The Karakachan Huts shelter is located in Southwest Rila, under the Skachkovets peak, at an altitude of 1810 meters above sea level. It was built with voluntary labor and donations from the residents of Bachevo village during the summer of 2020.
The conditions for overnight stay are excellent. Inside, between 6 and 8 people can sleep on a shared, wide bed. With a bit of squeezing, the bed could accommodate even more people. There are several old duvets, but from a hygiene and other point of view, it is not a bad idea to bring your own sleeping bag - after all, you don't know who slept before you in the same place.
There is a wood stove in the shelter with an oven, which heats the room perfectly, and also a large table around which your whole group can gather to eat.
There is a spring next to the shelter, which was not frozen even in the middle of February. We didn't see a toilet near the building, so for now, toilet related issues seem to be solved by going into the forest. Please don't use wet wipes!
The window of the Karakachan Huts shelter offers a beautiful view of Razlog Valley, the western parts of Dobrash, the Velyishko-Videnishki part of the Rhodope Mountains, and, of course, part of the beautiful, steep northern slopes of the Pirin Mountains. In clear weather and good visibility, the mountain Falakro (Bozdag) can be seen in the distance between the Pirin Mountains and the Rhodopes.
The starting point for the hike to Karakachan huts is located a few kilometers from the village of Bachevo in the area of Perivol. The road between Bachevo and Perivol is unpaved but passable with careful driving. The beginning of the trail is on the right side of the road next to a fountain (in the area, you will see several buildings, and as a reference point, you should take the dirt road down to the right of the fountain that goes around some cowsheds, and then go uphill into the mountain). The path is marked with white-blue-white signs that are easy to follow. At several there are signs indicating the duration of the hike. It took us about 3 hours from Perivol to the shelter but the second part of the path was covered with deep snow and our pace was much much slower then normal.
The Karakachan huts shelter is located within the boundaries of the Rila National Park. Car access to the park is prohibited. Do not cut branches or trees to burn in the stove. The national park is a protected area that preserves the natural environment and biodiversity in a less affected by humans state, so that your children and future generations will have the chance to live a normal life.