Discover the Beauty of Bulgaria! Mountain Trek to Rai Skakalo Waterfall and Botev Peak - The Magic of the Central Balkan Mountains

Upcoming dates: 27-28 June 

Treat yourself to two days in the depths of the most beautiful and picturesque part of the Balkan Mountains. You will visit Rai Hut beneath the Southern Djendem Reserve and climb the highest peak of the Balkan Mountains – the majestic and beloved Botev Peak.

The experience includes:

• participation in the program
• organizational fee
• licensed mountain guide
• mountain insurance for the duration of the program with coverage up to €1000
• overnight stay in a mountain hut

Day One:
Route: Panitsite Area – Rai Hut – Rai Skakalo Waterfall – Rai Hut

10:00 AM – Group meeting at the Panitsite area above the town of Kalofer (an exact location will be sent to participants). After checking your equipment, the journey toward Rai Hut begins through the ancient beech forests of the Balkan Mountains.

The hike to the hut takes around 3 to 4 hours, with breaks along the way in thick shade and at panoramic viewpoints overlooking Botev Peak and the waterfall. In the afternoon, you will arrive at Rai Hut.

After a short rest, you will head toward the 127-meter-high Rai Skakalo Waterfall (30–40 min) to admire the grandeur of this colossal column of water up close. Afterwards, you will return to the hut for a well-deserved rest.

Day Two:
Route: Rai Hut – Tarzan’s Trail – Botev Peak – Marinka Shelter – Panitsite Area

Wake-up at 07:00 AM (those wishing to catch the sunrise may get up earlier).

After breakfast, you will begin the hike to the highest peak of the Balkan Mountains – Botev Peak (2376 m) via Tarzan’s Trail.

Once you reach Botev Peak, you will take the obligatory group photo at the summit. The peak is exceptionally panoramic and offers incredible views of the Balkan Mountain massifs. In addition, since 1942, a meteorological station has been operating on the summit, providing valuable daily weather data.

From the peak, you will descend along an alternative route leading directly back to the starting point – the Panitsite area. The trail is extremely panoramic and varied in terrain.

Mandatory personal equipment and requirements:

• backpack around 30–40 liters
• high three-season hiking boots
• 2 pairs of spare socks
• suitable clothing:
• comfortable long hiking pants
• quick-dry T-shirt/blouse
• thermal base layer top and leggings
• fleece
• raincoat
• windproof jacket
• down jacket or synthetic insulated jacket with hood
• spare dry clothes for changing
• winter hat
• summer hat
• gloves
• buff or other head/neck scarf
• headlamp or flashlight
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• personal first aid kit according to your needs
• trekking poles (recommended)

The trek is suitable for intermediate hikers in good physical condition. All hikes are conducted in compliance with the necessary safety measures and are led by a licensed mountain guide.

Group hikes with fixed dates are organized with a minimum of 4 participants. If you purchase a voucher for a scheduled group hike but the minimum group size is not reached for the selected date, or weather conditions do not allow the hike to take place, the organizers will offer you an alternative date and your voucher will remain valid.