This exhilarating two-day adventure takes us deep into the Balkan Range, where we cross the border and set foot on Serbian ground. We open a series of ascents of the Balkan countries' highest peaks with Serbia's Midžor. At 2,169 metres it is the highest summit not only in Serbia but in the Chiprovtsi mountains, part of the western Balkan Range. From the top, striking views open towards Suva Planina, Ruy and the whole of north-western Bulgaria.
The following day we continue with a walk in the deep valley of the Gradašnica river, where the path leads us to the warm mineral spring known as the Spring of Life - Dag Banica. The trip finishes with a visit to Poganovo Monastery, set on the bank of the river Jerma, from where beautiful panoramas open over the picturesque gorge - one more touch of magic for our adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Midžor peak (2,169 m)
Tour Itinerary
The transfer to the Babin Zub ski resort takes around three and a half hours. Our climb begins on a gently rising dirt road that leads us up onto the panoramic watershed ridge connecting the resort with Serbia's highest peak. Along the way we climb Vojvodin Venec, Žarkova Čuka, Prilepski Vrh and Tupanar in turn, before reaching the main ridge of the Chiprovtsi Balkan and the border between Bulgaria and Serbia. From here to the summit we simply follow the level ridge, enjoying a 360-degree panorama. On the descent, given enough time and good conditions, we also climb Babin Zub. The day ends with check-in and dinner at a welcoming guest house.
The following day brings easier, more relaxed walking on the way back to Sofia. Once we have gathered for breakfast and packed, we set off for our first stop of the day, the village of Gradašnica near Pirot.
Our walk starts there, following a picturesque three-kilometre path along the deep valley of the Gradašnica river. Along the way we meet small but very beautiful waterfalls that lend the whole walk a touch of magic. The path brings us to the Dag Banica mineral spring, known locally as the Spring of Life — a small natural treasure, jealously guarded by the people of Pirot. The braver among us can bathe in its warm water, which holds a pleasant 29 degrees all year round.
After lunch we continue to our next destination, Poganovo Monastery. Set in a meadow by the river Jerma and framed by the remarkably beautiful gorge in the distance, the monastery is striking for its singular atmosphere and calm. It is the ideal place to close our two days, the richer for the beauty of the landscape and the spirit of these Balkan lands.
Required Documents !
- Valid Bulgarian ID or international passport
Important:
Winter trekking equipment
Shoes
High shoes with hard sole and membrane
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. Please come to treks with a backpack suitable for trekking. Very often, each participant needs to attach snowshoes to their backpack, and this cannot happen with urban backpacks
Backpack cover - in case of rain or snowfall
Clothing top
Тhermal base layer
Fleece
A down jacket or other jacket with synthetic insulation
Wind and water proof jacket
Hat
Gloves - 3 pairs of gloves, one thin, one medium thick and one for very bad conditions
Buff
Clothing bottom
Тhermal bottom base layer
Winter pants
Gaiters
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Sun cream with high protection
Water and food
Water (1.5 liters)
Food for the trek
Money and documents
Money
ID or passport
Other
First aid kit
Trekking poles with winter feathers
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: