A one-day Rhodopes hike to Stanchov Kamak (1,299 m), a rocky summit that towers high above the town of Laki and the Belishka river valley.
From the streets of Laki, Stanchov Kamak looks unclimbable – sheer rock walls rising high over the town. We reach it by its one accessible side: a new waymarked eco-trail through the forests of the Krushevska ridge and over neighbouring Propulo peak, with the final metres below the summit on a steep section protected by a steel cable. At around 9 km and close to 800 m of ascent, the route suits hikers in good shape who have a head for heights.
What's included
Included
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
- Travel insurance with limit - 500 euro. The insurance is concluded with the insurance company Euroins
- Licensed guide
- Transportation during the program
Not included
- Food
- Personal expenses
Tour Itinerary
We leave Sofia early in the morning and, after about three hours on the road via Plovdiv and Asenovgrad, enter the Belishka river valley at Laki. From the town we drive on up the road towards Manastir village to the start of the eco-trail.
The first part of the climb zigzags through mixed pine and hornbeam forest. At around 1,000 m the trees thin out and the first views open up towards the neighbouring Manastirishte ridge, while the path carries on gently alongside a gully. A short descent leads to a small saddle, followed by the climb to Propulo peak – our first sight of the sharp rocky crest of Stanchov Kamak.
From Propulo we follow the ridge down to the foot of the rock. The last metres below the summit are a steep section protected by a steel cable – we take it one at a time, with no rush. On top we stand at the edge of sheer walls, with the rooftops of Laki, the Belishka valley and the Krushevska ridge below us and the Rhodope ridges rolling away to the south. Weather permitting, we stop here for lunch.
We return the way we came – back over Propulo and down through the forest – and head back 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: