Once not so popular tourist destination, the westernmost part of West Bulgaria, where mountains Zavalka, Lyubash, Ruy, Cherna Gora, Golo Bardo and Konyavska meet, has become a true discovery for the fans of tourism in the past ten years. The international ascent of Mount Ruy has contributed a lot to the popularization of this Bulgarian region. The magnificent Erma River which meanders across the foot of Ruy Mountain is another tourist attraction in this region. The highest point of this mountain is Mount Ruy which rises at an altitude of 1,706 meters. Ruy Mountain is on the border of Western Bulgaria and southeastern Serbia.

The 9^th edition of the traditional international ascent of Ruy Mount will take place in Bulgaria this year. Tran Municipality has been participating in the preparation of the event since 2014 after the signature of the joint agreement with Babušnica Municipality in the Republic of Serbia, Evgenia Takova, Director Directorate Territorial Development, Municipal Property and Investment Policy in Tran Municipality told Radio Bulgaria.

This year the descent of Mount Ruy will take place on June 23. Bulgarian and Serbian mountaineers will make a simultaneous ascent on both sides of the Bulgaria-Serbia border and will meet at the summit. This is a border region and all participants must provide their personal details to the border authorities in advance full names and personal identification number, or join the register prepared by Tran Municipality.

We are planning to turn the ascent of Mount Ruy into one of the biggest international tourist events in the Balkans, Evgenia Takova pointed out. Traditionally mountain clubs from Bulgaria and Serbia take part at the event. Some guests from the Republic of Macedonia also join the ascent.

The ascent of the Bulgarian section of Ruy Mountain starts from the village of Zabel which lies at the foot of the mountain. Tran Municipality provides bus transportation from the town of Tran to the village of Zabel. There are also two alternative routes. The first one is from the village of Lomnitsa. It is organized by the Tran Tourist Association. The second alternative route starts from the village of Zelenigrad. Traditionally, this expedition is organized by local citizens. Tourists must be well equipped and have enough food and water supplies.

The longest and most picturesque route is the one which starts from the village of Zabel. The route between the village of Lomnitsa and Mount Ruy has some steep sections, but mainly crosses forest land. It also goes near Erma River which allows the mountaineers to feel the freshness of the river during the hot summer days.

The ascent of Mount Ruy from the Serbian section is preceded by a luscious feast in the village of Rakita. More from Evgenia Takova:

Traditionally at least 300 people climb Mount Ruy. When the weather is good 500-600 people climb the peak from the Bulgaria section of the mountain only.

Experienced tourists climb the peak in nearly two hours. Otherwise, it takes roughly from two and a half to three hours. The participants do not have to go under special tourism training. However, they must be ready for continuous walk, Evgenia Takova warns. No organized events are held on the summit.

Usually the groups which ascend Mount Ruy and meet at the summit make photos together and then start their descent. A maximum of 200 people meet at the summit at a time.

English version: Kostadin Atanasov