The Bachkovo monastery is the second largest Bulgarian monastery after the one in Rila. Is is situated in the valley of the river Chepelarska, also called the river Chaia 10 km south form Asenovgrad. This ancient monastery is one of the most frequently visited in Bulgaria. The monastery complex and its surroundings have become an attractive tourist destination where the local people sell literary everything that grows or is produced in the Rodhopi mountains – rare herbs, home made jam from forest fruits, goat and buffalo yoghurt and cheese, woolen blankets etc. The Bachkovo monastery is among the 100 national tourist destinations.