Pepelina is closely associated with Orlova Chuka Cave: it lies within the land area of the village and is both a protected natural landmark and an archaeological cultural monument of national significance. Nature and culture come together here. For those planning a trip focused on caves and landscapes, Pepelina offers a clear local point of reference; further attractions belong to the wider destination of Dve Mogili.

Orlova Chuka: Natural Landmark and Home to Around 10,000 Bats of Various Protected Species

Around 10,000 bats of various protected species live in Orlova Chuka. This is an approximate figure and may fluctuate seasonally. The cave’s underground extent also shapes its character: its passages are more than 13,500 meters long. This makes it the second-longest cave in Bulgaria, after Duchlata Cave. The ranking and length describe the cave as a natural environment; its designation as a monument adds its archaeological significance to this picture.

Orlova Chuka lies within the land area of Pepelina, in the rocky gorge of the Cherni Lom River; it is 11 kilometers east of Dve Mogili and 3 kilometers north of Pepelina village. Since 1978, the cave has been an archaeological monument of national cultural and historical significance. Both the protected natural environment and the long history of the site are thus in focus in this area.

More destinations in the wider destination of Dve Mogili

Shirokovo Kale is also part of the wider destination of Dve Mogili, not Pepelina. The archaeological site lies on the outskirts of the village of the same name, on a naturally protected rocky spur at the confluence of Baniski Lom and Cherni Lom. Excavations uncovered a metallurgical workshop that was in operation from the late 6th to the early 7th century. The site remains the subject of archaeological research. A municipal report for 2023 recorded tourist visits and considerable interest in the excavations.

Another perspective on the region leads to Karan Varbovka. There, Ajazmoto Forest Park covers 3,483 decares of wooded land. The Ajazmoto spring is also located in Karan Varbovka, and its water is considered to have healing properties. The municipal investment profile reports hundreds of visitors from across Bulgaria each year; this figure is not a current visitor count. The church of the St. Marina Monastery near Karan Varbovka was built in 1890.

Plan for folklore and events

The “Living Water” folklore festival takes place every year in June in the area of St. Marina Monastery. The exact dates vary, so it is worth checking the event dates before planning a trip around it. Climbing and orienteering competitions are also traditionally held in the area of the cave. If one of these events is important to your trip, check the dates for your planned visit.

Getting there and accommodation

The Orlova Chuka hut near Pepelina is accessible via an asphalt road, has two parking areas, and is managed by the Municipality of Dve Mogili. This information provides a specific reference point for getting to the hut.

When choosing a destination, it is helpful to distinguish between Pepelina and the wider area of Dve Mogili: the cave is directly associated with Pepelina, while archaeological sites, the forest park, the spring, and the festival offer a broader view of the region. This can help you decide whether to focus your stay mainly on Orlova Chuka or include other cultural and landscape attractions in Dve Mogili.

Discover more destinations: Dve Mogili, Mogilino.

Go to the wider travel overview: Dve Mogili.