Reaching, by the beautiful forest path, the foot of the rock massif, facing it, facing south, we have only to shift our gaze slightly to the left, low down, from the high cliff, to notice that it holds the secret not only of the mysterious face, which, whether Mother Nature has sculptured, or whether the hand of man has also intervened, at the base of the rock massif is hidden the entrance to the cave. Even stepping in front of its entrance we are enchanted by what our eyes see, for we realize that we are standing in front of a small cave that reminds us strongly of the famous Womb Cave located nearby, about 1.5 km, in a straight line, on the opposite hill, on the left bank of the r. Blueberry, in the locality of Tangardak kaya ). Its entrance (from the northeast) is quite high, about 5 m, but it is partially blocked by a large piece of rock that probably broke off hundreds of years ago, as a result of natural climatic and natural processes of weathering and erosion of rock, therefore, its approximate length of about 34 m is shortened to about 26 m (with a natural slope of 10-15 degrees, and it is itself partially filled with earth and broken off small and larger pieces of rock and the level on which we are stepping is not actually its floor). As at the bottom of it, against the slight dusk in it, a glimmer of light can be seen, where there is another small, narrow opening, figuratively speaking an entrance, a second one (south-west-top, probably formed by the flowing water and perhaps shaped deliberately by human hand), a reduced copy of the main one to the cave, measuring about 0.70/0.40 m, unlike the one officially recorded and published (in 2001. ) Utroba cave in Tangardak Kaya, where the carved altar (about 1.30 m high) - symbolizing the uterus - can be seen at the bottom, reached by an almost perfectly shaped sunbeam (symbolizing a phallus), but only at certain times of the year, when the sun is low in the north, it could be long enough to symbolically fertilize the womb (estimated to be the months of January-February), an action which embodies the sacred relationship between the rock and the

the sun, the rebirth of life. Which is what distinguishes it from the classical type of womb-caves, but we could not help but notice, when we look at the whole cave, also the similarities, such as the crack, although more roughly shaped, running through the whole upper part (ceiling) of the cave, its overall shape of a female womb, the walls that give the feeling that this is not only the work of nature, but also of a human hand that shaped it to the form we see it today. And as we begin to study the walls of the cave more carefully, we also notice the many small, in most cases circular, of different sizes, but also of a more varied shape, niches, which we also could not say for sure whether they are the work of the continuous flow of water and natural processes, which have been in the cave for a long time, or whether they have been shaped deliberately. There is no way to be sure, without more detailed research by specialists, that we have accidentally stumbled upon a new, in the region of the Eastern Rhodopes, cave of the "wombs" type, but we have certainly discovered another, of the many hidden treasures, of this magical region, of natural and historical wonders, of amazing nature and of wonderful, kind and warm people.

But standing in it feels amazing, slightly strange, mystical, profound, brings mixed feelings, an embodiment of the power of nature, but also of human beliefs since antiquity, their sacred relationship with nature, the cult of power, of the sky, the sun, the Mother Goddess, death, rebirth (like nature itself), happening the cave-shrine located in the mountain bowels

Материалът Пещера Светилище и едно от Каменните лица в Родопите е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

Once you enter Dazhdovnitsa, you make a sharp 180° turn and descend along a narrow asphalt road towards Snezhinka. Shortly before the entrance to the village, next to an old fountain with a convenient parking area, the trail itself begins. Here you will see the clearly marked yellow markings, which will lead you through a flat, gentle route with a total length of 5.5 kilometers – ideal for any age and physical fitness.

The trail passes through the village of Snezhinka itself, where today only two families live. The atmosphere here is like frozen in time - old Rhodope houses, fragrant courtyards and a feeling of complete tranquility.
Leaving the village, to the left and ahead you will notice a rock massif known as the "Snezhinki" caves - four in number, narrow, low and difficult to pass. They are located on a cliff where a fortress existed in the Middle Ages. Due to the difficult terrain, we do not recommend visiting them without an experienced guide or someone who knows the area well.

The route continues along an old carriage road, which offers unique panoramas of the Kardzhali dam, passes through a pine forest and reaches a rope bridge connecting the two municipalities of Kardzhali and Ardino.

Deer, turtles, woodpeckers can often be seen along the way, and the ground is covered with thyme and lapad, which smell of real, living nature.
The trail is named "Volunteer" in honour of the volunteers from the Tourist Information Centre at the Municipality of Kardzhali, who work hard to mark and maintain the cleanliness and accessibility of the tourist routes in the municipality.

This is "Volunteer" - a trail that not only connects nature with people, but shows how far enthusiasm can go when it is led by love for the Rhodopes.

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Материалът Екопътека „Доброволец“ е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

The road to the village itself passes by the majestic Borovitsa Reservoir - the source of the town's drinking water, which creates a sense of tranquility and scale even before the start of the walking route.

Leave your car in the centre of the village, next to the old stone fountain - this is where the adventure begins. The route to the waterfall is about 3 kilometers and takes approximately one hour walking. The trail is suitable for both adults and children (as long as they have appropriate shoes and poles) - an ideal family route for a weekend in nature.

The same trail also marks the beginning of the ascent to Chilyaka Peak (1,459 m) – the highest point in the area. Those heading for the summit can make a short detour of about 400–500 meters to catch a glimpse of the waterfall in its full spring power.

The waterfall of Bezvodno is seasonal - it is most beautiful in spring, when the snow waters from the mountains fill the troughs and turn it into a real spectacle. With its height of about 28 meters, it is one of the highest and most picturesque waterfalls in the region of Kardzhali. Its flow cascades down the rocks and brings a sense of movement and life to the peaceful landscape of the mountain.The same path begins the climb to Chilyaka Peak (1459 m) - the highest point in the region. Those aiming for the top can take a short detour of about 400-500 metres to catch a glimpse of the waterfall in its full spring force.Leave your car in the centre of the village, by the old stone fountain - this is where the adventure begins. The route to the waterfall is about 3 kilometers and takes approximately one hour of walking. The trail is suitable for both adults and children (as long as they have appropriate shoes and poles) - an ideal family route for a weekend in nature.

This is a route that combines ease, accessibility and total immersion in the magic of Rhodope nature - the kind of experience that reminds us how easy it is to find happiness in the simple but magnificent things Translation results

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Материалът Водопадът на село Безводно е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

Richness of Animal Life
One of the most remarkable aspects of Yumruk Skala is its diversity of bird species. The area is crucial for the survival of rare birds, including the Griffon vulture, the Egyptian vulture, the Black stork, and the Eurasian Eagle-owl. It is home to one of the main breeding sites for the Griffon and Egyptian vultures in Bulgaria. Other notable species include the Lesser kestrel, the Thracian partridge, and the Red-breasted flycatcher. Yumruk Skala is part of the "Natura 2000" network of protected areas, ensuring the preservation of its biological diversity.

Wealth of the plant world
The vegetation in Yumruk Skala combines various types of plant communities, including xerothermic oak forests and dry grasslands. Here, you can find unique plants such as succulents, carnations, and rockroses, which provide ideal habitats for various animal species. This plant diversity contributes to the overall ecological balance of the area and supports local wildlife.

Navigating the Area
It is important to note that Yumruk Skala does not have marked trails, which may pose difficulties for inexperienced tourists when navigating. However, visitors can use small stone pyramids as natural landmarks to guide their way. The main route starts from the village of Gnyazdovo, offering picturesque views of the protected area. It is recommended that tourists come well-prepared with proper equipment to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the site.

If you are looking for a place where nature and time seem to stand still, creating a perfect picture of tranquility and wild beauty, Yumruk Skala is your destination. With its expansive rocky habitats, rare plants, and birds, Yumruk Skala is not only a protected area but also a true testament to the beauty and significance of Bulgaria's wild nature. Whether you're an ecotourist, a nature lover, or simply seeking peace and inspiration in nature, Yumruk Skala offers a unique experience that showcases the rich natural heritage of Bulgaria.

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Материалът Юмрук скала е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

Types of trips and prices

Short walk:

Duration: 30 minutes
Price: 50 BGN

Long walk:

Duration: 1 hour
Price: 100 BGN

The price is for the whole course, regardless of whether two or 12 people ride. This makes the rides ideal for both small and larger groups of friends or families who want to share the experience together.

Facilities and comfort
One of the catamarans is specially equipped with dining tables, allowing passengers to enjoy a nice meal while sailing on the waters of the lake. This makes it an ideal place to organize small gatherings, celebrations or just a relaxing lunch or dinner on the water.

How to book
Reservations can be made over the phone or through our social networks. We recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer months when demand is high.

Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the unique nature and tranquility of the Kardzhali Dam with our comfortable and safe catamarans. We are waiting for you on board!

Материалът Разходка с лодка по язовир Кърджали е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

Location and Access

Taking the road to Womb Cave and Paradise View, just before the trailhead for Paradise View, you will notice a widening of the road to the left. This is where you can park and begin your short walk to Juren Kaya. The trail up is about 200 yards and is easily accessible, making this spot suitable for visitors of all ages. 

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Материалът Юрен Кая: Панорамна гледка към Язовир Кърджали е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

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Материалът Каменна сватба – скален феномен е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

Материалът Арт галерия „Кръг“ е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

A summer visit promises a refreshing experience amidst lush green landscapes, but it's advisable to bring enough water, especially on hot days. The route itself is not particularly challenging and is suitable for children, though certain sections are steep and slippery. The starting point is located 1.5 kilometers west of the village of Padartsi, following red and yellow markings. The path takes you through enchanting scenery and culminates in a spectacular view over the reservoir. After reaching the final point, if you wish to visit the

Route

The starting point of the “Raiski izgled” eco trail is approximately 1.5 kilometers west of the village of Padartsi in the Kardzhali region. Access to the village is via a well-maintained asphalt road with several sharp turns. Once you pass through the village heading west, you will encounter a few bends — the first turning left, the second turning right. At this right-hand bend, you will find a convenient parking area. Facing north from there, you will see a narrow path marking the trail’s beginning.

Follow this path, which is clearly marked in red, and without any significant forks, making it hard to lose your way. The trail’s total length is around 1.6 kilometers, with an elevation gain of just over 200 meters. Despite its relative brevity, the initial section is steep, requiring approximately one hour of uphill walking. At the trail’s end, your efforts will be rewarded with several comfortable benches and an unparalleled view of the Kardzhali Reservoir.

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Материалът Екопътека „Райски изглед“ е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

Climbing Mount Monyak (586 m) is worth it for the incredible view you will be able to enjoy. The steep cliffs, which are also inhabited by vultures, the Studen Kladenets dam, the town of Kardzhali and the enchanting Eastern Rhodopes are part of what will delight your eyes from the top.

From Monek you can also see Visegrad Fortress.

The trail to the top is well marked. In the summer, bring plenty of water as there are sections where there is no shade.

The history of the fortress guarding the peak for centuries is just as captivating and enchanting as the view from the high rocks. According to available medieval sources, the largest city in Ahridos during the 12th-14th centuries was the fortress of Mneakos, located in the valley of the Middle Arda, east of the town of Kardzhali. The ruins of the large fortress above the village of Shiroko Pole are in optical visibility and have a direct line of sight to the episcopal center in the "Veselchani" neighbourhood . A little further away, near the current village of Vishegrad, 2 km from the large stronghold, there is another fortress, whose walls are still excellently preserved today (known among the people as the Vishegrad Fortress). Together with Perperikon, Mneakos is the most well-documented fortress in the Eastern Rhodopes according to historical sources. It is mentioned in the "History" by Georgi Akropolit, which describes the Bulgarian-Byzantine war of 1254-1255, one of the sources that best depict the situation in the Central and Eastern Rhodopes during the 13th century. However, unlike Perperikon, Mneakos is noted in a non-Greek source referring to the first decade of the 13th century, concerning the events surrounding the Bulgarian-Latin wars of 1205-1207, as described by the French chronicler Geoffroy de Villehardouin. He describes in great detail that it was indeed under Mneakos, in the fertile and picturesque valley of the Art (Arda) River, where the Latins set up their camp and learned for certain about the death of the first Latin Emperor Baldwin in Tarnovo. Here, beneath the fortress itself, the baronial council of the Latin Empire gathered and elected Anry as the new emperor. It is believed that Mneakos is also mentioned in another earlier Western European source describing the history of the Third Crusade (1189-1192). During that time, the outlaws rampaging in Thrace conducted plundering raids in the region of Philippopolis-Adrianople-Didymoteicho. If the information presented in the source indeed refers to Mneakos, it would represent the earliest mention of the medieval
stronghold in the Eastern Rhodopes.

Considering that Mneakos was the administrative
center of Ahridos during the 13th-14th centuries, according to historical sources, several notable governors resided there. From 1993 to 1996, archaeological excavations and comprehensive geophysical surveys were conducted at the fortress. These were a continuation of the partial soundings carried out by I. Balkanski in 1972-1973. At the foot of the high hill, remnants of monuments from various eras were found, including rock tombs and hewn Thracian niches.

The stronghold consists of two separate defensive sections: an outer city and a citadel at the highest point. The medieval fortress is situated on an extremely steep, rocky peak, with three of its sides being sheer cliffs towering hundreds of meters above the surrounding Arda River. It is one of the highest fortresses in Bulgaria, with the peak reaching 586.7 meters above sea level. Additionally, it is one of the largest fortresses in the country, covering an area exceeding 20,000 square meters. Along its longest axis, Mneakos stretches nearly 0.5 km. The fortress wall encloses about half of the city in the more accessible western, southwestern, and northern directions. To the northeast and southeast, the terrain drops into sheer cliffs, making fortifications unnecessary. The fortress wall is characteristic of the medieval era, built from roughly cut stones bonded with strong white mortar. The foundations of the wall rest directly on the rock, which was carved in places for better adhesion. On the vulnerable western and northern sides, the fortress wall was thicker and likely higher, whereas, on the steep and inaccessible southwestern cliffs, it was thinner and considerably lower. At its peak, the fortress was an impressive and picturesque sight, with its walls rising to incredible heights. In its completed form, the city of Mneakos had three towers, positioned around the entrance area and to the southeast of it. This does not include the numerous towers of the inner castle, which occupied the easternmost part of the fortress and defended the eastern approach. The fortress gate was located in the lower western corner of the stronghold, the most accessible area, from which a road cut into the rock led downward. The main defensive structure guarding the entrance was a massive hollow tower with an irregular trapezoidal plan. Excavations have revealed that the tower was coated externally with a white lime plaster, applied in a way that left the large rounded stones partially exposed, creating a decorative mosaic-like effect. The interior of the tower was divided into multiple levels, accessible via wooden stairs. Today, the ruins of this structure rise to a height of 5.2 meters. The width of the fortress entrance can only be estimated at approximately 3 to 3.2 meters. It was likely a double-winged gate, made of solid wooden panels reinforced with large, diamond-shaped iron nails with sharp spikes. From the inside, the gate was secured with a massive wooden bar. The approach to the tower and the battlement walkway was via a massive staircase attached to the inner side of the fortress wall. At a slightly later stage in the history of Mneakos, a second, solid corner tower with an irregular trapezoidal plan was built along the fortress wall, to the northwest of the gate. This addition formed a classic gateway defense with two flanking towers. The third tower of the city was constructed along the southern section of the fortress wall. Although this part appeared nearly impregnable due to the steep slopes and scree descending toward the Arda River, a careful examination reveals a narrow approach that, though difficult, could allow access to the fortress. The tower was relatively small, solid, and rectangular in shape. It was likely used as a watchtower due to its excellent vantage point over the valley.

Fifty meters north of the fortress entrance, outside its walls, the inhabitants built a large water reservoir, which was uncovered during excavations. The cistern utilized a natural rock fracture, which was further carved to form a rectangular shape. The basin was lined with rubble stones, generously bonded with white mortar. It was filled with water from a small lake located about a hundred meters away, beneath the fortress wall. To facilitate this, a clay pipe aqueduct was constructed, as evidenced by fragments found on-site. Additionally, the reservoir was supplied by rainwater. Inside the fortress, another water collection basin was discovered in the basement of a large multi-story building, situated about seventy meters southwest of the inner fortifications. This structure, first recorded by Iv. Balkanski and later studied, had an excellent southern exposure while being well-protected from northern winds by the surrounding rocks. Its proximity to the citadel and the findings from archaeological excavations suggest that a high-ranking individual, possibly the garrison commander, resided there. In some areas, the carved rock itself served as a wall for the basement level, with grooves cut into the stone to support the now-lost upper walls. In other sections, the walls were constructed from rubble stone, bound with white mortar. The floor was made of natural rock, meticulously leveled with chisels and covered with a thick layer of waterproof mortar mixed with crushed brick and fragments of ceramic vessels. This basement was used for storing drinking water, collected through a well-designed catchment system. Rainwater was skillfully directed into the cistern through a network of channels.

A second large building in the city was also discovered, located about 50 m east of the main gate. Like the first, this building also used a natural rock fault, where a basement was formed. This building probably had several floors. In order to form the basement, the walls of the rock fault were also carved and leveled and subsequently lined with walls, as the floor, after the rock was cut and leveled, was covered with flat bricks, poured with mortar. Given the ceramic vessels found in the basement (amphorae, pitchers, pots, cups), it was probably a huge food warehouse. The southern terrace at the top impresses with its convenient location for living, which has also been proven during archaeological excavations. During the research, numerous household items were found there (spindle vertebrae, awls, knives, needles, bells, flints, lead weights, a water bucket, ceramic vessels), numerous animal bones, spear and arrowheads, bronze coins, clothing decorations (bronze and iron appliqués), fragments of a bronze ring, a bronze bracelet, iron buckles (for military belts), as well as hundreds of iron nails that were used in the construction of wooden buildings and fastened the massive beams and boards in them. Entire families lived there with their household goods and farm tools, and the men were probably warriors. The inner "castle" of Mneakos is perched on the highest eastern part of the fortified hill. It is a very important link in the overall fortification of the city, because it blocks the relatively vulnerable eastern and southeastern directions. The inner fortification covers an area of ​​2000 sq. m. Following the configuration of the terrain, the fortress has acquired oval outlines. The defensive walls of the citadel are thinner than those of the city itself, but the construction method is not particularly different - quarry stones, bonded with white mortar. There are five towers built along the fortress walls of the citadel, they are solid and are built similarly to the fortress wall from quarry stones on mortar. The northern tower is the only semicircular one, the others, the northwestern, western and southeastern, have an irregular quadrangular plan, as the southern tower is completely defaced and today its plan can only be restored by assumptions. It is not excluded that there was another tower on the completely destroyed southwestern section of the fortress wall. The gate (which has a rather complex structure) of the inner castle, which is located in the northwestern part of the fortress wall and leads to the city, is well preserved. It is flanked by the semicircular and nearby quadrangular towers. The gate was probably double-winged, on the outer side of which, like the main city gate, nails with wide heads were driven for reinforcement and decorative decoration, and there was probably an arch above it, formed of limestone blocks and bricks, conclusions based on the materials discovered during the archaeological excavations. Like the other two studied buildings in the city, one was also discovered here, and for it a natural rock fault was also used, which was further processed, by placing a rectangular building built of broken stones bonded with white mortar in it. Fragments of hydrophobic plaster were found in it, which gives reason to assume that the lower floor was used as a water reservoir or warehouse. Certainly, in addition to the studied quadrangular building, there are other buildings there. In this regard, the information of Iv. Balkanski, that during excavations 30 years ago, several Christian burials with pectoral crosses made of some mineral were unearthed. This suggests the existence of a church in the citadel. We could mention here that several other similar citadels were explored in the Eastern Rhodopes at the time, such as that of Mneakos, near Ustra, Vishegrad and Bashevo. Mneakos is a typical military fortress, inhabited in peacetime by a small garrison and craftsmen associated with its maintenance. The population lived in unfortified quarters and settlements at the foot of the peak and by the river. (Literature: N. Ovcharov, D. Kodzhamanova, Perperikon and the surrounding fortresses during the Middle Ages, Fortress construction in the Eastern Rhodopes, 2003)

But in the end, every story told and every historical fact loses its meaning at some point. Just as it does not matter which path you take to the summit—whether you follow the old road to the right at the entrance of Shiroko Pole or take the turnoff to the right on the main road from Kardzhali, marked by the brown signposts for historical and other landmarks. The breathtaking view and the intoxicating feeling that centuries ago, others stood in this very spot—at the top of the rock, gazing into the vast Rhodope Mountains, admiring the same vibrant and picturesque landscape, perhaps even in their final moments—immerse every visitor in an enchanting atmosphere. It fills them with energy, leaving them speechless and longing to return again and again to this fairytale-like place, this small but magnificent part of our beautiful country.

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Материалът Връх и крепост Моняк (Монек) е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.