From the village of Osenovlag to Chukava Peak in Zapadna Stara Planina

We set off early on Sunday morning from Sofia through the Iskar Gorge. We passed by the 7 Thrones Monastery and reached the village of Osenovlag. We stopped by the Nenovi complex to warn that we would eat there on the way back.

The hike from the village of Osenovlag to Chukava Peak is a beautiful and attractive route in Bulgaria, which combines great panoramic views and a variety of natural beauties. If you are an enthusiast of mountain adventures and want to experience an exciting adventure, this route is the perfect choice. I recommend going to this interesting part of the Western Stara Planina.

And so the beginning of the route is the village of Osenovlag.

The village of Osenovlag is located at the foot of the mountain and is an excellent starting point for our hike.

We set off along a well-marked trail that passes through green meadows and pine forests. The beginning of the route is not very steep, which makes it great for warming up, but as the hiking progresses, the trail starts to get steeper and more difficult.

Preparing for the route

Before setting off, it is important to prepare well. For this type of hike, it is advisable to wear hiking shoes with good soles that will provide stability on uneven terrain. They will help you avoid slipping on wet or rocky areas.

Don't forget the hiking poles, which will relieve the strain on your knees and provide you with additional support when climbing. They will also help you when passing through rocky or slippery areas.

One of the most important parts of the preparation is the hiking backpack. Bring water, food and suitable clothing in case of rain or cold. It is a good idea to take a hard-shell jacket - a membrane for rain, wind and snow, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly and suddenly.

On the way to Chukava Peak

The route to Chukava Peak is of medium difficulty and requires several hours of one-way hiking. After passing through the easy sections, the trail becomes steeper as you hike to higher and higher altitudes. The vegetation is typical of the Stara Planina Mountains, with pine and spruce forests, as well as picturesque meadows. This makes the trail even more attractive for nature lovers.

During the route, you will have the opportunity to enjoy wonderful panoramas of the neighboring peaks and valleys. The view of the surrounding mountains will make you feel small in this majestic natural world.

Chukava Peak

Chukava Peak, which is the peak of Golema Planina, part of the Western Stara Planina, offers one of the most spectacular views in Bulgaria.

From here, you can see Koznitsa Peak on Rzhana Planina, the massifs of the Vrachan Balkan and the peak of Rila, Musala Peak. Chukava Peak is 1588 meters high. From here you can see incredible panoramas of the neighboring peaks and valleys.

The name of the peak comes from its shape, which resembles an anvil - Chukava.

There is another interesting natural and physical phenomenon here - bifurcation - the division of the original water into two streams - Split water

The peak is a great place to rest. Gather strength, enjoy the beautiful scenery and take photos that will remain as a memory of this unique experience.

Hiking tips

1. Shoes and poles: To safely walk along the route, wear hiking shoes with good soles that provide stability and comfort during the climb. Hiking poles are useful for improving balance and reducing stress on the knees.

2. Clothing and backpack: Wear a waterproof membrane jacket - hard shell for rain, because even on sunny days, it can rain unexpectedly in the mountains. Don't forget your hiking backpack with the necessary supplies such as food, water and extra clothes.

3. Hiking advices: Some sections are steep, so move carefully and use hiking poles for support. Maintain a steady pace and take enough breaks.

4. Weather forecast: In Stara Planina, the weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before you go and be prepared for quick changes.