Why
should I book with you?
For several reasons. First of
all we take great care in preparing your itinerary in
such a way to ensure that you will tread the best trails
and see the most beautiful places for that limited amount
of time you can afford to hike. Secondly, when you book
with us you won't be worrying about shelter (it might
be nice mountain hotel on the top of a ridge, family
guesthouse in picturesque village, or hut near beautiful
tarn in high mountain corrie) and food (always the best
available). And, finally our prices are very attractive.
What kind of excursion do you offer?
Our excursions are guided. But if you want to hike in
the mountains on your own we will gladly share with
you any kind of information for free. For example we
can tell you about possible routes, places to stay,
timetables of buses and many other things. But we do
not make any reservations because your party should
be free to choose where to stay and make changes if
a need arise. So, we supply you with information, we
do not take money for this information and we do not
bear responsibility for your journey.
How
long are your excursions?
There are no limits. From a weekend inspiring climb
to some magnificent peak to month-long far and wide
journey through wilderness.
I want
to walk a trail that is not listed on your web site.
Will you organise it for me?
We would be delighted to. Simply contact us by email
on info@bghike.com
and tell us which mountain(s) you are interested in,
how many hours you'd like to walk each day, duration
of your vacation and the number of people in your party
and we will make the best itinerary for you.
Do you
arrange luggage transfers between overnights along the
trail?
Sometimes we do, sometimes we do not. As a rule in high
mountains (Rila and Pirin) for the variety of reasons
(one of them lack of roads between huts) people travel
from hut to hut carrying all their belongings in a rucksack.
In Rhodopes Mountains it is possible to organise luggage
transfers between overnight stops.
Where
will I stay?
On our excursions, with each night spent at a different
location, we make use mostly of small family hotels
and huts. They all have warm and friendly atmosphere.
Some of the accommodations are in en-suite rooms with
private bathrooms, but in the huts and chalets high
up in the mountains, the accommodation may not provide
private facilities.
What
meals are provided?
Each morning you have a genuine Bulgarian breakfast
or a standard breakfast with plenty of tea, coffee and
milk. In the evenings you can taste typical Bulgarian
cuisine. For the day packed lunch is provided.
I'm
a vegetarian / have a special diet, can you cater for
this?
Yes. Vegetarian meals, vegan meals and special restricted
diets are always available. Please tell us of this requirement
when booking.
What
is included in the tour price?
The price includes all meals (breakfast, packed lunch,
dinner), accommodation, transport, mountain rescue insurance
and guide’s fee. The price does not include plane/railroad
tickets to and from Sofia, personal travel insurance,
drinks and entrance fee for museums.
I'm
travelling on my own, can I go for one of your holidays?
Yes, you can.
How
do I get to the start of the tour?
We shall meet you at Sofia aimport or Sofia main railroad
terminal.
How do I get back at
the end of the tour?
We will transport you to Sofia airport or Sofia main
railroad terminal at the right time to catch your plane
or train.
Do I
need any travel insurance?
Yes, it is vital to buy your travel insurance in your
country before leaving for Bulgaria. In addition we
can buy for you and your party a local mountain rescue
insurance which will be included in the price.
Can
I change the dates of my tour after I have booked?
Yes, you can.
Do
I need any travel insurance?
Yes, it is vital to buy your travel insurance in your
country before leaving for Bulgaria. In addition we
can buy for you and your party a local mountain rescue
insurance which will be included in the price.
What
happens if I have to cancel?
Nothing happens, just please inform us as soon as possible.
How
should I prepare for my trip?
To get the maximum enjoyment out of your walking tour
you should be in good shape. You should also make sure
that your footwear is comfortable. If you are going
to wear boots you've had for some time, make sure that
they will last the tour out. If you are going to buy
new boots for the tour make sure that you have worn
them on several walks before the tour.
What
have I to take with me?
1. Good rucksack, of about 65 litres capacity, with
a couple of external zip-up pockets and waterproof liner,
should be robust and feel comfortable
2. Small day pack
3. Boots – the most important item, should fit
well, have good ankle support, sturdy soles and sturdy
sides, with good grip on the soles, should be worn
4. Sandals or runners for the non-walking time
5. Flip-flops or slippers for the evenings in the hotels
and huts
6. Four pairs of socks
7. Three changes of underwear
8. Three long-sleeved shirts
9. Two pair of trousers, should be robust and light
enough to dry quickly after washing or if you get wet,
should be of a looser fit than you normally wear to
allow freedom of movement
10. Waterproof jacket with hood
11. Polar or woolen pullover
12. Gloves and woolen hat
13. Sun hat with broad brim to protect the vulnerable
nose and the back of the neck
14. Sun glasses
15. Swimsuit, just in case
16. Water bottle
17. Torch or head torch and spare set of batteries
18. Pocket knife
19. Loud whistle to summon assistance in emergency
20. Towel and a piece of soap
21. A roll or two of toilet paper
22. Tube of high factor sun lotion to protect your face
and neck
23. Lip balm
24. Small amount of washing liquid for washing clothes
25. Medical kit – paracetamol for headaches, aspirin
for inflammations in the joints, plasters for small
cuts, antiseptic cream to prevent infection, mosquito
repellent, etc.
Also you can take one or two extendible walking poles.
They are extremely useful when you are going down hill
and when you are fording streams.
Gaiters are not essential at summer.
Ensure that all your gear is thoroughly waterproofed.
Put all your items in heavy-duty plastic bags, and then
put the plastic bags into rucksack.
