mountain routes Archives - 203Challenges

Closer to space: The Bulgarian mountain village of Orehovo

Maria Angelova — Tue, 18 May 2021 05:27:35 +0000

With the very first steps you take in the village Orehovo, you realize that you haven’t traveled just roads – you’ve traveled back in time. In the center you’ll find a couple of shops selling hand-made bread with thick crispy crust, reminiscent of all the vacations spent in the countryside at grandma’s, as well as a traditional pub and a door with the sign “library” above one of the stores.

The slopes of the Rhodope Mountains rise like guards in the sky protecting the houses below. Just steps away is the edge of a centuries-old evergreen forest. In the vicinity, the landscape is dotted with more than 20 chapels, with the River Persena running through. Go to its bank on the other side and look at the houses perched on the slope, as if drawn on a postcard. Just then the thought of space crosses your mind: cosmic tranquility and perfect harmony.

Orehovo village, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

People in Orehovo are talkative and always have broad smiles on their faces. True locals, they are used to seeing people with big backpacks roaming the streets. They will greet you and fill your soul with sheer joy.

Itineraries near Orehovo:

Orehovo may be a starting point for a hike, or it may be a place to chill-out. Either is good. Ask anyone in the village and they will give you directions – the area is very well-marked.

Near Orehovo village, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

You can hike to Kabata mountain hut (3 hours, marked with blue) or the natural stone phenomenon of the Marvelous Bridges (known as Chudnite Mostove, another 2 hours after Kabata), a favorite with locals and foreigners.

The Marvelous Bridges,, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

There is one slightly creepy site of interest near Orehovo – Cheleveshka Cave (Human Cave), where many residents of the village were burnt during the Ottoman rule. Around 12 km from Orehovo you will find the remains of an ancient Roman road (follow the signs). Persenk mountain hut is within a 3-hour walk. Less than a kilometer from the village, below the peak of Oreshnitsa, is Duplevo Waterfall. Just 2 km from Orehovo is Skakaloto Waterfall (take the paved road to Persenk mountain hut, and after a turn take the marked trail, going steeply down).

Duplevo Waterfall, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

Visit also the natural site of Kosten Kamak in Koilov Dol Canyon – an impressive vertical cliff with an imposing 30-meter high waterfall.

We challenge you to…

…try the famous specialty from the Rhodope Mountains – patatnik (potatoes with eggs, cheese and spices cooked over a slow fire).

Landscape from the Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

Useful information:

You can get to the village of Orehovo by car following a paved road through Plovdiv, Asenovgrad and Hvoyna. The village is 60 km from Plovdiv and 54 km from Smolyan (where you can visit the amazing Canyon of Waterfalls). Orehovo offers more than 100 wonderful guesthouses with nice hosts.

Discover more stunning and unusual places in Bulgaria.

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Hiking in Bulgaria: see the view from Koncheto Ridge in Pirin Mountains

Maria Angelova — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 04:41:54 +0000

All who have seen the world from this magical place, who have felt how fragile and helpless they are before nature, they went back changed. Koncheto Ridge in Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria, is one of the most scenic mountain view your hiker’s soul can dream of. Here’s how to get there and what you should know about the hike.

Origin of the name

In Bulgarian, Koncheto means “the Little Horse”. According to a mountain story, the ridge was given this name because before the metal support rope was installed in 1963, inexperienced tourists crossed the ridge by straddling it like a horse and crawling. Is it really so scary? Take the appropriate equipment, some food and water and see for yourself.

Pirin Mountains, Koncheto Ridge | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

What you will see at Koncheto

Koncheto sits at an altitude of 2800 m in the Pirin Mountains and connects the peaks of Kutelo and Suhodol. On the very edge there is a metal rope to keep you safe. At its narrowest points, the ridge is only 40 cm wide, with steep rocks on both sides. It’s useful to know that the weather here changes quickly; often it is sunny on one side of Koncheto while the other is shrouded in fog.

Wild flowers in Pirin Mountains | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

From Vihren mountain hut to Koncheto

A good starting point to Koncheto is Vihren mountain hut, accessible by car on a paved road 12 km from Bansko. On the way to Koncheto you can climb Mt Vihren (the highest peak in Pirin, at 2914 m), or pass along the foot of the mountain and climb it on the way back. It will take you at least 4 hours from Vihren hut to Koncheto if you climb Vihren (8 hours for the whole day). The trail from Vihren hut through Mt Vihren to Koncheto is marked with red. If you decide not to climb Mt Vihren (just so you know, the view is worth it!), take the only fork in the trail to the right following the green signs to Koncheto. The climb is difficult along both trails and the change in altitude is significant (about 1,000 m)

This route starts from Vihren mountain hut, but you can also start from Yavorov hut (5 hours one way).

Pirin Mountains, Koncheto Ridge | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Useful information

In June and August hundreds of people pass along the ridge, so be careful and patient. Keep in mind that you are in the mountains – wear comfortable clothes and bring trekking poles. In windy weather, it’s good to have a seat to attach to the metal rope. Remember, the ridge is dangerous in wet weather! If you aren’t sure of your own strength and skills, hire a mountain guide.

Discover more fun travel ideas and challenges in Bulgaria!

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The Lycian Way in Turkey – a 540-km route to walk

203 Challenges — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 23:04:48 +0000

The Lycian Way is a serious walking challenge in Turkey for those who crave long walking routes with ever changing views of the sea and mountains.

The Lycian Way is 540 km long and you will need around 29-30 days to walk it.

The route curves around the coastline in South Turkey and offers:

– a scenic route between the mountains and the coast

– old Roman roads and offbeaten paths

– some steep parts but with enough resting points

– local transport connection so you don’t have to walk all the way

About the route

The name of the route comes from the ancient name of this part of Anatolia – Lycia. The route was explored and marked by the Turkish-British non-professional historian Kate Clow in 1999. Since then, thousands of hikers have been following it every year and it has gained international popularity.

The coast is far from the major resorts, so you have great blue waters to swim or go kayaking. You’ll also pass through pine forests, mountain peaks, ancient ruins.

Start: Oludeniz (near Turkish resort Fethiye)

End: Geyikbayiri (20 km from Turkish resort Antalya) – the trail can be walked in both directions

Where to stay on the route: You can sleep in village guest houses or small hotels along the way. There are camping areas available, too.

What to eat: You can find groceries and shops in the villages along the way but sometimes the prices are unreasonably high.

Best time to do it: February – April or September – November. Summer is scorching.

Route marks: red and white stripes but have in mind that in many places the marks are poor and you’ll need a map and compass.

Self-guided routes and various options for the route here.

Photos: flickr/sunriseOdyssey

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The Canyon of Waterfalls near Smolyan, Bulgaria

Maria Angelova — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 15:22:05 +0000

We challenge you: Discover 46 waterfalls along this beautiful eco-trail

You’re in for an exciting day exploring the Canyon of Waterfalls. Tread carefully across shaky bridges, climb wooden ladders, feel the refreshing spray from waterfalls of all sizes and breathe the crystal air of the cool Rhodope Mountains. The picturesque woods seem like a filming location for fairy tales; you’ll be reminded of Little Red Riding Hood as you make your way along the hiking trails…

What you will see in the Canyon of Waterfalls

The Canyon of Waterfalls eco-trail is located in the buffer zone of Soskovcheto Reserve. You’ll see 46 waterfalls of all sizes and capacity along the route. Standing head and shoulders above the rest is Orpheus, which reaches 68 m, and other large waterfalls include Kamen Uley (Stone Chute), Sartseto (the Heart) and Kazanite (the Barrels), Ropkata. The best section of the trail includes numerous wooden bridges, zigzagging between both sides of the river Elenska. Use the railings and ladders to help you along the trail. The most appropriate season for visiting the Canyon of Waterfalls is the beginning of summer, when water levels are high and everything around is green. Autumn also offers beautiful conditions, as the canyon’s trees show off their yellow, red and brown leaves – the colours of the traditional local dress.

You can find plenty of panoramic views overlooking the beautiful Rhodope Mountains, as well as summer houses, benches and picnic tables along the route. Bring some sandwiches and water to sustain you for a whole day in the canyon.

Soskovcheto Reserve

Soskovcheto Reserve was created to preserve centuries-old spruces, which on average live to 112 years, with some even reaching 250-300 years. You can come across squirrels, dormice, otters, badgers, red deer, does and wild goats in the reserve.

Useful information

If you’re coming from Plovdiv/Pamporovo, enter Smolyan and drive straight to the first traffic light. Turn right and follow the signs to the village of Mugla (Мугла) until you exit the town. In 2-3 km you will see a sign marking the beginning of the eco-trail. Take a right into a narrow road leading to the foothill. About 1.5 km after the beginning of the turn-off, you’ll see a tourist center, where you can see a permanent photo exhibition displaying pictures from the region. Tour guides will tell you interesting stories about the mountain, and will introduce you to the plants and animals in the reserve, which is open from May to October. Make sure you wear comfortable and appropriate footwear as the stones near the waterfalls can be slippery. The eco-trail consists of several circles, as marked on the map; the route is 10 km long and climbs around 700 m in total, but the most visited part is about 6 km long. Spare at least 4 hours for a relaxed walk, giving yourself enough time to rest and take pictures.

The trail is properly marked and not too difficult – there are only a few relatively steep sections.

The beginning of the Canyon of the Waterfalls eco-trail:

More photos:

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