Читать книгу Walking in Bulgaria's National Parks. Pirin, Rila and Central Balkans National Parks онлайн

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Note that the walks described in this guidebook are all focused in Bulgaria’s national parks, where wild camping is forbidden.

Hizha Ray is a typical mountain hut (Walk 3)

Most of the mountain huts are owned and operated by the Bulgarian Hiking Association (www.btsbg.org), but some are now in private hands. Usually it is possible for individual walkers simply to turn up and find a free bed in larger huts, but during August the huts can occasionally fill up. The Bulgarian Hiking Association does offer a central reservation service for its own huts, so it might be worth trying to book ahead if you are planning your hike for the peak season, and at the same time trying to order an evening meal and/or breakfast if required. You can contact them by e-mail (centerbts@btsbg.org) or by telephone (02-9801285). Normally the person answering calls to this number will be able to speak some English.

Food and Water

Some of the mountain huts do have restaurants, but whether they are functioning or actually willing or able to provide a meal is another matter. It is always best, therefore, to carry your own food supplies with you for a walk, and if you find a hot meal being served at a hut, to enjoy it as a bonus. The vast majority of mountain huts do have water (voda) available on tap, and throughout the mountains you will also come across drinking fountains (cheshmi), many of which flow throughout the summer, though some do dry up in August and September. In general, water from such sources is regarded as safe to drink. Those with more fragile constitutions should take with them a means of purification along with their other supplies.