserve Djendema, Shipka Peak, Botev Peak, Buzludzha, The singing rocks, Kotel. All those combined with breathtaking nature, the chance to admire hundreds of species of trees, flowers and animals make Kom-Emine 650 km of pure adventure.
Have in mind that the trail should not be underestimated. It’s recommended for experienced hikers with good physical preparation.

The Great Balkan Trail - Kom-Emine

Balkan Cycling (Bulgaria) 780 , 8 Days

Balkan Cycling (Bulgaria)

Join us on this exciting cycling trip in the heart of the Balkan Mountains. We will bike in...
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan 2490 , 21 Days

The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan

Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan as you delve into the vast deserts, rolling steppe, fertile...
Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia 2240 , 8 Days

Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the most enigmatic places to visit in the Middle East - a blend of...

View all» What people say about us

Great
Penguin Travel on Trust Pilot
Based on 86 reviews
Trust Pilot
Binky's Review Verified review Verified
Great caucus Explorer trip
Caucus Explorer( Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan ) was a great trip . Even though our Van is fully...
Beth, 5 May
Daniel's review Verified review Verified
8 day Caucasus trip
5/5 for the Caucasus trip in apr/may 2024. Everything was well planned and executed.
Haris, 3 May
Maribeth's review Verified review Verified
Excellent and Amazing Tour
Excellent tour. My highlight of the tour is Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid and more places. I like the itinerary...
Arnold, 6 April
View all»

Blog

14.02.2025 11:50

Everything you need to know about travelling to Cameroon and Central African Republic: Essential travel information (Q&A with our tour leader)

We just got back from an unforgettable journey through Cameroon and the Central African Republic, and we’re still buzzing from the experience. It was an adventure in the truest sense - bouncing along remote dirt roads in sturdy 4x4s, deep in the Central African rainforest, where every turn reveals something incredible—lush green landscapes, curious children running out to greet us,...


12.02.2025 07:47

Into the Heart of Africa: A Journey Through the Central African Republic

Some places pull you in with their beauty, others with their mystery. The Central African Republic (CAR) does both. It’s not a country you stumble into—it’s a place you choose, a place that challenges and rewards in equal measure. Our journey took us through its bustling capital, deep into the jungle, across colonial relics, and to breathtaking waterfalls, but more than...


24.01.2025 06:56

Îles du Salut, French Guiana: Paradise with a Past (What You Need to Know About Visitng the Islands)

Just off the coast of French Guiana, the Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) shimmer like emerald jewels in the Atlantic, enticing travelers with their beauty and enigmatic past. The name might suggest refuge, but for most who came here, salvation was the furthest thing from reality. The islands were so named because they offered a safe haven from the deadly diseases that ravaged French Guiana's...


22.01.2025 08:09

Kaieteur Falls: Exploring Guyana’s Majestic Wonder (Facts, Legends and Practical Information for Visiting the Falls)

Nestled deep in the pristine rainforest of Guyana, Kaieteur Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Cascading 741 feet (226 meters) from the Potaro River into a gorge below, it’s not only one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls globally but also one of the most mesmerizing. Whether you're drawn by its sheer scale, lush surroundings, or the sense of untouched...