Chatama Forest Centre

Chata'ma Forest Center – the Heart of the Rhodopes near Golyama Beglika Dam

The Chata'ma Forest Center is one of the most magical places in the Western Rhodopes. Hidden among ancient coniferous forests and located right on the shore of the Golyama Beglika Dam, it combines tranquility, nature, comfort, and a feeling of complete detachment from the world. The place is ideal for lovers of peace, photography, mountain hikes, and water landscapes.

 

 

How to get to Chata'ma

The Forest Center is located in the so-called "Beglishka area", about 30 km from Batak and 35 km from Dospat.

  • From Plovdiv: about 2 hours via Batak and Shiroka Polyana.

  • From Sofia: about 3 hours and 15 minutes via Velingrad and Yundola.

  • From Pazardzhik: about 1 hour and 40 minutes via Batak.

The last few kilometers are on narrow but well-passable forest roads. Access is easy in summer, and exceptionally picturesque in autumn and spring.

Parking is convenient – there are designated areas in the vicinity that lead directly to the center and the trails.

What not to miss in Chata'ma

1. The shore of Golyama Beglika Dam

Tranquil coves, soft coniferous shade, and crystal clear water. The place is ideal for a picnic, photos, or simply relaxing with a view of the water.

2. The forest trails around the center

The area offers both easy and longer routes, all passing through dense spruce forests that provide coolness even on the hottest summer days.

  • Easy walks: 30–40 minutes

  • Half-day routes: 2–3 hours

  • Mountain biking trails: diverse and very pleasant for riding

3. Beglika Eco-trail

One of the most pleasant trails in the area – easy, with soft terrain, suitable for children. It passes through meadows and forests and offers great spots for photos.

4. Wildlife observation

The Beglishka area is known as one of the richest places in the Rhodopes in terms of fauna. With a little patience, you can see:

  • deer and roe deer

  • wild goats

  • birds – gray cranes, raptors, capercaillies

  • and if you're lucky – foxes and wild rabbits

 

 

How much time to set aside

  • Minimum: 2–3 hours for a walk and sightseeing

  • Ideal: half a day with a picnic or a full day for a route and relaxation

  • Weekend: perfect choice – the quiet and fresh air are the best "detox"

Interesting places nearby

1. Shiroka Polyana Dam (5–10 minutes)

One of the most beautiful dams in the Rhodopes – wild, romantic, and almost always enveloped in "Rhodope mysticism". There are wonderful places for photos, fishing, and short walks.

2. Beglika Dam (literally next to Chata'ma)

A walk along the shore is a must – the silence here is almost unreal. The water, forests, and mountain light create perfect tranquility.

3. Dazha Ethnographic Complex (near Batak)

A small place with authentic Rhodope houses and handmade items – pleasant for a short visit.

4. Pamporovo and Smolyan Lakes (about 40–45 minutes)

If you want to combine a nature retreat with more urban amenities – cafes, restaurants, lifts, and panoramic views.

5. Eating places around Batak

In Batak, there are several traditional taverns known for the following Rhodope specialties:

  • patatnik

  • kaltzana nadenitsa (chopped sausage)

  • kavarma in a clay pot

  • trout from nearby waters

Practical tips

  • Clothes: Always bring an outer garment. Even in August, evenings in the Beglishka area are cool.

  • Footwear: There are many trails – comfortable hiking shoes will give you more freedom.

  • Mosquitoes: There might be some near the water – bring repellent.

  • Phone / internet:

    • There are areas with weak signal. If relying on navigation, download an offline map.

  • Photos: The fogs over Golyama Beglika Dam are legendary – especially at sunrise.

Why Chata'ma is a place you return to

Because it is the real Rhodopes – wild, soft, green, cozy. Because the water of the dam is visible through the trees like a mirror. Because the noise of people stays somewhere far away, and the forest scent follows you everywhere.

Chata'ma Forest Center is not just a stop – it is an experience. A place where you can sit by the water and hear... the silence.

Скрито в сърцето на Родопите, това магическо място носи както естествена красота, така и загадъчна енергия. Пещерата Утробата, както подсказва името ѝ, прилича на утроба, създадена от природата с хилядолетна прецизност. Смята се, че тракийските племена са я използвали за ритуали, свързани с плодородие и женската сила, което прави посещението ѝ едновременно приключение и духовно пътуване. Нека се потопим в атмосферата на това магично място!

Какво да не пропускаме?

Докато се изкачвате, обърнете внимание на живописната природа и вдъхновяващата атмосфера, която е навсякъде около вас. Влизайки в самата пещера, не пропускайте да забележите формата на утробата и отблясъците на светлината, които сякаш разкриват магически символи по стените. Тази естествена светлинна илюзия се появява най-добре около обяд, когато слънчевият лъч се плъзва навътре и осветява центъра на пещерата – същински спектакъл на природата!

Забавен факт

Енергия, свързана с плодородие и женската сила. Смята се, че това е било свято място за тракийските жреци и техните ритуали, които са извършвали, за да се свържат с божествените сили. Легендата гласи, че ако жената застане в точния момент, когато светлината прониква в пещерата, желанието ѝ ще се сбъдне. Мистично и магическо място, което пази своите тайни от древността до днес!