Cigov Chark is a small resort in the western part of the Rhodopa mountains in Bulgaria that has become a favorite off-the-beaten-track destination for Bulgarian and international tourists. It is located on the shores of the Batak lake with a great views on the lake itself as well as on the broad mountain range around it. The lake Batak is the third largest lake in Bulgaria with a small resort called Dunoto on one side and Cigov Chark on the other.
Cigov Chark offers opportunities for nature walks, boating, fishing, hunting, and water sports. It is also a ski destination, a welcome alternative to Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets that are Bulgaria’s main ski resorts. The ski run at Cigov Chark is brand new and has separate areas for beginners and for advanced skiers. Its total length is 1200 meters. A new ski lift stretches for the entire length of the run. Ski teachers are available to give lessons and rental shops offer ski equipment and slates. At the end of the ski run are a convenient parking as well as several restaurants where one can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea or even have lunch or dinner.
Cigova Chark is easily accessible from the town of Batak which is only 7 km away, from the spa resort Velingrad which is 15 km away and from the regional center Pazardjik, 36 km away. Some of the infrastructure of the town is still developing. In addition, quite a bit of the land around it has not been converted to either agriculture or to real estate development. This has slowed down the speed of construction in Cigov Chark. Depending on whether one likes posh resorts or rougher but more authentic destinations, this could be good or bad. Cigov Chark has become known as a great alternative to the other large ski resorts, with sporting and other types of entertainment available all year long.
Most hotels in Cigov Chark (????? ???? in Bulgarian) are small guest houses which are Bulgaria’s version of Bed and Breakfast establishments and small family-run hotels. Private villas are also made available for rent on a short-term and long-term basis. These accommodations are available at a significant discount compared to the large hotels in the other ski destinations.
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