Hike in the Rhodope Mountains with a climb to Orpheus Peak

INVITATION
The Rector of the Technical University
Prof. Dr. Eng. Georgi Mihov 
invites all faculty members, staff, and doctoral students from
the Technical University, together with their close ones, to participate in

A HIKE IN THE RHODOPES MOUNTAINS WITH ASCENT

TO ORPHEUS PEAK ON 08-09.07.2017

DAY 1 (08.07.2017) – 8:00 Departure by buses from behind Block 2 of TU-Sofia. Arrival at Studenets Hut around 12:00-12:30. There is an opportunity for lunch at some of the nearby restaurants. After that, there will be a 2-3 hour hike to Smolyan Lakes Hut, during which we will stop at Snezhanka Peak and have the opportunity to visit the tower of the same name, from which a panorama over a large part of the Rhodopes unfolds. We will also stop by the legendary Orpheus Rocks, where the view is also enchanting. Arrival and check-in at Smolyan Lakes Hut. Free time. Traditional evening program with Rhodope bagpipers. Overnight stay. Optionally, there is the possibility to send luggage by bus to the hut (free of charge).

DAY 2 (09.07.2017) – At 8:00, after breakfast, we will have a 15-minute bus transfer to the end of the asphalt road to reach h. Perelik, after which we will proceed along the most beautiful trail in the Rhodope Mountains. We will enjoy the only subalpine zone in the Rhodopes and views of the Chernatitsa, Radyuva Planina, Prespanski Dyal, Muralitsa, Shabanitsa massifs, and on clear days, also Rila, Pirin, Stara Planina, and some mountains in Greece. We will climb the second highest peak in the Rhodopes, Orpheus Peak (2188 m), which perhaps offers the best views. The route is a loop with small ascents and a longer descent to the village of Gela. The pace is moderate for amateur hikers. It is recommended that if there are children in the group, they should be at least 9 years old. Lunch on this day will consist of packed food, which each person brings. Arrival in Gela and departure for Sofia. Return to Sofia around 20:30 – 21:30.

Less fit hikers on 09.07.2017 at 11:00 from h. Smolyan Lakes will be transported by bus to the village of Shiroka Laka, where they can have lunch and visit some sights until the group arrives from Gela.

Price 55 BGN for overnight stay at h. Smolyan Lakes

Price from 45 BGN for overnight stay in your own tent in the area of h. Smolyan Lakes

The price includes: transportation along the route with a licensed bus,
1 overnight stay at h. Smolyan Lakes, professional mountain guide, and mountain insurance.

Registration, payment, and completion of the insurance form and participation conditions:

from June 15 (Thursday) 2017 in bl.1, room 1151-3, tel. 02 965 2020 – "Social Services" Department

until June 30 (Friday) 2017 (inclusive).

Event coordinators from TU-Sofia side:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Kalin Dimitrov (FTK) - lab.1257, tel.02 965 3145 and 0892231031, kld@old.tu-sofia.bg

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivaylo Pandiev (FETT) - cab.1351A, tel. 02 965 3027 and 0895588834, ipandiev@old.tu-sofia.bg

Transport, accommodation, medical insurance and contact with mountain guide:
Hristo Tumbev, tel. 0878022724