Dear friends, nature lovers,
We are pleased to invite you on an exciting autumn day trip to the western slopes of Greben Mountain, in the beautiful Kraishte region near Tran!
This adventure combines two fantastic highlights: discovering one of the most enigmatic archaeological monuments on the Balkans – the Garlo Temple Well (dating back to the Late Bronze Age, with architectural links to the Nuragic wells of Sardinia), followed by a refreshing hike along the famous circular trail of the breathtaking Tran Gorge (Ждрелото на река Ерма).
Come join us on this amazing trip and you will admire:
- The mysterious underground dome (tholos) and stone stairway (dromos) of the Garlo Temple Well.
- Spectacular limestone cliffs, wooden bridges, tunnels, and river views along the scenic Tran Gorge eco-trail.
- Crisp autumn mountain air, vibrant foliage, and peaceful nature trails.
TRIP SCHEDULE
- Meet Up: 8:15 AM in front of the main entrance of Vasil Levski National Stadium (Departure at 8:30 AM).
- Morning Transfer & Garlo Visit: Transfer from Sofia to the starting point near Garlo village (approx. 1 hour and 15 mins). Short walk to explore the prehistoric temple well.
- Transfer to Tran Gorge: A short drive further towards the town of Tran (approx. 20–25 minutes).
- Main Hike (Tran Gorge Circular Trail):
- Walking time: Approx. 2 – 2.5 hours of moderate hiking along the river canyon, crossing footbridges, wooden stairs, and panoramic upper viewpoints.
- Return: In the late afternoon we head back towards Sofia. The plan is to be back in the city around 5:30 – 6:00 Pm
COST AND LOGISTICS
- Price: 35 Euro per person. Includes transportation with private mini-van or bus.
- Exclusions: Lunch pack (bring your own or buy along the way; allow 10 - 15 Euro). Both sites are open-air natural/archaeological landmarks and have no entry fees.
- Transportation & Group Size: Please confirm by Wednesday, 18 of November latest so we can organize the transport accordingly.
EQUIPMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
As this is a mid-November trip combining historical site exploration and a river gorge hike, please dress warmly and appropriately:
- Comfortable hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes with good traction (paths by the river and forest can be damp or covered with fallen autumn leaves).
- Warm layers (fleece / thermal top) and a windproof/waterproof jacket.
- Small daypack for your personal belongings, water bottle (at least 1.5 L), and a lunch pack / energy snacks.
- Hat, gloves, and sunglasses.
- Mountain or personal accident insurance (always recommended for outdoor trips).
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions! We remain at your disposal for any further information.
Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday!
— Kiril
