Shipka Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.190m (3,904ft) above the sea level, located on the Stara Planina Mountain, in the Balkan Mountains, in central Bulgaria. The road over the pass is called Road 5 (E85). It’s asphalted, and links Kazanluk and Gabrovo. The pass marks the border between Stara Zagora province and Gabrovo province and it’s part of the Bulgarka Nature Park. On the summit the views are magnificient. Dont’ forget your camera. On Stoletov Peak, near the pass, there’s the Shipka Memorial, a 98-foot stone tower commemorating those who died during the many battles in the pass, which represents the victory over the Ottoman forces during the Russo-Turkish War in 1877 and 1878. Driving to the pass, you’ll also pass through the Valley of Roses (most of the rose extract used to make perfumes comes from here).
