When I first started blogging several years ago I promised myself to help my readers find the few remaining places in Bulgaria without a cellphone network. One of those places, as I have recently discovered, is the highest peak on the Balkans, our local Everest – Musala. If the lack of cellphone coverage isn’t enough for you to pack your backpack and head off to the mountains, I hope my little photo essay here will convince you.Before we begin, here are couple of interesting facts.There are many ways for conquering the Bulgarian Everest nowadays and it all depends on the amount of time you have available. For the more experienced hikers even a day is enough to go up on the peak and return to civilization. This is only possible, however, using a lift from Borovets, which spares you about 10km of serious uphill.I will be telling you about a different type of a journey, as I cannot imagine hiking such an amazingly beautiful place and being in a rush. Which is why my lovely team and I (all office people) decided to take the long way.

We gathered early in the morning on the “South” bus station in Sofia, from where busses leave for Samokov every 30 minutes on weekdays. Despite Bulgaria being in the EU since 2007 this particular bus station doesn’t look very European, but don’t let this discourage you. You shouldn’t try to buy a ticket in advance either – just go there and be prepared to wait a little if necessary.The journey to Samokov takes about an hour. Once there, we looked for a cab and made sure the driver understood that we want to be taken to the beginning of the hiking path (and not just anywhere in Borovets). The journey took about 10 minutes and cost us 5 euros per car.Once we reached the beginning of the hiking path the real journey started. The path began less picturesque, quite wide and not as steep as we had imagined, but it all escalated quickly. Soon after we started, we came out of the forest and found ourselves surrounded by the most incredible views we had ever seen.Where we thought we may suffer the long road we found ourselves charged, both physically and emotionally by the fresh air, the softly murmuring mounting streams crossing our path, and the beautiful scenery, which our eyes were trying to consume as fast as the cookie monster eats Oreos.Our first stop was about 4 hours into our journey nearby a chalet which was closed.

After we took almost an hour break there and had our lunch, we continued to the Musala Chalet. Another hour or so and we were there. Many of the other groups we met on our way decided to stop and spend the night.Right in front of the chalet there is a beautiful mountain lake, the shore of which is indeed a wonderful location to open your tent and camp for the night (given that you have a really good sleeping bag and you’re not afraid of the cold).After a quick tea break we were ready to continue. where to buy golite backpackThe path after the chalet cuts its way into the mountain rocks and is very steep. kikki backpackIt took us nearly 2 and a half hours to reach to our next stop – we were all quite tired already.hester backpack

Despite being the hardest part of our journey thus far, this was probably the most beautiful one. We climbed rocks, played with snow (in the beginning of August) and admired some surreal scenes. We ended the day on the Ledenoto Ezero Chalet (The Ice Lake Chalet or Everest Chalet as it’s also known). Neither one of us was capable of walking any further that day. We enjoyed some delicious food and cold beers instead and jumped in bed slightly before 9 in the evening.korean idol backpackEarly on the next morning we got up, had a quick breakfast, took some pictures at the lake and took off to the peak.teton backpack reviewThis is without a doubt the steepest and hardest part of the journey, but once we reached the end of the hill seen from the chalet, we were blown away by the views. backpack majorca

Only 2 hours later we reached Musala and felt on top of the world! There is no need to tell you that it is insanely beautiful there. See for yourself: Our journey this day finished at the chalet Granchar – about 4 hours of a steep downhill after Musala.If you’re asking whether this hike is hard, I would say yes, it is. But I assure you – every step of the way is worth it!We’re not the only women who love hiking though! If you’re up for a challenge and want to conquer Musala by yourself we strongly recommend Olga’s guide here!Montenegro is one of the most breathtaking places to go backpacking. Situated in the southern tip of the Balkans, the pearl of the Adriatic packs in epic landscapes and glittering beaches. Remarkably unspoilt you can explore this beautiful country on a budget of €30-40 per day. Likewise there are some fantastic cheap hostels and low cost hotels available in Montenegro. You can find out more about where to book your holiday here. Many travellers will arrive in the capital Podgorica (previously known as Titograd) and the former communist stronghold provides a gateway to the country’s beauty spots.

Backpackers should note that Montenegro doesn’t have high speed rail or luxury motorways like other European countries. Travelling in the southern Balkans requires some meticulous planning, but with Google Maps and a smartphone connection you’ll be able to explore Montenegro easily. Book your holiday today and discover the epic mountains and party beaches of this super little country. Kotor is a mystical Venetian port wrapped around a pristine stretch of water. Arguably the most attractive Venetian town of the Adriatic and popular with sea faring tourists, the historic city is a medieval fantasy world complete with castle ruins. Busy over the summer months and far more attractive than Podgorica, you should climb up the ancient fortress and enjoy spectacular views of the bay. Taking more than an hour to climb to the peak, you’re recommended to climb at night during high season to experience Kotor in cooler temperatures. Scheduled bus lines connect all cities of Montenegro and Kotor is only two hours from Podgorica costing about twelve euros.

Ostrog is a glorious monastery located above the Bjelopavlic valley and suspended on a terrifying cliff face. The religious site offers epic views for visitors and is a sacred experience for pilgrims. The monastery, founded by Metropolitan St Basil (Vladika Sv Vasilije) of Hercegovina in the seventeenth century, is the most visited Orthodox Christian site in Montenegro, and is only 45 minutes from Podgorica. To get to Ostrog Monastery, take the Podgorica – Nikšić highway 20 kilometres north until you reach the turn off for Ostrog. For the first-time travellers, there are plenty of tourist buses that organise trips to the monastery from Podgorica and the coastal towns. Bar is a pleasant coastal port on the southern coast of Montenegro. Most backpackers arrive here to explore the decaying ruins of Stari Bar (stari means old) about five kilometres north of the town. Breathtaking in its complexity and offering sweeping views of the mountainous valleys, the historic site dates back to the Byzantine era.