THE RHODOPES MOUNTAINS, BULGARIA
They are situated in the southern parts of Bulgaria and consist of three parts from west to east. The most interesting is the central one. The highest peak - Golyam Perelik (2,191 m), is in a military area and impossible to climb. Best starting points are the cities of Plovdiv and Smolyan, the towns of Assenovgrad and Chepelare and Pamporovo ski resort. Plovdiv is reachable by train, but the Rhodopes mountains are mainly a bus country.
From the village of Hrabrino, south of Plovdiv to Pamporovo Ski Resort via the chalets of Rodopsky Polyany, Bryanovshtitza, Varhovruh, Modar (which burned down in the 1980's), Persenk, Izgrev and Studenetz. Allow 5-6 days.
From the town of Assenovgrad, south of Plovdiv, to the chalets of Martziganitza and Vassil Kolarov. Then crossing the most deserted part of the Rhodopes mountains south to the chalets of Svoboda, Prespa and Momchil Voyvoda to the popular village of Momchilovtzi. Allow 3-4 days.
The E8 European trail crosses the Rhodopes Mountains.
text and pictures by Konstantin Ivanov © 1993 - 2002
last updated Jan 30, 2002
