Bulgaria has a strikingly diverse nature compared to its small territory. This hiking tour is offering the opportunity to discover Bulgaria highest and butiful mountains – Rila and Pirin – as well as to visit the monastery of Rila (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Rila Hiking & Pirin Hiking Highlights:
- The two highest peaks (Musala and Vihren) of the mountains Rila na Pirin
- The Seven Rila Lakes
- Rila monastery
- Guided tour of Sofia
upon request
upon request
Rila & Pirin Hiking
Day 1 : Arrival in Sofia/ Bansko
Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to Bansko (150 km). Here we will stay for three nights in a family-run guesthouse.
Day 2 : Vihren hut/Todorina porta pass/ Demyanitsa hut
Transfer to Vihren hut from where the hiking starts. The tour passes by several beautiful lakes, climbs the Todorina porta Pass (2 560 m) and goes down by another glacial lakes to Demyanitsa hut. Transfer back to Bansko.
5 hours on trail. Ascent 600 m/ Descent 1060 m
Day 3: Vihren hut/ Vihren peak (2914 m)/ Vihren hut
Transfer to Vihren hut from where the hiking to the second highest peak in Bulgaria begins. We quickly gather height to reach the col between the peaks Vihren and Kutelo from where we continue on the marble ridge to the peak which opens to one of the most stunning panoramic views of Pirin. Transfer back to Bansko.
7 hours on trail. Ascent 1050 m/ Descent 1050 m
Day 4 : Bansko/Rila monastery/ Sapareva banya
Transfer to the Rila monastery. Founded in 10th century it is the largest monastery in Bulgaria and is regarded as the most important cultural, architectural and historical monument. It is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit of the “pyramides” of Stob village – magnificent natural form sculptured by time and erosion (optional). Transfer to Sapareva banya.
Day 5 : 7 Rila lakes/ Samokov
Transfer to Panichishte and ride on a chair lift to 2 100 m. The Seven lakes are situated at different altitude and each one is given a name – The Twin lake, The Kidney, The Eye, etc. We go on a circular hike visiting at least five of the lakes with possibility to climb to the highest ones.Transfer to Samokov.
5 hours on trail. Ascent 500 m/ Descent 500 m
Day 6 : Malyovitsa peak or Malyovitsa hut
Today’s hike is in one of the most impressive valley of Rila which became a symbol of the Bulgarian mountaineering. The trail follows the river for about an hour to Malyovitsa hut from where the climb to the peak begins.
7-8 hours on trail. Ascent 1 000 m/ Descent 1 000 m for the peak or +/- 300 m for the hut
Day 7 : Borovets/ Musala peak (2 925 m)
Transfer to Borovets from where we take the gondola to 2 300 m. Being the highest peak at the Balkans Musala is a famous hike. We start with an easy walk to the hut, then continue past several lakes to reach the summit. The peak hosts a Meteorological station since 1932.
6 hours on trail. Ascent 600 m/ Descent 600 m
Day 8 : Samokov/ Sofia/ Departure
After breakfast we depart for Sofia to make a tour of the city center – Aleksander Nevski cathedral, St. George Rotonda, .. etc. Transfer to the airport.
Remark: Days 1 and 8 could be modified, depending on the flights’ time.
Price: 965 €
The price is valid for a group of 6 people.
The price includes: transfers according to program, 3 nights in a family-run guesthouse in Bansko, 1 night in a family-run guesthouse in Sapareva banya, 3 nights in 3* hotel in Samokov, 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners, lift tickets (Panichishte, Musala), English speaking mountain guide.
The price excludes: flight ticket, insurance, meals and beverages not mentioned, other personal expenses.