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We are in the Balkan Range and in the eastern part of The Central Balkan National Park you find a reserve of 1700 hectares in Bulgarian called “Peeshti Skali” and in English “Singing Rocks”.

The reserve is high up in the mountains and is characterized by – as the name indicates: By the singing rocks. The Singing Rocks themselves are a set of unique natural formations that crown the ancient beech forest. For centuries the place has been known under this name, but probably because the locals at exactly this place have heart sounds from the rocks as if the rocks are singing in the wind. In this reserve you’ll find rare animals as the chamois, the brown bear, and the golden eagle. Also roe deer, red deer, wild boar, wild cat and a big amount of rare birds are living in this area: Golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and wall creeper, hobby, eagle owl, rock partridge, Ural owl, pygmy owl, Tengmaum’s owl, and most of the woodpecker species known The riding to the reserve is very varying as to the terrain and pace. The hilly paths and the open land on the top of the mountains are just created for big riding experiences.

From Apriltsi and Riding base”Balkan”.
Here the trail starts and ends. Apriltsi is real small town with a square, shops, a school etc. The town is placed with the most beautiful sights to the Balkan Mountains. The marvellous sceneries inspire the many craftsmen who have settled down here. It is here riding base “Balkan” is and it is here our horses have their home. Before the trail is starting we ride out in the surroundings and get a sense of the mountains we will cross over during the trail. A real riding experience.

Batoshevo Monastery
Originally founded during the 13th century, destroyed in the 14th by the Turks and rebuilt in the 19th century. It is built in the style of the Bulgarian Revival period and the icons and the iconostasis in the church are remarkable. We spend one night in the monastery.

Central Balkan National Park
The trail in the Balkan Mountains is going through a protected area. The air is as clean as the creek we ride through – over – along. And the view to the highest peaks in the long range is just marvellous. After a few days you will get familiar with the peaks Mt. Botev (2376m), Maragidik, Mazalat a.o. You will experience who the Balkan range is dividing Bulgaria into a northern and a southern part and after a while you understand the Bulgarian name of the Balkan range “Stara planina” meaning “the old mountain”. You can read a lot more about the National park and the reserve “The singing Rocks” via our links.

Highlights:
Riding through the picturesque villages Apriltsi, Stokite and Kupen. The Batoshevo Monastery Riding through the “Singing Rocks Reserve” and the Central Balkan National Park. Fabulous flora & fauna, wonderful views, magnificent mountains.

Day 1	Meeting with the landlord/landlady in the airport and drive to the mountains. Private accommodation in double rooms. Dinner.
Day 2	In the morning starts in the stables and we get acquainted with the horses. After the first introduction we ride out in the beautiful areas around Apriltsi. We ride about 10 km and we will have a picnic near one of the rivers. After lunch and a rest we ride back to Riding base Balkan in different paces. We overnight in Apriltsi.
Day 3	The trail starts in the morning and we ride in north-east direction through remote villages. At a creek well eat our lunch and after about 6 hours in the saddles and riding along the Balkan ridge over beautiful meadows we reach the monastery in the village of Batoshevo. We overnight in the monastery.
Day 4	From the monastery we ride to the south through wood, farm land and creeks. After 45 min. we ride through the picturesque mountain village of Stokite and Kupen from where we start riding uphill. Lunch we enjoy in the terrain and as the terrain is perfect for all paces the riding guide will lead you in the best possible way. We’ll ride about 28 km in about 6,5 hours and we will ride over the top of Osenikovets (1044 metre above sea level) before we in the afternoon will reach Todorcheta for overnight.
Day 5	Today’s ride starts after breakfast and pass through old wood and we continue riding up hill. After about 9 km and 3 hours ride we reach the mountain hut “Partisanska pesen”. The mountain hut is in 1000 m above sea level. After lunch we ride on the top of the mountains and in the Central Balkan National Park. After 2-3 more hours on horse back we reach the mountain chalet “Mazalat” for overnight.
Day 6	The trail brings us further into the “Central Balkan National Park” and we ride into the reserve “The singing rocks” – and if the wind is blowing we’ll hear the rocks sing. Through the reserve there are two small distances of 10-20 meter where you have to stay off and lead the horse. Today you’ll ride about 25 km in 7 hours. This makes it the longest day. We overnight in a former dairy – Mandra in Bulgarian in about 1450 m. 2-4 bedded rooms with sh/toilet. We enjoy the dinner at the fire and watch the sun going down behind the mountain peaks Maragidik (1889m) and Botev (2376m).
Day 7	After breakfast we ride in the northern direction and the circle ride is closed. We ride down the mountains, leave the national park and come down in Apriltsi. The ride of the day is about 5 hours and we end in Riding base Balkan. We will overnight in the same house as the first 2 nights.
Day 8	Breakfast and good-bye to the horses. Free time until departure for the airport.

About the accommodation, food & drink.
The trail is based on 7 nights. 3 nights with private accommodation in Apriltsi, 4 nights en route in the mountains. The trail is with full board during stay and only beer, wine and alcoholics are paid on spot. The luggage is transported in a supporting vehicle and the riding guide is accompanying the party throughout the trail.

Period:
The trail to “Singing Rocks Reserve” is possible from mid May to mid October.

The weather:
It is always changeable in the mountains. The difference between the temperature in the night and during the day might be rather big and even on the very best summer day you must bring jacket and the rain gear.

Period:
Trail to ”Singing Rocks Reserve” in 2008: 7/6 – 5/7 – 19/7 – 9/8 – 20/9 – 27/9 – 4/10