Erma River Gorge

Erma River Gorge (Lomnishkoto Gorge) is a breach on Erma river that is located about 4 km from the town of Tran. It is the biggest touristic sight in Tran region and is in the list of the 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria. 

It is 50 km northwest of the town of Pernik and 79 km in the same direction from Sofia. 

The access to the Gorge is through an asphalt road from the town of Tran. From the south end of the Gorge begins the Tran route with length 13 km. It is with altitude from 600 to 1000 m. The route takes 8 hours. During this march you will pass trough small wooden bridge, gravel road with interesting tunnel and another wooden bridge. Meanwhile you will enjoy the gorgeous scenery, the incredible nature and in the end the magnificent view to the Erma River Gorge. 
Another starting point for this route is the village of Bankya which is situated in proximity to the Yablanitsa Gorge. This route is much more difficult and is recommendable to be taken during the summer after May. The route consists of series of flat areas, steep ascents and descents, bridges and stairs.

The length of the whole Erma River Gorge is about 100 meters and its width in the narrowest sections is about 5 m. Sideways are the steep rocks of Zhilav kamak on the south and Tsarkvishteto on the north. In the highest sections the vertical rocks are up to 150-200 meters. The river is not deep but passes noisily through the rock formations. On the right shore of the Gorge is built artificial tunnel which leads the village of Bankya. Above the twisting route are constructed two bridges that cross the river from both sides of the Gorge. 
In the lowest part on level of the river the distance between the two rocks is just 3-4 m. In this narrow section there is one 4 meter high waterfall and along the shore of the river there are many massive rocks, entrances of karst caves, waterworks and waterfalls. Just in this section there is hanging wooden bridge which is part of the route and the view is unique. 

There are legends and folktales about how is the gorge formatted. According to one of them these are two lovers and because their love was forbidden they were turned into stones (rocks). And that's how the destiny decided for them to be just a few meters away from each other and never to meet. The Erma river appeared from their teardrops.

The rocks of Erma River Gorge are starting point for over ten alpine routes which makes the place destination for professional and amateur climbers. 

The town of Tran offers the tourists option for accommodation 

Sources: http://www.tourism-bg.net  http://pochivka.com 
Photos: internet