Dupkata (The Hole) reserve
The biospheric reserve, called the Dupkata, has preserved one of the most virgin and fairy corners of Bulgaria. It is a deep defile, cut across by the homonymous river, getting its waters from the equally beautiful rivers Mecho Dere (Bear's Gully) and Mahalite (The Hamlet). There are mixed forests here, with prevailing white pine and spruce. This is a real jungle, at places impassable due to the fallen trees. The game is the biggest wealth of the reserve. One of the largest populations of wild goat is here. The populations of red deer, does, wild pigs and bears, are in excellent condition, and recently a great increase in the number of wolves has been observed. The best view of the reserve is from the Boruna Peak. When you climb it for the first time, you will be shocked. The eyes meet a raging ocean of countless ridges and peaks, spreading in every direction. To the west you can see as far as the pinnacles of Pirin, to the east the sight reaches Persenk and Modur, to the south Perelik and Snezanka rise before the eye. The lakes of Shiroka Poliana (Wide Meadow) and Vasil Kolarov can be seen as if within gunshot. A few years ago the treasure-hunters' excavations proved that the majesty of this sight was valued by the ancient Thracians as well. The walls of religious buildings were discovered here, and the numerous ceramic finds prove that the place was used as a sanctuary.
The Batashki Sneznik Peak /2082 m./ is ten kilometers to the north of the Hole. It is the highest peak in the region, and it also offers one of the most unforgetable scenic sights.