Raychova Dupka is a vertical cave in the central Balkan range, in the Steneto reserve of the Central Balkan National Park. It lies on the northern slope of the Troyan-Kalofer mountain, in the upper part of the Malak Chaushov Dol area. Its entrance is at about 1,400 m. At 352 m deep it is the third-deepest cave in Bulgaria, and with 3,333 m of mapped passages it is also among the longest.
The cave has two levels and is very varied: large chambers, rockfalls, two underground streams, flowstone pools, frozen cascades, draperies, stalactites and stalagmites. It ends in a muddy sump. Deep as it is, it has only one vertical drop, of 8 m. The bottom is reached along a 920 m central gallery that slopes steadily at about 30°. The water is 7.5 °C, and ice in the entrance section lasts until April–May.
Cavers from Troyan first entered it in 1970 and explored it to −170 m. A year later another Troyan team reached the bottom at −352 m. Cavers from Ruse and other clubs later mapped new passages.
Not as a tourist sight. Although it needs no vertical rope work, the cave is dangerous for anyone without caving experience. Because it lies in a reserve, research visits must be cleared in advance with the Ministry of Environment and the Central Balkan National Park directorate. Rubbish, carbide and batteries harm the cave's fauna, so leave nothing behind.
Lovech region
2.3 km away
Lovech region
3.3 km away
Lovech region
4.3 km away
Raychova dupka cave is located in Lovech, Bulgaria.
Raychova dupka cave 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.
Caves can be visited year-round — the temperature inside stays roughly 10–12°C regardless of season. Spring and autumn are quieter than peak summer. Bring a warm layer and sturdy footwear; some caves close in winter when access roads become impassable.
Access to caves varies. Show caves typically run guided tours during posted opening hours; wild caves require proper equipment and experience. Inside, the temperature stays cool year-round (~10–12°C) — bring a warm layer, sturdy non-slip footwear, and a torch even on guided tours.
