“How did you get here?” The lady guide of the Israeli group asked me, puzzled, when she spotted an Israeli guy in Plovdiv.
“Well – with an airplane…” I responded.
“Yes… but – you travel here all by yourself ???” she asked, totally shocked.
Well – being a backpacker in Bulgaria in 2002 was not a common phenomenon. I did met a German cyclist though. But other than that – independent tourism was not a big deal there. Making things more difficult logistically, but the reward was amazing. Meeting locals, being invited by locals to sleep and eat, seeing nature at its best, and enjoying very cheap prices. Two weeks of trip cost only 250US$…
It was the end of the summer, and my last chance to visit the mountains of Bulgaria before winter starts. Weather was great, and hiking in the Rila, Pirin and Rodopi ranges was one of the best mountain experiences I’ve had. Add the great local hospitality and the tasty Shopska salad, and you get a recipe for a great trip. In this photo journal we shall also climb to Vihren Peak, at 2914 meters, visit the wonderful village of Shiroka Loka, the cities Plovdiv and Sofia, Trigrad Canyon, Eco Park, Bansko (before it became a major ski resort) and more…
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