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Winter ascent of Botev peak

  • trek-winter-botev
  • trek-winter-botev
  • trek-winter-botev
  • trek-winter-botev
  • trek-winter-botev
  • trek-winter-botev
Balkan
from
intermediate

One of our favorite winter ascents in Bulgaria. Welcome to a weekend in the Balkans.

The program includes 2 nights! This peak is one of the winter classics. It's time to ascend the highest peak of the Stara Planina mountain range. Its height of 2376 meters makes it the third-highest mountain peak in Bulgaria.

Tour Itinerary

Transfer Sofia - Apriltsi. Once we leave the vehicles, we head towards Pleven Hut. A night trek along a well-maintained trail. After about 45 minutes, we'll reach Pleven Hut. Accommodation at the hut, dinner, and discussion of the program for the next 2 days.

Early rise and breakfast at 7:30. Around 8:30, the ascent to Botev can begin.
After the hut, the climb begins along the old ski slope. Initially through the forested area, we seamlessly reach the foot of Mlechen Chal peak, at the crossroads between the summer and winter routes. Naturally, we continue along the winter markers. This is where the slightly technical part begins. After a short break and fitting the crampons, we start the ascent using the safety rope.
Following the steep climb, we reach the main ridge of the Balkan and Mlechen Chal peak (2255 meters). We descend to the Botev shelter, where we'll have some warm tea and take a brief rest. After the shelter, the final stretch to the peak remains.
We can all congratulate each other on the successful ascent. Time for photos and breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.
We'll head back to Pleven Hut. The evening will be an enjoyable mountain-style experience.

Walk around the area near the hut.
Departure back to Sofia.

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What do you need for the trekking?
  • Suitable hiking boots - 3-season hiking boots or mountaineering boots (depending on the program and the season)
  • Spare socks
  • Comfortable hiking pants
  • Thermal underwear - top and bottom
  • Fleece
  • Wind and water proof jacket
  • A down jacket or other jacket with synthetic insulation
  • Winter and summer hat, buff and gloves
  • Raincoat
  • About 40 liters backpack
  • Headtorch with spare batteries
  • Water (1.5 liters)
  • Sunglasses and sunscream with a high SPF
  • Food for the trek
  • Ids and cash money
  • Trekking Poles
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Other things - according your personal needs
Difficulty Level:
  • Intro - Programs that are an introduction in the hiking. For people without any experience. A high level of physical endurance and special hiking equipment are not required. The hikes are usually short and easy up to about 3 hours. The 'Intro' programs happen in spring, summer or fall
  • Beginners - Programs for people with previous hiking experience. Treks of this type are slightly longer (about 4-6 hours) and include a greater positive elevation gain (about 300-400 meters). No technical sections
  • Intermediate - Programs duration is usually around 6-8 hours. Participants must have good physical endurance. Programs of this type include climbing peaks, crossing dynamic terrain. The total positive elevation gain for the day is about 600-800 meters, but it is could exceed 1000 meters
  • Advanced - Treks duration is about 8-10 hours. Includes large elevation gain - 1000+ meters. Programs of this type often involve scrambling terrain in summer conditions or winter ascents of peaks. Participants must be absolutely confident in their physical abilities as well as their equipment. Oftentimes, winter programs of this type require the use of crampons and ice axe
  • Extreme - These programs are only for experienced mountaineers who want to cross the line between hiking and alpinism. The programs are often over 10 hours long and about 1500 meters of daily elevation gain. They include traversing technical edges, climbing rock ledges and/or categorized routes, using mandatory alpine equipment. Participants must know how to use crampons and ice axe
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:

  • 20 or more days before tour start: - No penalty
  • Between 19 and 14 days before tour start: - 30% from the price
  • Between 13 and 7 days before tour start: - 60% from the price
  • Less than 3 days before tour start: - 100% from the price
Important:
  • In the event of a change in weather conditions during the tour or other unforeseen situations, the guide may change the route or offer another alternative option to the participants for their safety
  • If the program cannot happen due to bad weather forecast, the organizer will refund 100% of the price to the participants
  • In order to take part in the tour, you must be in good physical health and condition, and notify the organizer in case you have any illnesses or injuries
  • If the number of participants is less than the minimum and the program will not happen, the organizer will notify all registered participants up to 7 days before the event
  • Discounts cannot be combined