Hut “Eho” (1645 m.a.s.l) is located right on the ridge of the Balkan Mountains, offering one of the most beautiful views in the region.
The hut is located within the territory of the "Central Balkan" National Park, between the peaks Kavladan (1710 m a.s.l.) and Yumruka (1819 m a.s.l.), next to one of the nine reserves in the park - "Tsarichina". On clear days, a large part of the ridge in this part of the mountain is visible from the area of hut “Eho.” It is part of the international hiking route E-3, whose Bulgarian section is the well-known Kom-Emine route.
Hut "Eho" has 50 beds, a large dining room, and serves soup and bread, sometimes other food as well. In the “small bar,” you can buy various drinks. Plenty of cups and utensils are available for tourists. It is electrified by solar panels and has an indoor bathroom with hot water.
Contact: 0888 986 861, 0882 966 252.
During summer weekends, hut "Eho" is often fully booked, so it's recommended to call early to reserve a spot (although people should not be turned back in the mountains). Tent camping around the hut is very limited, as it is located in a strictly protected area.
A few years ago, volunteers from the association “For Eho” built a composting toilet for visitors to avoid wastewater issues. Additionally, several signs encourage everyone to pack out their trash in their backpacks.
Hut "Eho" can be reached from the south from the town of Klisura or the village of Rozino, from the north from the village of Ribaritsa or Chiflik, from the east via Beklemeto along the ridge through hut "Kozya Stena," and from the west from hut "Vejen" or Mount Vejen. In winter, access to the hut is only possible via Mount Yumruka. On the descent, the iron rope stretched along the path can be used, but it is advisable to have crampons and ice axes.
From the Klisura train station, take the yellow markings leading to the town center. Following the main street, leave the settlement and head towards the sub-Balkan road Sofia-Burgas. Cross the viaduct over the road and watch for a sign indicating a right turn onto a dirt road. To avoid accidents, walk on the shoulder or as far to the right as possible until the turn. Once the asphalt ends, the dirt road climbs with a few switchbacks and gradually aligns with the river to the right. It turns into a trail that crosses a stream—a right tributary of the Zli Dol River—and heads steeply uphill along the right slope. This steep ascent is perhaps the most challenging part of the whole hike, especially on a hot day, as it’s on a southern slope in a mixed forest that doesn’t offer much shade. Fortunately, the ascent isn’t very long, and soon you reach a meadow with flatter terrain. Here lies the border of the "Central Balkan" National Park. Continue along the dirt road. Entering the park, the landscape changes, with preserved centuries-old beech trees around—an excellent illustration of the role and significance of protected areas and the need for their preservation!
Soon, you reach another meadow with scattered remnants of old sheepfolds. The route climbs diagonally to the northeast towards the main ridge, where it joins at Vetrovyti Preslap, at the foot of Mount Yumruka. Here, the yellow marking joins the red ridge marking of the Kom-Emine route. The hut "Eho" is nearby. If you feel fresh and the weather is good, the climb to the right and up leads to Mount Yumruka. The view will completely reward the extra effort. The descent on the other side of the peak is steep, but a metal rope is stretched to aid the descent towards the hut. Otherwise, the red marking bypasses the peak from the west and reaches the hut almost on a level path.
From hut "Haidushka Pesen," follow the yellow marking towards hut "Eho." Cross the river and climb steeply through the forest. In the open, you pass by several villa buildings. The path continues after them, to the left, up along the ridge. The junction is marked with a pole and a sign that may be easy to miss due to surrounding bushes. The trail goes through beech forest, and after about 30 minutes, you reach another meadow. The incline decreases, and soon you’re walking on the open eastern slope of Mount Kashka. The route turns southwest, following the ridge from the south side, heading south towards Mount Ushite on the main ridge of the Central Balkan. The trail reaches the main ridge, where there is a junction. Take the right onto the red marking of the Kom-Emine route. The remaining distance to hut "Eho" takes about an hour.
This route to hut "Eho" has the least climbing. It is most suitable for days with good weather, as it follows the mountain ridge for a long time, with open terrain and limited options for shelter in case of heavy rain or thunderstorms. The route begins at the Troian-Karnare Pass, accessible by car. On the western side of the pass, there’s a parking area. Start walking west along the red marking. The path follows the ridge, occasionally bypassing some terrain elevations, with an alternative trail along the ridge itself, offering more scenic views.
Shortly after hut "Kozya Stena" (located approximately halfway, a good place for a break), the trail splits into two. To the right, up to the ridge, is the so-called "dangerous" path. It offers beautiful panoramic views but becomes slippery and treacherous when wet. The left path is safer, following the terrain and roughly staying level above the forest line south of the ridge, merging with the upper path before Mount Markova Livada. Some landslides must be crossed carefully. Once the two paths join, you continue along the ridge, briefly passing to the north side of the mountain, and soon reach Mount Ushite. Here, the ridge marking joins with markings from hut "Vasilyov" and hut "Haidushka Pesen." Continue along the red marking, reaching the hut in about an hour.