Stobski earth pyramids

Take you to the Rila Monastery, be sure to turn aside to Stobski earth pyramids. They are located on three kilometers from the fork to the village of Stob. Following the brown signs we are reaching earth way to continue walking. They are located on both sides of the hill separating Grachkovets and Bukovetz.
Stobski pyramids are terrestrial rock formations, to a thickness of 30-40 m in the bank are tinted rusty-brown, reddish and dark yellow. Much of the entities have hard hats - large stone blocks, some of which have dimensions of 80 to 120 cm. Most rock types are of pyramidal type, but meet and conical shapes. Under the action of wind, rainfall and erosion factors, the shape of the pyramids is changing, some are destroyed, making the rock hats and originated new pyramids.
They are divided into several groups called from people with different names - towers, Knockety, fairy chimneys, the bride and others. The most famous group Svatovete is associated with a legend.

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National Parks in Bulgaria

The National Park is a protected area declared and managed by the government. The area of the park is protected from most human impacts of development and pollution. The National parks have a set of rules, which every visitor must comply with during his stay within the protected area. Bulgarian national parks are Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan. Their total area is 193 049 ha, which is over 1/3 of the area of all protected areas in Bulgaria.
Furthermore, Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan are among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. They protect natural ecosystems, iwhich are rarely found in Europe.

Each of the national parks in Bulgaria covers and protects unique examples of natural ecosystems, declared reserves. They are the only or one of the few safe havens for many rare plants and animals of world importance.

Bulgarian national parks reveal wonderful opportunities for tourism, research and education. In the parks are protected rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and remarkable sites.

Tourists can choose from a wide variety of different activities such as:
• pedestrian tourism
• mountain biking,
• horse riding,
• Photo Safari,
• wild animals watching
• plants watching
• Climbing,
• mountaineering,
• caving.

Among prohibited by the Protected Areas Act activities are building, fishing and hunting, camping and fires outside designated areas. Violations are punishable by the law.

Pirin National Park

National Park 'Pirin' has a substantial share of Pirin Mountains. Its area is 40 332.4 ha. It borders by seven municipalities of Blagoevgrad - Gotse Delchev, Bansko, Razlog, Simitli, Kresna, Strumiani and Sandanski. There are two natural reserves in the area of the park. The reserve 'Bayuvi dupki - Dzhindzhiritsa' is one of the oldest reserves in Bulgaria. It was announced in 1934 to protect natural relict forests of white and black fir and the wide diversity of plant and animal species.

In 1977was declared a biosphere reserve under the program "Man and biosphere" of UNESCO. The reserve 'Ulen' was declared in 1994. It lies very diversity of the forest, subalpine and alpine ecosystems, and the beauty of all forms of Alpine relief. Due to its unique natural complex of 1983 NP 'Pirin' is object to the World Heritage Convention for the natural and cultural heritage of UNESCO.

Rila National Park

National Park "Rila" is the largest national park in Bulgaria with an area of 81 046 hectares. It is situated in the central and highest parts of the Rila Mountain. It protects: self ecosystems that have significant biodiversity, communities and habitats of rare and endangered species, historical monuments of world importance of science and culture. Hence some of the spring-water and many rivers in the Balkan Peninsula.
Most of the territory of the park is covered with ancient forests of spruce, white fir and white pine. Identified in the park higher plant species are 38.35% higher than the flora of Bulgaria. The total number of endemic species (species with limited geographical distribution) is 57. Local endemic species of them are 3 types, Bulgaria - 18, and 36 species are Balkan endemic species. The total number of relicts (species, a remnant of past geological epochs) in the territory of the park is 105 (74 types of ice age, and 31 species of tertiary). Species of higher plants in a park in the Red Book of Bulgaria entered 98 - 13% of all species in the Red Book. 141 species are medicinal plants, 20 of them are in the Red Book, a protected by Nature Protection are 8 species. 282 species are mosses, fungi - 233 species (11.6% of established in Bulgaria), and algae - 130 species.
This part of the Rila mountain inhabited by 2934 species and 172 invertebrate species of vertebrate animals in Bulgaria. The bird world is represented by 99 species, which is about 30 percent of the nesting species in the country, a 94 species have conservation status. Of vertebrates that occur in the park, 121 species were recorded in Bulgarian Red Book, 15 species - in the European Red Book, 24 species - in the red list of the International Union for the Protection of Nature (IUCN), a 158 - to the lists to the Berne Convention. Of 41 kinds of invertebrates are included in the World and European lists of endangered species.
In Rila National Park is presented 60 types of habitats. Of these, 29 were of high conservation significance and are included in the list of endangered habitat requiring special conservation measures under the Habitats Directive of the European Union and Resolution 4, relating thereto.
The park covers extensive grasslands, more than 100 peaks with an altitude over 2000 m, rock walls, precipices, caves, deep canyons and waterfalls. In the territory of the park there are about 120 lakes, of which 70 are from the ice age.
The park was declared a national of February 24, 1992. It was one of the most valuable and the largest protected areas in Europe. The park and four reserves are in the List of protected areas representative of the United Nations. The reserve "Parangalitsa" and former “Marichini Lakes” (which is included in the territory of the Central Rila Reserve) are part of the World biosphere reserves network program" Man and biosphere "by UNESCO. In the territory of Rila National Park is the largest reserve in the country - the Central Rila Reserve with an area of 12 393.7 hectares, and one of the oldest reserves in Bulgaria - Parangalitsa, announced in 1933.

Central Balkan National Park

National park "Central Balkan is situated in the heart of Bulgaria
in the central and highest parts of the Stara Planina area of 71 669.5 hectares.
There are self protect ecosystems possessing exceptional biological diversity, communities and habitats of rare and endangered species, historical monuments of world importance of science and culture.
Most of the territory of the park is covered with ancient beech forests, spruce, fir, and hornbeam durmast. Park’s established higher plant species are more than the half of the Bulgarian flora. Of these, 10 species and 2 subspecies are found only in the Central Balkan and nowhere in the world. 166 species are medicinal plants, 12 of them are protected by law. Wild species richness complement 229 mosses, 256 species of mushrooms. 188 kinds of algae. This part of the Balkan Mountains inhabited by 70% invertebrates and 62% of vertebrate animals in Bulgaria. The bird world is represented by 224 species, among which those given the park status of ornithological important internationally. More than 130 species of plants and animals found in the Central Balkan are entered in the Bulgarian and World Red Book.
In the National park "Central Balkan" are presented 49 types of habitats. Of these, 24 are of high conservation significance and are included in the list of endangered habitats that require special conservation measures under the Habitats Directive of the European Union.
The park covers large meadows, a chain of raw peaks, 20 of which over 2000 meters high rock walls, precipices, caves, deep canyons and high waterfalls. Central Balkan is a favorite spot of tourists, naturalist and nature-lovers.
National park "Central Balkan" was created to preserve the unique wildlife of the Central Stara Planina and related traditions and livelihood of the local population. The state and the society ensure the protection of public wealth by declaring that the National Park in 1991. Central Balkan is one of the most valuable and most important protected areas in Europe. The park and 8 of its reserves are in the List of protected areas representative of the UN, and 4 of them are part of the global biosphere reserves network program "Man and biosphere" by UNESCO.
Since 2003 the Central Balkan National Park is a member of the European network of national parks PAN Parks - international evaluation of its well-maintained and managed wildlife. Since 2004 is winner of the PAN Parks certificate and the region of the park and since 2005 the first twelve entrepreneurs in the tourism business to become PAN Parks Foundation and the Central Balkan NP.
PAN Parks certificates are a sign that the protected area be protected because of the high importance of its biodiversity, but also because of its role for social development through sustainable tourism - a source of livelihood for local people.

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Grohoten Peak

photo: Emo

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Grohoten peak (1045 m, 3428 ft) is situated in West Stara Planina. It is well known by two reasons. The first is that in his foot is Svoge town. The second, bigger glory, is an annual fair in August, which is always collected at least two hundred people. This is an inherited tradition of yesteryear, proud with its organized mass tourism. Fun starts on Friday evening, when the first tourists stretch their tents and light huge fires. On saturday flowing yet and begins really great fun.
Another moment, inherited from the past are Sunday games. Traditional are tug of rope, jumping with sack, football.
The nature is very impressive, and air - crystally clear.
The top and its aroundings have a millennial history. At the foot of Grohoten were found coins from the early Byzantine period. There are also remains of defense equipment from the First and Second Bulgarian State.

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Nature Reserve Orelyak

South of unassailable marble ridge of Northern Pirin the mountain is getting low to its medium parts. There is the Nature Reserve Orelyak with an area of about 850 ha. The Protected Area was declared in 1985 to be preserved beech forests typical for this part of the mountain and popular Pirinski tea.
The boundary of the reserve in the main mountain passes either north from the top. The most eastern parts of the area are located along the Lazhnichkata River, a tributary of the river Marevo. The reserve is situated at an altitude of 900 to 1800 m /2952 to 5905 ft/, covering a large height range.

Flora
The main task of the reserve is the conservation of elite beech forests called Montenegro. Their average age is over 150 years, but they are extremely deep. In the lower parts of the protected area are hornbeam tree species and water Mazhdryan. At height of about 1700 meters /5577 ft/ there are small areas of white fir. Important species are endemic sharplaninska-rupa, golden yarrow, Macedonian kamenolomka and others.

Fauna
Despite the small territory of the reserve the animal world is very varied. This is due to the high altitude. The most common species are Greek leggy frog, salamander, wild, wolf, brown bear, fox, deer.

Travel

In the buffer zone of the nature reserve Orelyak is prince of Middle Pirin Orelyak peak / 2099 m, 6886 ft /. It is met by the names Orelek, Orlov rocks, too. Top up the main mountain, north and northwest of Baba Chala Mt. Orelyak has a dome shape of Triglav and it was rocky and naked. Western slopes are steep and vertically to the valley of the river Bistrica Pirinska and in south-eastern slantingly to the "good field". At the top is based broadcasting repeater, which allows not reaching the highest point. Main starting point up to the peak is Popovi meadows place. The transition is marked trail for 2 hours or 12 - km /7,5 miles/ gravelly road.

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Magura cave will be examined and restored

There was launched a project to study and conservate the Magura cave in Northewstern Bulgaria, BTA said. The rock paintings in the cave will be restored and studied. Specialists, historians and archaeologists will be involved in restoration activities and will offer the most appropriate methods of conservation.
Another project envisages development of the park and the entrance area around the cave. Website will ensure the promotion of the cave as a tourist destination.
A proposal will be submitted that Magura cave to become a part of the world heritage of UNESCO.
The value of the project is 399, 430 euros and the implementation period is 2 years.
Belogradchik municipality and the Ministry of Finance are partners in this project.

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New eco-trail was established near village Barutin

New eco-trail was established near the Barutin village, said to Radio Focus - Smolyan Boyko Mollov, chairman of the Association Rhodopean, at whose initiative was created the eco-trail. The path is located between the villages Barutin and Brashten and has a total length of 5 kilometers /3.10 miles/. The route is going to the border with Greece, and the tourists can see an old Roman bridge. A part of the river Dospatska canyon, which is especially picturesque in the region, is very interesting, too. According to Mollov the most valuable is the nature with preserved age-old pine and spruce forests. On the path can be seen wild pigs and deers. This is the second eco-trail in the region, after last year marked first tourist route in the history of Barutin. The aim is developing of the rural tourism in this part of the Rhodope Mountains, which is still poorly developed, despite the great potential. Through the path there are rails for the safety of the tourists, bridges, benches, and are restored several old fountains. The project is implemented under the "Youth in Action of the European Commission. In the activities of carriage the route have included about 15 people aged 18 to 30 years. There are installed and the necessary information tables and signs to assist tourists. Crossing the trail takes about 3 hours.

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Rila

Rila is a mountain range in southwestern Bulgaria. It is the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula, with its highest peak being Musala at 2,925 m. /9,596 ft/. The larger part of the mountain is occupied by the Rila National Park.
The name Rila is of Thracian origin and is thought to mean "well-watered mountain", owing to Rila's abundance of glacial lakes (about 200) and hot springs in fault areas at the base of the mountain. Some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate from Rila, including Maritsa, Iskar and Mesta.
Culturally, Rila is famous for the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's largest and most important monastery founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila.

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Geology
Rila is a dome-shaped horst mountain, part of the Balkans' oldest land, the Macedono-Thracian Massif. It was formed by granite and gneiss rocks and crystal schists during the Paleozoic (250,000,000 years ago). Rila's alpine relief was formed during the Pleistocene by a series of glacial periods. During the most recent, 10-12,000 years ago the permanent snow line was at 2,100 m above sea level. Above this line glaciers radically changed the existing relief, carving out deep cirques, sharp pyramid-shaped peaks, rock pinnacles, various valleys, moraines and other typical glacial formations.
Borders and climate
Rila has an area of 2,400 km²/1491 sq. miles/. The dome of the mountain rises over the surrounding mountain valleys, with the Borovets Saddle (1,305 m, 4,281 ft) connecting the main Musala Ridge with the Shipchan and Shumnitsa ridges that connect to the Ihtiman Sredna Gora mountains through the Gate of Trajan pass. The Yundola Saddle (1,375 m, 4511 ft) and the Abraham Saddle (1,295 m, 4249 ft) link Rila with the Rhodopes to the east, while the connection with Pirin is the Predel Saddle (1,140 m, 3740 ft), the one with Verila being the Klisura Saddle (1,025 m, 3363 ft).
The climate is typically alpine, with 2,000 mm of precipitation on Musala yearly, about half of which is snow. The lowest average temperature ever measured in February on Musala is –11.6°C /52.9 F/ and the absolute minimum is -31.2°C /-24.1 F/. An average temperature for August is 5.4°C /41.7 F/, the maximum being 18.7°C /65.7 F/.
Flora & Fauna
The flora of Rila contains three local endemics which are seen only in this mountain. These plants are Primula deorum (with the largest population), Rheum rhaponticum and Alchemilla pawlowskii. In the mountain thrives also 36 plants as Campanula lanata, Centaurea mannagettae which are endemic for the Balkans. Some of the plant species has been survived the last glacial period by turning into relict organisms. There is also many similar animals. Some of the members of this kingdom which lives in Rila are in danger. Such animals are Barbus cyclolepis (which is rare because of the habitat loss and the river pollution), Triturus alpestris, Spermophilus citellus (European Ground Squirrel) and others.
Subdivision
Rila is subdivided into several parts depending on their geographic position.
• East Rila or the Musala Ridge is the highest and vastest part. The highest peak, as well as 12 of the 18 peaks over 2,700 m /8858 ft/ are located there — Musala, Yastrebets, Irechek, Deno Mancho, etc. The Musala Lakes lie in this part of Rila, as well as Ledeno ezero ("Icy Lake"), 2,709 m /8887.8 ft/, the second highest lake on the Balkans. Other lakes in East Rila include the Maritsa Lakes and the Ropalitsa Lakes. The renowned mountain resort of Borovets is also located in this part of the mountain.
• Central Rila or the Skakavets Ridge is the smallest part (1/10 of the total area), most famous for the glacial lakes — the Fish Lakes, Dzhendem Lakes, Monastery Lakes. The largest glacial lake of the Balkans, Smradlivo ezero ("Stinky Lake") with an area of 21.2 km² /13.7 sq miles/ is located in Central Rila, as well as the peaks Kanarata, Cherna polyana, Malak Skakavets and Golyam Skakavets, Rilets. The ridge of the Skakavtsi (the peaks of Golyam Skakavets and Malak Skakavets, Pchelina and Sveti Duh) rises isolated between the Levi and Beli Iskar rivers. Another well-known ridge in the area is the one of Marinkovitsa and Vodniya chal, extending to the forest reserve of Kobilino branishte.
• Northwest Rila takes up 25% of Rila's total area. The highest peak is Golyam Kupen at 2,731 m /8960 ft/. The Seven Rila Lakes are an important landmark in this part, as well as the many remote peaks and small lakes.
• Southwest Rila or the Kapatnik Ridge occupies 30% of Rila and has the oldest reserve of Bulgaria. Apart from its small northern part, Southwest Rila does not have the alpine appearance of the other parts.
Peaks in Rila
• Musala — 2,925 m /9596 ft/
• Malka Musala — 2,902 m /9521 ft/
• Ovcharets (Yurushki chal) — 2,768 m /9081 ft/
• Golyam Kupen — 2,731 m /8960 ft/
• Malyovitsa — 2,729 m /8953 ft/
• Popova kapa — 2,704 m /8871 ft/
• Malka Malyovitsa — 2,698 m /8851 ft/
• Lopushki vrah — 2,698 m /8851 ft/
• Lovnitsa — 2,695 m /8841 ft/
• Kanarata — 2,691 m /8828 ft/
• Orlovets — 2,685 m /8809 ft/
• Pastri slap (Aladzha slap) – 2,684 m /8805 ft/
• Zliya zab — 2,678 m /8786 ft/
• Eleni vrah — 2,654 m /8707 ft/
• Kovach (Nalbant) vrah - 2,640 m /8661 ft/
• Suha Vapa vrah - 2,638 m /8654 ft/
• Ravni vrah (Ravni chal) — 2,637 m /8651 ft/
• Belmeken — 2,627 m /8618 ft/
• Kamilata — 2,621 m /8599/
• Golyam Mechi vrah — 2,618 m /8589 ft/
• Dvuglav — 2,605 m /8546 ft/

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