Меню
Туристически маршрути
ROUTE 6
Cross-country biking trail:
5. Smilyan village – Bukatsite village – Gorovo village – Cheplyat village – Katran area – Zmievo village – Alamushnitsa area – the village Smilyan Total length: 17.5 km
The trail starts from the Visitors Information center in Smilyan village along the asphalt road to Sivino village, go upstream Sivinska River, listed as a site of the European Nature 2000 protected network. At road fork for Lipets village the trail turns left and crosses Lipets and Bukatsite villages. After passing through Bukatsite village, the trail climbs up to Gorovo village along existing forest road. The passage is not exhausting, because the trees in the mixed forest are protecting you from the summer heat. You can stop and take rest at the tourist shelter near Gorovo village. Don’t miss to go astray for 300 from the shelter to see the beautiful waterfall there. The trail continues to the south, then turns north to lead you to Katran area, and then to the picturesquely located village of Zmievo. From Zmievo village the trail goes down northwards, crosses Arda River and turns to the west to reach Alamushnitsa area. Here you can see the beautiful chapel “St. Archangel Michael”, built up on the same place, where, according to the legends, existed old Christian church dating back from ІІІ – ІV A. D. Here you can catch trout by yourself, or taste traditional Rhodopean dishes offered by the hosts in “Ribarnika” complex.
Kraipatna cave is about 1.5 km away from Alamushnitsa area. The cave is 38 m long and 1,91 m high. The cave is inhabited by bats and walking inside it could be tricky due to guano and the wet clay that make the floor slippery floor. In 2005 zoologists found unknown insect specie – that’s why access in the cave is limited and is allowed only if tourists are led by guides-speleologists.
Fauna: The fauna in the cave is still in a process of study. In comparison with other caves in the area here the fauna is very rich. This is a place where Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Rhinolophus hipposideros live. In autumn it is a swarming site for the bats in the region. (It is very important for the bats to fly in a group. While they are flying they make a social communication – like playing games or giving out sounds. This behavior is important for the bat especially during their generative period and before the migration – this process is called swarming and the place – swarming place). The beetles called Gueorguiella petrovi live in the cave too.
Very close to the cave, there is an equipped Alpine climbing route. If you feel like changing biking with an activity that tests your muscles and climbing skills, ask for the guides of Tourist Association “Mursalitsa”, who will provide you with the necessary equipment and lead you safely through that endeavor. Less than a kilometer to the west of Kraipatna cave you reach again the village of Smilyan.
Visiting the Ethnographic exposition “Smilyan Kidney Beans and Traditional Rhodopean Slippers” you will learn more about the local community’s traditions. The exposition is situated on the second floor of the “Prof. Asen Zlatarov” Community Cultural Center (tchitalishte) in the village. Every last Saturday of November the people from the village organize “A Day of Smilyan Beans”, including a culinary exposition and with tasting of dishes from the local cuisine and an exhibition of applied works from Smilyan beans, made by children. At the end of the day the Bean Producer of the Year is announced and given an award. . In the same building is also the Visitors information center where you can find information about the biodiversity and the caves in the Upper Stream Valley of Arda River. In the center young and adults can learn more about the flora and fauna of the mountain through interactive modules and modern presentation technical equipment. There is a meeting hall for 20 people, suitable for educational trainings and workshops.
