How to prepare yourself for the hiking on the Sultan’s trail
This article refers to the lowland route of the Sultan’s trail in Bulgaria.
Even though the lowland route may seem easy and not mountainous, it is still a hike in the nature. And still passes through low mountains and follows dirt roads. You need to be in good shape and good walking mood. Hiking on the trail is about hiking, not about “When will we reach the end point?” This trail is made to offer you the unique opportunity to explore both wild nature and local culture.
Necessary equipment:
- Good trekking shoes
- Small backpack (35 l) for the day. Not smaller. You need to be able to put inside a change of clothes, a raincoat, a bottle of water, food for the day and a basic first aid kit.
- Stick
- Hat
- Insect repellent
Accommodation
The Sultan’s trail is planned to basically follow the direction of the military tour of the Sultan Syuleyman the first. Each day is scheduled according to the existing accommodation places. Sometimes, because of lack of accommodation, there will be the need for a car transfer to the first possible hotel stay. Other times the track ends at the one and only hotel in this area. With only one local restaurant. And this is where you sleep and eat. No choice.
Because of the specifications of the Sultans trail, within one week you gonna sleep in a guest house, a homestay, a hut and a luxury hotel. In other words you will experience hotel stays from 1 to 3 stars, depending on which part you have chosen. And most of the hotels don’t have an elevator, which means that you have to carry your heavy backpack or suitcase to the second, or even the third floor.
Shoes
Hiking on the Sultan’s trail is not a walk in the park. You must wear good trekking shoes and thick socks.
Dogs
Sadly, in Bulgarian rural territories dogs are still being raised chained. In some cases these poor animals spend all their lives on a chain not longer than 2 meters. Their one and only amusement is to bark. They bark against everything and everybody who’s passing close to their yard. Don’t call them aggressive, but also don’t get any closer to the dog, since you never know how they gonna react to your presence.
English
Most people in Rural territories of Bulgaria don’t speak English. They are polite and cheerful, but can’t help to give you directions. They are able to only sell you cheese in the shop or show you where the church is. But that’s it. Don’t expect too much.
Transport
When you fly to Bulgaria you may check in the city transport in the capital Sofia with your credit card. You don’t check out. Just check in.
