An autumn ridge trek in the Etropole Balkan to Mara Gidia peak (1,790 m), taking in Murgana, Chelopeshka Baba and Mirkovska Baba on the way.
The route runs the whole way along the main Balkan ridge, starting from the saddle by Kashana hut the most convenient point from which to reach the highest summit in the Etropole section. One after another we climb Murgana (1,639 m), Chelopeshka Baba (1,722 m) and Mirkovska Baba (1,745 m) before arriving at our final goal, Mara Gidia. Autumn suits this route especially well: the ridge path is open and panoramic, and the cooler air makes a long day on foot far more comfortable.
Tour Highlights
- Murgana peak (1,639 m)
- Mara Gidia peak (1,790 m)
- Chelopeshka Baba peak (1,722 m)
- Mirkovska Baba peak (1,745 m)
Price Includes / Excludes
Price Includes
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
- Travel insurance with limit - 500 euro. The insurance is concluded with the insurance company Euroins
- Transportation during the program
- Licensed guide
Price Excludes
- Food
- Personal expenses
Tour Itinerary
The drive to Kashana hut takes about an hour and a half. Once there we sort out our packs, run through the briefing and talk over the route before setting off.
The first 30-40 minutes take us through forest on a waymarked path, after which we come out onto the open ridge. Our first target is Murgana (1,639 m), with fine views in every direction, the Elatsite mine among them. We carry on west along the crest - gently up and down - to the climb up Chelopeshka Baba (1,722 m), a rockier and more striking summit.
The ridge path then runs almost level past Mirkovska Baba (1,745 m). Before long we reach our final point of the day, Mara Gidia (1,790 m).
We then head back to Murgana hut, where we round off the day with hot tea and good food.
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: