Hike to Paradise
The hike to Hidja Rai, which means paradise, is a scenic four-hour trek through the Central Balkan National Park. The trail is moderately difficult, well-marked and offers wonderful scenic views of a protected nature reserve and the high peaks of the Stara Planina or Old Mountains, including the highest of them all Botev Peak at 2,376 meters. This section of the park is one of the most scenic in all of Bulgaria and a great way to experience Bulgaria's natural beauty. The trail ends at Hidja Rai where visitors can see the beautiful Raisko Praskalo or Paradise Waterfall. Here visitors can relax and stay the night at Hidja Rai, hike to Botev Peak, which is a difficult yet rewarding three-hour trek, or head west to Hidja Levski.
The trail head is located approximately 6 kilometers from the Kalofer town center in Panitsite. Visit the Trip Planning page to view a regional map showing the trail head's location. There is no public transportation to the trail head. Visitors can walk there, which is a pleasant 1 hour walk, or arrange a minibus for a fee from the town center to the trail head. |