GPS coordinates start: 42.50088,23.37364
GPS coordinates final: 42.51176, 23.40922
Distance: 2.30 h total (to the peak and back), 9.4 km
Degree of difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
GPS track:
The route from the Elata neighborhood to the highest peak of Plana Mountain – Manastirishte (1337m) is extremely beautiful and pleasant to walk.
The distance from the center of Sofia to the starting point is 45 minutes.
Most of the route is an asphalt road and there is a short climb only at the far end of the route, below the peak.
Beginning of the trail to Manastirishte peak
After Zheleznitsa, we reached the Elata neighborhood and parked the car at the fork in the main road.
We walked along the fork on the still frosty October morning.
We walked on a red carpet and the pines made us a trellis on an amber background.
Surprise.
Among the lazily lying cones, several scarlet fly agarics flirted coquettishly and deservedly received our applause.
After we went up high, an interesting view unfolded in front of us over the pine forest.
A ghostly mist hung over Verila‘s slopes, adding a touch of drama to the romantic autumn picture.
A dozen hunting jeeps passed us.
After a while we started hearing their shots in the distance. We jokingly wondered if we would fall victim to their siege.
I couldn’t resist a funny photo with a small house in my palm.
It also looks like a spray from a perfume bottle.
There were several interesting villas on the route to Manastirishte peak, but I especially liked this one.
And the warm autumn colors lurked everywhere. A kaleidoscope of lemon yellow, sienna, and emerald.
At the foot of Manastirishte peak
The only place you should be careful is the deviation from the right to the top (42.51075, 23.40282).
The main road (which is already black) continues forward, so you can easily continue wrong on it. There is no sign.
After leaving the forest, the terrain becomes more open and soon you will see the final section along the ridge at the top.
There is a full range of phones, as there are several satellite dishes on Manastirishte peak, which can be seen from afar.
Here is the small chapel of the Holy Spirit, which was locked.
The entrance to the temple was crowned with a cross-shaped opening.
It showed an interesting perspective on a stained glass window.
And the views from the top, of course, were amazing.
Vitosha had spread a colorful apron in all autumn colors on her skirt.
The snow-capped giant Rila stood proudly on the horizon.
Conclusion
The path from the Elata neighborhood to Manastirishte peak offers very pleasing views and is easy for all ages.
Just take enough time, because you will be tempted not to turn on the camera all the time.
Video:
Other eco-trails from Sofia city: here
