This waymarked path climbs from the village of Manastir to Haydushki Polyani, a high meadow in the Central Rhodopes at about 1,650–1,700 m, in the lands of Kutela village, Smolyan Municipality. The route is marked in green and is about 6 km long on the map.
Haydushki Polyani is a broad grassy plateau ringed by conifer forest, with two small lakes: the larger Kartala, and a smaller one next to Momchil Yunak hut, where the Malka Arda river begins. A chapel of the Holy Mother of God with a bell tower stands above Kartala. The international E8 long-distance path crosses the area, and marked walking and cycling routes continue to Kutela, Momchilovtsi and Slaveyno.
Under Ottoman rule the valley was called Imaret Dere, after an inn that stood here; it was renamed Haydushki Polyani in 1972. Between 1903 and 1908 it was a base of the Ahachelebi band led by Peyo Shishmanov, which fought in the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising. A monument to the insurgents stands on the meadows, and Shishmanov's house-museum is on the way to Manastir.
Several huts operate around the meadows – Haydushki Polyani, Prespa, Svoboda, Momchil Yunak and Momina Voda – and the nearby villages have family hotels and guest houses. Folk gatherings are held on the meadows every August; the dates are in Smolyan Municipality's cultural calendar.
Plovdiv
0.5 km away
Plovdiv
2.4 km away
Smolyan
8.1 km away
Manastir - Haydushki Polyani is located in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Manastir - Haydushki Polyani is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Manastir - Haydushki Polyani is best walked from May through October, when the trail is clear of snow and weather is generally stable. Summer middays can be hot at lower altitudes — start early. Winter walking requires proper gear and route knowledge.
Suitability depends on the specific route. Bulgarian trails range from paved family-friendly paths to multi-day high-mountain crossings. Check the length, elevation gain, and surface before setting off. Sturdy footwear, water, and a basic map (offline or paper) are essential even on short walks.
