Etropole Balkan Trail
With their remarkable cultural, historical, ethnographic and architectural diversity, the Balkan
mountains are attractive and unforgettable destination for adventure travel on horseback. The
Balkans are the longest mountain range in the country, running 560 km from west to east.
Our Balkan trail starts from Elen Hunting Lodge, a few kilometers from the beautiful town of
Etropole (1,5 hours drive from Sofia Airport) and the monastery bearing the same name.
The ride follows a progressive route with nights spent at mountain chalets and guesthouses.
The rides are at a moderate pace overall, with routes taking you through forest and up and
down mountain tracks, although there are usually good opportunities for trots and canters
each day where the terrain allows.
Tour highlights:
♦ Central Balkan National Park - are the longest (550 km) and the biggest of all mountains
in Bulgaria.
♦ Etropole Monastery Itinerary:
Day 1. Sofia - Etropole
Arrive Sofia and transfer to Etropole and Elen Hunting Lodge for overnight.
Day 2. Elen-Kokalsko
Today’s ride to Kokalsko wanders through white pine, fir and spruce forests. At a distance we
will see locals with strings of pack horses bringing in their winter firewood and herders
tending small flocks of sheep. Picnic lunch and accommodation in Kokalsko guest house.
4 hours in the saddle.
Day 3. Kokalsko-Murgana
We ride mostly uphill today to reach the mountain hut of Murgana (1400 m. asl.)
The ride offers magnificent views over Central Balkan National Park.
4 hours in the saddle, accommodation in dormitory with shared facilities.
Day 4. Murgana - Elen (Etropole)
5 hours downhill ride back to Elen hunting lodge.
Day 5. Elen - Boykovets
Todays ride offers good possibilities for trot and canter.
4 hours in the saddle.
Day 6. Boykovets – Etropole Monastery
Head out on horseback to Etropole Monastery. Located at the foot of Cherni peak, it is
approximately 5 km north of Etropole. The monastery was first built in the 11th century but
its present day construction dates back to 1858. Its cross-like form is said to be one of the
most precious architectural monuments from the Bulgarian Renaissance period. Lunch will be
served near the monastery followed by a tour of the grounds.
4 hours in the saddle.
Day 7. Etropole Monastery – Elen Hunting Lodge
Our last day of riding winds up a mountain trail through a dense beech forest. The return ride
takes us through small villages where we will see local residents tend to their evening chores;
bringing in their cows for milking, feeding the pigs and chickens, and working in their
gardens. 3,5-4 hours in the saddle.
Day 8. Sofia Airport, departure
Good to know:
►Horses and tack:
East Bulgarian ,Gidran, Anglo Arab and Arab breed (Shagia and full-blooded); English,
Western and military saddles, the riding is on a mountain region , but every day there is a
possibility to gallop
Departure dates: May 12, June 02 and 23