Kaymakchalan - Peak, History and Spa NEW
An ascent of Kaymakchalan (2,524 m) in the Nidze (Voras) mountains - the third-highest in Greece - with a First World War memorial standing on the summit. Three days in the Nidze range: an unhurried opening at the Edessa waterfalls and the thermal baths of Pozar, a summit day to the border peak with its chapel and ossuary, and a gentle close beside the Kounoupitsa waterfall. The programme brings together a serious mountain trek with history and recovery, and suits people with some mountain experience and good fitness.
Tour Highlights
- Връх Каймакчалан
- Термалните извори на Позар
- Водопадите в Едеса
Price Includes / Excludes
Price Includes
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
- Insurance assistance abroad with limit - 5,000 euro. The insurance is concluded with the insurance company Euroins
- Transportation during the program
- Licensed guide
- Accommodation in guest house
Price Excludes
- Food
- Personal expenses
Tour Itinerary
We leave Sofia early to make the most of the day. On the way to the mountains we stop at ancient Pella - capital of the Macedonian kingdom and birthplace of Alexander the Great, from where his father Philip II ruled. We visit the archaeological site with its famous pebble-mosaic floors and the modern museum holding finds from the city's golden age (the two are a few kilometres apart, with separate tickets). Later we call in at the Karanos waterfalls in Edessa - among the highest in Greece - before carrying on up to our overnight stay. A first day rich in history and landscape, and good preparation for the summit walk.
The main day. We start from the Meterizi area by the ski centre on the classic route, heading up through treeless alpine terrain towards the summit. On the crest we come to the chapel of St Peter (St Peter and Paul, by some accounts), built by Serbian soldiers in memory of those who fell at the battle of Kaymakchalan in 1916, and today both memorial and ossuary. The border between Greece and North Macedonia runs directly across the summit; from the Greek side the route is freely accessible — no crossing is involved and no permit is needed. On top we walk among the preserved wartime trenches and positions, one of the best-preserved Great War battlefields in the Balkans. In clear weather the view runs from the mountains of North Macedonia all the way to Olympus. After the descent we return to Pozar for a restorative soak in the thermal springs - warm water being exactly what tired legs want at the end of a long day.
A gentle finish. We take an easy walk along the waymarked path beside the Kounoupitsa stream to the waterfall of the same name, then have lunch in the area (Aridea/Loutraki) before starting the long drive back to Sofia.
Required Documents !
- Valid Bulgarian ID
Important:
Three seasons trekking equipment
Shoes
Suitable shoes for the mountain, according to the weather forecast. High ankle or low shoes. You may wear sneakers to change into at the end of the program
Spare socks
Lighting
Headlamp - An absolute must-have accessory for every mountaineer. It may be necessary for the group to start a trek very early or finish the trek in the dark (force majeure). In these situations, each participant must have a headlamp. We recommend going with a proven brand like Petzl or BlackDiamond
Spare batteries
Backpack
About 40 liters backpack - Quite enough for one or two day hikes.
Backpack cover - in case of rain
Clothing top
Depending on the season and weather conditions
T-shirt or thin thermal base layer - from merino or synthetic. In no case cotton material
Fleece
A down jacket or other jacket with synthetic insulation - a thin down jacket is recommended. Evenings and mornings in the mountains, temperatures are low. No expensive down jacket needed
Wind and water proof jacket
Thin hat and gloves
Buff
Clothing bottom
Depending on the season and weather conditions
Comfortable long pants - in the perfect case with zippers for ventilation
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Summer hat
Sun cream with high protection
Buff with UPF protection
Rain protection
Raincoat
-or-
Waterproof top and bottom
Water and food
Water (1.5 liters)
Food for the trek
Money and documents
Money
ID or passport
Other
First aid kit
Trekking poles
Cancellation Policy:
Чл. 89. (Изм. – ДВ, бр. 37 от 2018 г., в сила от 01.07.2018 г.) (1) Пътуващият има право да прекрати договора за туристически пакет по всяко време преди започването на изпълнението на туристическия пакет. The tourist owes a penalty as follows: