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The route passes Cherni Vrah (Black Peak) before arriving at Yarlovo.
Vitosha has long dominated the landscape around Sofia. Its forests supplied timber and water to the city below, while the mountain itself formed a natural landmark for travellers approaching Sofia along the historic routes through the Balkans.
After crossing the exposed upper slopes, the trail descends through alpine grassland and forest toward the southern side of the mountain. Descending from Cherni Vrah, the route follows the ridge separating the drainage basins of two major Bulgarian rivers: the Struma, flowing south toward the Aegean Sea, and the Iskar, Bulgaria’s longest river, flowing north through the Sofia Plain toward the Danube and ultimately the Black Sea.
The stage ends in Yarlovo, a village situated in the foothills beneath Vitosha.
Author’s recommendation
- Black Peak of Vitosha Mountain
- The water divide between the Iska River flowing to the Black Sea and the Struma River flowing to the Aegean Sea
- The tranquil Belchin Valley
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
The route is subject to Alpine conditions. Be prepared for rapid weather changes.The trail follows well‑marked paths, is consistently safe, and lies within an area covered by mountain rescue services.
Tips and suggestions
In Yarlovo, there is no accommodation. Accommodation may be found in Belchin (19km), Yarema (8km) or Samokov (29km).In the Yarlovo central square, there is a restaurant and a few small stores. At the square near the church, there is a bus stop serving Belchin and Samokov.
Accommodation Yarema: Nomad Retreat
Accommodation Alino:
- Alino House
- Eco complex of houses "Alino Manor"
Accommodation Belchin:
- Velinova House
- Belchinska View
Roadbook
Public transport
AlekoYou can reach Aleko (the Vitosha mountain chalet & ski area) from central Sofia by bus, taxi, or gondola.
Yarlovo
Yarlovo can only be reached by bus from Samokov or by taxi
Directions
AlekoBus. The classic route is city bus 66, which climbs directly to Aleko, starting at the Hladilnika bus terminal (next to Vitosha Metro Station). Travel time: ~40 minutes. This line operates mainly on weekends & holidays (summer & winter seasons). On weekdays, service is limited or absent. If 66 isn’t running, combine Bus 64 or Bus 93 to Dragalevtsi, then walk to the Dragalevtsi chairlift, or take a taxi to Aleko.
Taxi. A taxi from central Sofia to Aleko is straightforward. Use OK Supertrans or Yellow Taxi. Travel time: 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. This is the most reliable option outside weekends or in winter.
Gondola. The Simeonovo Gondola is the classic lift to Aleko. It starts at Simeonovo Gondola Base Station. Travel time: ~25 minutes. The gondola runs seasonally and often only on weekends. Check operating hours before you go — they vary by season and weather. The Gondola base station can be reached from the Vitosha Metro Station (M2) with Bus 122 or Bus 123, or from the city centre with Bus 111 or Bus 413 to Mladost 1, then transfer to Bus 122 or Bus 123.
Yarlovo
From Samokov, take the local bus to Yarlovo (runs several times a day). Travel time: ~1h45–2h15 total. Check the timetable on avtogara-samokov.com here
This bus stops at Belchin Bani, approximately 2,6km from Belchin
Taxi stand Samokov +359 887 708 623
- Taxi IVAN Samokov +359 888 507 042
- Taxi VID +359 897 964 965
Coordinates
Equipment
This stage of the Sultans Trail requires standard long-distance hiking equipment. Weather protection is essential, including rain and cold gear, depending on the season. In late spring and early summer, mosquito deterrents are strongly recommended, while during the hot season, sun protection and a sufficient water supply are essential. Reliable offline navigation tools should be carried at all times.Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions