Stara planina

Stara planina mountain is located in the middle of the country. It's long ridge is from West border of Bulgaria to the Black sea to the East. Highest peak is Botev peak (2376 meters above sea level, a.s.l.) and is atmost in geographical center of Bulgaria. One can see more than half of territory of the country. Another significant peaks in this mountain are Zhultec, Goljam Kupen (2169m a.s.l.) Ambarica, Vezen (2198 m a.s.l). In the very west on the ridge are Kom (2016m a.s.l), Midzhur. Many waterfalls are nearby Botev peak - (Rajsko pruskalo, Vidimsko pruskalo, Dzhendemsko pruskalo).

Botev peak as seen from North. Reach of rocks, grass, waters. High 2376 meters. When on the summit, one feels like he flies in Heaven. This is because the summit is a wide level meadow, and the near neighbour peaks are obscured. (140k, 108k). Rajsko pruskalo. The highest waterfall in Bulgaria - 124 m. Located on South slope of Botev peak. Next to the waterfall is situated Raj hostel. The name Raj (Paradize in English) speaks about the beauty of this place. (156k).

Southern Dzhendem. It is a beautifull and somewhat fearful canyon located in the South of Botev peak. Bjala reka (White river) was created this narrow valley where is hard to find level place for a single tent! Hence its name: Dzhendem is a Turkish word which means Hell. The Dzhendem is as long as few kilometers (4 - 5) but one should spend about two days to go through it. This waterfall is one of the many in the canyon. There is Northern Dzhendem in the North of Botev. It is different from South one but is very impressive too. (118k ,148k)

This is a view of Stara planina from its southern neighbour Sredna gora. The spring has come in the lowlands but the snow still stays on the ridge. The peak on the right of the picture is Vezen (Vezhen) 2198 meters. It is the highest one in this part of the mountain - Tetevenska Stara planina. (154k).

Here is two pictures where Stara planina can be viewed again but at the back plane. The lake in the forefront is an excellent place for picnic or fishing.

The Eho hostel region. This mountain house is built 5 meters below the mountain ridge (113k). It is like a bird on the high rock. The place is known to have exceptional views to all directions. Second picture shows the snowy look of Jumruka peak, 1818m (36k). It was made at 02 January, 2000.There was so much snow in the mountain so it was our real Y2K problem, the computers did not suffer. In fact, there is no computers in the hostel ;) Next photo shows the same peak but in summertime (145k). One can reach it from the hostel in 20-30 minutes or less. It is green summertime. Its slopes are rich of blueberries. A metal rope is mounted at its East edge to help climbing in wintertime. And at last a winter view to Vezen peak in the right. (149k)

Springtime in Stara planina. The old tree turned to a burned trunk but the grass comes up. Then the beech trees will show their leaves. By now, they are waitng to get sure that the winter will not return. Look at the clouds behind: These are spring clouds, not winter ones ! Next photo shows Vezen with its Northern view. The peak has begun to strip its winter coat. It hangs torn out on the slopes. At last, the snow turns to green spring river. (117, 64, 54, 101k)



This picture shows the North view of Svishti plaz peak (1888m). This peak is situated in Central part of the mountain, near Etropole and Zlatica towns. The point of view is next to Jamna village (Yamna). It was late spring and all was green. (81k)


There is a wonderful place in our Balkan where the nature was very generous. It is called Iskar canyon. The pictures show its part where the river meanders between the white karst rocks like a snake. The ancient Cherepish monastery is situated in the very narrow place, between the vertical rocks and Iskar river. The canyon is accessible by car or train from the capital Sofia or from Mezdra town. More pictures from the way to Iskar canyon made at the time of bike trip to there





The picture shows a panorama to Zvezdec peak (1655m) in Western Stara planina. The Hemus highway is seen at the front of the picture.


Beklemeto. This is a pass in Stara planina, between Troyan town from North and Karnare village from South. The mountain is very nice here. It is the right place for mountain biking and paragliding. You can leave your car at Beklemeto mountain resort and go to the ridge with your bike. The pleasure is guaranteed. The monument seen in the left picture is devoted to the Russian soldiers, fallen in Russian-Turkish war 1877-1878 year.

The rocks of Belogradchik. A place rich of natural beauty and human history. The greatest sculptor has used its tools - the water, wind and Sun - for centuries to create these fantastic rocks. Almost each one was given a name by our predecessors. And almost each one keeps an old legend from our past. The fortress that the rocks hide is as ancient as Rome Empire. When entering Bulgaria by Vidin ferry don't hurry to Sofia. Come here. You will not regret for the time spent. The town of Belogradchik is near by E79 international route to Sofia and Athens
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Network/9276/mn/balkan_m.htm