The town of Kalofer and the beginning of the journey. Some six hours away from Hija Rai (the Paradise Lodge) and Raiskoto Pruskalo, the Heavenly Sprinkle waterfall
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

Encountering some of the locals along the way. Some hour and half into the hike
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

This is where the road ends. A beautiful terrace is perched over the deep gorge. From here, there is a mountain path slicing through the forest leading to the lodge. All re-supply for the Rai Lodge is accomplished through mules and horses.
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

The path leading to Rai Lodge twists through lush forests, streams, rivers, bridges and small waterfalls. The scenery is unforgettable. There is the occasional horse poo on the ground from the caravan, but not enough to spoil the beauty of it all.
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

Miroslava Doynova tossing a tomato dropped from the re-supply caravan which passed us earlier on. She is certain it will suffice for a salad for four people.
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

The waterfall and the imposing rock face leading up towards the summit of Botev. Left of the waterfall, snaking between the cliffs, is the Tarzan Path


Photo: Dobrin Minkov

The Botev summit massif and the Raisko Pruskalo waterfall as seen from the Kupena peak. The scenic and demanding Tarzan Path leading up to the summit from the lodge snakes left of the waterfall.
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

On top of Kupena peak, facing Botev summit. Left to right: Photographer, Dobrin Minkov, Stefan Duchev, Miroslava Doynova and Nick Iliev.



Photo: Dobrin Minkov

The Kupena peak itself. Although it looks rugged and demanding, it is actually an easy and pleasant climb to the top.

Photo: Dobrin Minkov

The Rai Lodge (Hija Rai). Its means Paradise Lodge and it’s aptly named so. Situated below the waterfall, flanked by imposing cliffs and a deep gorge, the lodge is home to several horses running freely around, and a mesmerising nature of forests, mountains, cliffs and a celestial waterfall. One of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria, by far. At 10.30 leva per night, it offers clean rooms, clean beds, decent toilet facilities and a hot shower. Most of all, it offers unforgettable atmosphere and hospitality.

Photo: Dobrin Minkov

The Rai (Paradise) lodge at night
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

Preparing the fire, having a drink and listening to heavy-metal
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

Following day, storming the summit. From Paradise Lodge, the way up to Botev would necessitate negotiating the Tarzan Path – a beautiful and dramatic path slicing through the rock face, which at times means it requires safety rigging and steel cables along the cliffs.

Photo: Dobrin Minkov

Climbing the Tarzan Path
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

Having left Tarzan behind, this is the final stretch onwards to the summit
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

Summit of Botev at 2376 metres. Outside the meteorological station. Left to right, photographer Dobrin Minkov, Nick Iliev, Miroslava Doynova, Stefan Duchev and the weather man/lodge keeper and tea supplier. The man offered us a massive kettle full of hot tea for a symbolic price and a clean room to eat and rest. I can’t remember his name, i was utterly knackerred.. What a shame.

Photo: Dobrin Minkov

Descending from Botev summit, towards Tuja Lodge. Walking on the ridge of the mountain, to the left is the north half of Bulgaria and to the right, the south part of the country, Botev summit is close to the geographical centre of Bulgaria, which is in Lozana.

Photo: Dobrin Minkov

Supporterd only by the wind. On the ridge we were blasted by 30 m p/s winds, tossing us about like rag dolls
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

The Tuja lodge, bottom left corner
Photo: Dobrin Minkov

The “vicious” lovable rogue at Tuja, Mecho (Bear)


Photo: Dobrin Minkov

“Which way home?” On the third day, the descend to Tuja village which is all the way across the Balkan mountain range in south Bulgaria, some six hours away of hiking.

Photo: Dobrin Minkov

The Kudemliisko Pruskalo waterfall. Left to right: Dobrin Minkov, Nick Iliev, Miroslava Doynova and Stefan Duchev

Photo: Dobrin Minkov

The end of the journey - the skies above the village of Tuja
Photo: Dobrin Minkov