Dragalevtzi 2024

We continue with our exploration of Vitosha, yesterday along a familiar trail from Dragalevsky monastery to Simeonovi lakes and back along the same track. This is probably among the easiest hikes we've done lately, short and close to home, with little elevation gain. However, for the beech forests on Vitosha and the Aleko waterfall May and early June are probably the best time to visit, so our hike was very pleasant and enjoyable.

Although the difference between the lowest and the highest altitude along the track is only 100 m, it's a mountain, so there was still constantly up and downhill hiking and the trail was not always as level as on this photo :)

Hike info:

Date: 01 June 2024

Destination: Simeonovi lakes

Mountain: Vitosha

Total length: 10.2 km

Elevation gain: 100 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 3 hours

Average difficulty: 2 / 10

A glimpse towards Sofia on the fault of Skakavitza river. I haven't checked, but wouldn't be surprised if Skakavitza (jumping) and Bistritza (clear) are the most common names of Bulgarian rivers :)

Aleko's waterfalls, the crux of the trail

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

Husband: boxers, Burda shortsleeve blouse

I: lingerie, Sabrina Slims I, Burda raglan blouse, Burda Hoodie

The first of the Simeonovi lakes on the Starata reka river

We had our lunch near the river and headed back along the same track

After we got back to the parking lot, we left our backpacks and went to the nearby Dragalevsky monastery, just to have a look at its grounds