High Mountain Trail

7 Days  |  From £1260pp

Bulgaria ( Best airport: Sofia/Plovdiv)

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Ride high above the valleys of southern Bulgaria, along ancient Roman roads and across wide-open alpine meadows. This is a true high-mountain adventure in the magnificent Rhodope Mountains – designed for experienced riders, this trail takes you through dense forests interspersed by winding rivers and many caves. Over five riding days you’ll cover 115 km and  climb to 1,900 metres taking in lush meadows and steep canyons.

The Riding

This trail covers approximately 115 kilometres over five riding days, at an average altitude of around 1,750 metres, reaching 1,912 metres at Svoboda Peak. The terrain is mountainous and varied, including forest tracks, wide alpine meadows and stretches of preserved Roman cobblestone road that once connected Plovdiv with the Mediterranean.

Riding hours typically range between three and five hours per day depending on the stage of the route. The pace is predominantly walk and trot, with canters possible where ground conditions allow. The climbs are steady rather than extreme, and the landscape opens regularly into wide panoramic views across the Rhodopes. This is a point-to-point style route with transfers between certain sections to allow you to experience the most scenic parts of the mountain ridge.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This trail is suitable for experienced and confident riders. You should be comfortable riding for several hours a day in open mountain terrain and be secure at walk, trot and canter. A good level of general fitness is important, as the altitude and varied surfaces make the riding more physically demanding than lowland trails.

The route is not suitable for beginners or occasional riders and the weight limit is 90kg.

Guides and Group Size

You will be accompanied by one guide on horseback – Zornitsa, who is the owner of the company. She rides at the front of the group, which has up to 8 riders. In addition, an off-road jeep drives the route carrying the daily luggage (each rider takes a small backpack with suncream, water etc), as well as water, snacks, and picnic food. It also carries extra equipment for the horses if needed – shoes, horseshoes, saddle, and other equipment. Groups are kept small (maximum of 8 riders) to maintain a friendly, personal atmosphere and to ensure a smooth experience on the trail.

Any questions?

Contact us now on WhatsApp with any queries you have about this trail.

The Horses

There are around 38 horses in total at this destination, they are between 145 cm and 165 cm tall. The horses are fit, well-conditioned and accustomed to working in mountainous terrain. They are sure-footed, responsive and experienced on long-distance routes at altitude. Living and training in the Rhodopes, they are comfortable on the forest paths and the rocky sections. Riders are matched with horses according to experience, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable partnership for the week.

Tack and Riding Equipment

The horses are equipped with comfortable trekking saddles suited to long days in the mountains. The tack is practical and adapted to the terrain, providing stability and security on varied ground.

Riders are required to wear a helmet. We recommend comfortable riding trousers, layered clothing suitable for changing mountain temperatures, a light waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear. Luggage is transported between accommodations so you only need to carry essentials during the ride.

High Mountains 10
High Mountains 5

Accommodation and Dining

For the first and final nights you stay at Guest House Asparuh in the village of Hvoyna. This welcoming, family-run mountain guesthouse reflects traditional Rhodope architecture and hospitality. Rooms are comfortable and simple, bathrooms are shared. Single rooms are available for a supplement. The atmosphere is informal and friendly, and dinners are prepared using local and home-produced ingredients.

Day 2: Rhodope Mountains Hotel
Day 3: Mountain Villa

On the fourth and fifth nights you stay at Rodona Hotel in the Hajdushki Meadows area, beautifully located beside a high-mountain lake. From the terrace you can look across the water to the surrounding meadows where the horses graze. During your stay here there is time to kayak on the lake or take a walk among the alpine herbs and wild berries.

Meals throughout the trail are traditional Bulgarian dishes, generous and freshly prepared. The programme includes six breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners, along with water, tea and coffee. Beer and wine are served with meals and are included. Lunch on day 1 and day 2 are picnics with homemade, cooked food, the lunches on other lunches are in restaurants.

Every time the group stops for a break during the ride, the jeep meets the riders who are offered water and a light snack – croissant, protein bar, nuts, or fruit.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport where we will meet you (latest pick-up 16:30). Transfer to Asparuh Guest House in the traditional mountain village of Hvoyna (approx. 3 hours from Sofia, 1 hour from Plovdiv). After settling in, you’ll have time to meet the horses, explore the ranch and stroll around the charming village. Dinner will be a traditional Bulgarian meal prepared with local products.
Day 2 After a traditional homemade breakfast, we begin our ride toward the village of Zabardo along scenic mountain trails. We climb around 1000m, reaching 1700m altitude, with lunch at Kabata mountain hut. Nearby is Tsirikova Church peak, home to a historic chapel built in 1738 on an ancient Thracian sanctuary. In the afternoon we ride to the famous rock formation The Wonderful Bridges, one of Bulgaria’s most impressive natural landmarks. A short transfer takes us to our guesthouse in Zabardo where we enjoy dinner and live Bulgarian folklore music.
Day 3 After breakfast we return to The Wonderful Bridges and ride across high alpine terrain toward Mechi Chal Peak (1900m). The ride follows gentle mountain trails with beautiful views and cool forest sections. Lunch is a picnic near the restored chapel of St. Marina. After around 4.5 hours of riding we transfer to Koop Rozhen Hotel, located near the vast Rozhen Meadows, famous for hosting one of Bulgaria’s largest folklore festivals. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Today’s ride (approx. 3 hours) takes us through rolling mountain landscapes toward Hajdushki Polyani. Along the way we pass traditional potato fields and enjoy sweeping views of the Rhodope Mountains. After a short break at Sveti Duh Peak we arrive at Rodona Hotel, located beside a beautiful mountain lake. After lunch there is time to relax, kayak on the lake, or walk in the surrounding meadows. Dinner with lake views.
Day 5 Today we ride to Svoboda Peak (1912m), following scenic mountain trails with gentle terrain. At the summit stands a historic Muslim shrine dedicated to Enihan Baba. After a short break we return to Rodona Hotel for lunch and relaxation. In the evening you’ll learn the traditional Bulgarian dance “horo” during a fun folklore session. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 On our final riding day we follow an ancient Roman road back toward Hvoyna, riding through beautiful mountain scenery and past historic farm buildings. After approximately 4 hours we reach the Pashaliitsa area where we unsaddle the horses after nearly 120 km of riding during the week. A short transfer brings us back to Asparuh Guest House for lunch and rest. In the afternoon there is an optional visit to the nearby Alpine Trolley for an adrenaline experience (extra cost). Farewell dinner and overnight in Hvoyna.
Day 7 Transfer back to the airport after breakfast

High Mountain Trail

7 days / 6 nights / 5 days riding
£1260pp

Single supplement 2026 – £135

Flights & Airport transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

The trail starts in the traditional mountain village of Hvoyna in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria.

Flights

You can fly into either Sofia Airport (SOF) or Plovdiv Airport (PDV).

Sofia is Bulgaria’s main international airport and offers the widest choice of direct flights from the UK and Europe. Airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air operate regular routes from London and regional UK airports.

Plovdiv is much closer to the trail and is convenient if flight schedules align, although it has more limited seasonal connections.

Airport Transfers

Group transfers are included on the first and last day of the trail.

On arrival day, flights must land no later than 16:30 in order to join the scheduled transfer. We recommend booking flights that arrive between 12:00 and 15:30 to allow time for passport control and luggage collection.

Transfer times are approximately 3 hours from Sofia Airport and 1 hour from Plovdiv Airport

On departure day,you should book your flight for after midday.

Price Includes
  • 5 full days of riding
  • 6 nights accommodation (based on two sharing)
  • All meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day
  • Airport transfers at set times
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Tips
  • Drinks outside of mealtimes