A one-day autumn ascent of Gotsev Peak (2,212 m), the highest summit of Slavyanka, right on the Greek border, with views over Pirin and northern Greece.
We climb the steep red-marked path through the forests of the Ali Botush Reserve and come down the gentler blue-marked route via the Livada meadows. The ascent is non-technical but long – about 7.5 hours on foot and around 1,300 m of climbing in a single day – so the program is for hikers in very good physical shape.
What's included
Included
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
- Licensed guide
- Transportation during the program
- Travel insurance with limit - 500 euro. The insurance is concluded with the insurance company Euroins
Not included
- Food
- Personal expenses
Tour Itinerary
The drive from Sofia takes about 3 hours – down the Struma motorway to Katuntsi, then through Petrovo village and past Izvora hut on the road towards Goleshovo. We get off the bus at the Gotsev Peak signpost, go through a short briefing and start climbing.
The red-marked path begins on a broad forest track and soon branches off uphill into the trees. The climb is steep and sustained but free of any hazards – stony at first, then a soft forest path. After about an hour and a half we reach the junction with the blue waymarks, and the forest begins to thin out. The first views open up over the lower slopes of Slavyanka and across to Pirin. We traverse the eastern flank of Shabran – the mountain's second-highest summit – and the gradient eases for a while. At the Dry Lake the final climb begins, leading us to the top of Gotsev Peak.
At 2,212 m we stand on the highest point of Slavyanka, right on the Greek border. The peak has carried the name of Gotse Delchev since 1951, and the mountain itself is also known by its older names, Alibotush and Kitka – the "flower mountain". Pirin lies to the north, while the mountains of northern Greece spread out to the south. The summit is often windy – weather permitting, we have lunch in the shelter of the top.
We descend on the blue waymarks back to the junction and continue to the Livada meadows, where there is a spring by the mountain shelter. From here a gentle dirt track leads down through the forest to the road, where the bus is waiting. Return to Sofia.
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: