Balkan Trail to the Singing Rocks. Horse back trip.

High up in the Central Balkan National Park there is a place with rugged and impassable cliffs. A unique place with distinctive flora and fauna that have turned the place into a nature reserve. The Singing Rocks themselves are a set of unique natural formations that crown the ancient beech forest. When the wind blows in the right direction one can hear the “song” of the rocks and it was this phenomenon that has given the reserve its beautiful name. The trail offers a variety of landscapes and riding paces. The hilly terrain as well as the small plateaus on top of the hills offer fantastic opportunities for an unforgettable ride.

Highlights:
♦ The Central Balkan National Park - the land of untouched wildlife and wilderness! It is characterized by deep caves, steep slopes and canyons, high waterfalls, and clear fresh water streams. The National park boasts the highest waterfall in Bulgaria, the 125-m high Raiskoto Praskalo.
♦ Batoshevo Monastery of the Holy Virgin from 13-th centrury

Horses
The horses in Batoshevo riding centre are East Bulgarian and crossbreeds with Arabs, well accustomed to the mountainous terrain. Average height 160-165 cm.
We use mostly Western sadles.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Sofia.
Arrive Sofia. Transfer to our hotel for overnight. -/-/-

Day 2. Sofia - Batoshevo
3-hours drive to Batoshevo where after we check-in in our guest house we meet the horses. Afternoon ride to Batoshevo Monastery. Overnight guest house Batoshevo. B/-/D
~3 hours riding

Day 3. Batoshevo - Uzana Hut (1250 moh.)
We head south-east ascending to central Balkan crest, the trail following dirt roads and forest paths with possibilities to trot and canter. .We make several stops to enjoy the magnificent views and eat our lunch before reaching Uzana Hut in the afternoon. B/L/D
~6-7 hours riding

Day 4. High Balkan ride from Uzana to Mazalat Hut (1620 m)
Today we continue our ride following the crest of Central Balkan along the European mountain trail Kom-Emine. We reach Mazalat Hut early in the afternoon. Time to relax and explore the surroundings. B/L/D
~5 hours riding

Day 5. High Balkan ride Mazalat - Singing Rocks - Tuza Hut (1510 m)
The ride today brings us further along the Kom-Emine trail and Central Balkan National Park, as we ride into the reserve of The Singing Rocks. If the wind is blowing, we may hear the rocks sing. In one or two places we have to dismount and lead our horse.
We reach the high mountain plateau Rosovatets where we can canter at an altitude of 2000 m. B/L/D
~7 hours riding

Day 6. Tuza Hut - Apriltsi - Tabashka
After breakfast we ride in the northern direction leaving Central Balkan trail behind us. We pass through Ostrets (Apriltsi) where we stop for lunch. Then the trail continues through thick beech forests with good stretches for trotting and cantering. Overnight in a hote in the village of Tabashka. B/L/D
~6 hours riding

Day 7. Tabashka - Batoshevo - Sofia
Our last day in the saddle we spend in the lower parts of the mountain where we ride at higher speed as the terrain allows more trotting. We reach the stables at about 4 pm, say good bye to the horses before driving back to our hotel in Sofia. B/L/-
~6 hours riding

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to Sofia airport for departure. B/-/-

Price Includes:
5 nights in hotels and guest houses rooms with en-suite facilities
2 nights in mountain huts (shared facilities)
all meals acc. itinerary
English speaking guide and local guide
saddled horses
airport transfers on day 1 + day 8

Not Included:
fight tickets
drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
tips
insurance
personal expenses

Gallery