Three days off were looming around March 3rd and we organized ourselves to go to Ograzhden and Belasitsa.

We left on Saturday afternoon by car from Sofia in the direction of the village of Samuilovo - Petrich. We checked into the guest house at Yankish. I highly recommend this place to stay in this area. Whenever we come to these mountains, we stay here. Very good conditions, perfect hosts, delicious homemade food. Here we have eaten extremely delicious cooked meals and snacks such as buns, fried slices with homemade fig jam or blueberries.

Early in the morning we set off by car from the village of Samuilovo to the village of Churilovo, because we had a long route - 22 km round trip, 11 km one way

The route from the village of Churilovo to the peak of Bilska Chuka offers a unique mountain experience in the Bulgarian part of the Ograzhden mountain. The climb is suitable for tourists who walk a lot and want to explore the natural beauty of the region while overcoming the challenges of different terrains. The hike is long and it is not advisable to set off if you will not be able to climb it. Bilska Chuka Peak is the highest peak of Ograzhden in the Bulgarian part of the mountain. It is 1644 meters above sea level. It is located in a forest and due to the snowy weather we were unable to see a panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Start of the route - Churilovo village

The village of Churilovo is located at the foot of Ograzhden and is a convenient starting point for your adventure. To get to Churilovo, you can take the main roads connecting it to nearby towns such as Petrich and Sandanski. After parking between Churilovo and Kukurahtsevo we set off on our route. First we put on our raincoats and gaiters, because it was raining and there was no tendency to stop soon. In Kukurachtsevo, we were joined by a dog who accompanied us throughout the entire hike.

Preparing for the route

This route is suitable for hikers with good physical fitness and experience in mountain trekking. Before setting off, it is important to prepare well to cope with the changing conditions and terrain. For a successful climb, you should wear hiking shoes with a good sole that will provide stability on uneven and rocky sections. The possibility of slipping is high, especially if the terrain is wet or rainy, and gaiters will also be useful to prevent moisture from entering your shoes.

The weather forecast should be followed carefully, as conditions in the mountains can change quickly. We knew that it was expected to rain all day, so we all wore rain jackets and/or raincoats to protect ourselves from the rain and stay dry. We also wore trekking gloves. They were also useful, because the rain made the weather muggy and cold.

The trail to Bilska Chuka Peak

The route from Churilovo to Bilska Chuka Peak is of moderate difficulty and can be covered in about 5-6 hours one way. The trail is practically a cart path almost the entire time. It starts with a gentle climb through wide forest areas and meadows, which gradually turn into steeper slopes. For most of the hike, you will be surrounded by bushes, spruce and pine forests, which will provide a cool and protected environment during the summer months.

Walking will require some effort, as the path is long. Be sure to use hiking shoes with good, stable soles and support yourself with hiking poles, if you have them, to ease the load on your knees. As you progress towards the summit, the landscapes change and panoramic views of the neighboring peaks of Ograzhden and the surrounding valleys open up.

Bilska Chuka Peak

We had to walk for about 5-6 hours to Bilska Chuka Peak, but on the way we met a family with a small child of 7 years old from some hamlets along the way. They took us in a jeep and thus saved us a few kilometers of climbing in the rain. The dog did not lag behind us. The whole time he ran around the jeep and followed us. We climbed to the top with the child. We took pictures with the inscription on the peak and the Bulgarian flag. This peak is the highest in Ograzhden in the Bulgarian part and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding areas, including the Belasitsa and Osogovo mountains, if the weather is good. When we were at the top, it was snowing and there was fog. We also walked the last kilometer in the snow. From the top, panoramas of the valleys of the Struma and Mesta rivers open up, and in good weather you will be able to enjoy a view of the distant peaks of the Stara Planina and Rila Mountains.

The top is a great place to take a short break (if it's not raining) to enjoy the scenery and recharge your batteries before the descent. Depending on the weather and your pace, you may decide to spend a little more time enjoying the peace and grandeur of the mountain.

We returned home on the long way back. In Kukurahtsevo we stopped at their shop/pub to get something. The locals said that about 20-30 people live in Kukurahtsevo. That's how many people are left in Churilovo. It's a shame because these are nice Bulgarian villages, but the school in the village of Gega (a neighboring village) was closed 15 years ago. The villages are depopulated and have no future after the old people finish their earthly journey.

On the way back, we met a herd of sheep and goats guarded by 5.6 large shepherd dogs. The dogs started barking aggressively at us. It's a good thing we were carrying a dog leash, which helped them not to get close to us. Our dog also wagged its tail.

In the evening, we went back to Yankish's house. It was Shrovetide and the children, and then we ate white halva tied on a thread from the ceiling.

The next day we were ready to explore the waterfalls above the villages of Klyuch and Skrut to the village of Samuelovo.

Tips for a successful hike

1. Hiking shoes and gaiters: Hiking shoes are extremely important for safety on the difficult terrain. Gaiters are a must in rainy and muddy weather. They will protect you from moisture and dirt, especially in wet conditions.

2. Clothing and rain protection. Bring a rain jacket and/or raincoat, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. Always make sure you have appropriate clothing available for all conditions.

3. Trekking gloves: These will provide you with additional comfort and protection, especially in colder weather or when passing through rocky sections where additional grip and balance are needed.

4. Climbing technique: The route is of moderate difficulty, but it is quite long. On short days, carry a headlamp in case it gets dark in the mountains. Make sure you take enough breaks and drink water regularly.

Carry enough water and energy bars along the way.

5. Weather forecast: The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always check the weather forecast before heading to the starting point of the route and be prepared for quick changes.

The hiking route from the village of Churilovo to Bilska Chuka peak is one of the most remarkable mountain adventures in the Bulgarian part of Ograzhden. With its challenging sections, wonderful panoramas and fresh air, it is ideal for mountain hikers. With the right equipment such as hiking boots, a rain jacket, hiking gaiters and trekking gloves, you will feel prepared to face any challenge and enjoy this beautiful mountain walk.