Hiking Trek In Pirin & Rila Mountains
Experience the best of the Bulgarian alpine hiking, during which we visit the highest peaks on the Balkan Peninsula: Mount Musala in Rila Mountains (2925m a.s.l.), Mount Maliovitsa (again there; 2729 m a.s.l.) and the giant of Pirin Mountains - Vihren (2914 m a.s.l.). We explore immense national parks, keeping vast alpine meadows and rugged peaks, glacial lakes, stone rivers, rare vegetation and rich animal life. A visit to the most famous Bulgarian landmark and the biggest Bulgarian monastery (Rila Monastery) will bring us back in history for a short while.
This trek is demanding in terms of physical condition required for the walks. However everyone, who has managed the classical circuit walks around Mont Blanc in the Alps should be able to handle it. The two-centered itinerary (one in Pirin and one in Rila mountains) gives a number of opportunities to optimize the walks in accordance with the general fitness of the group, increasing the delight of exploring the mountains with just a daypack. Alternative routes are available for each of the days, which could be used in case of bad weather conditions. Hikers fallen in a bad physical conditions can skip some of the daily treks, without impreding the schedule of the rest in the group.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Pirin Mountains are the country's second highest mountain, considered also the most beautiful one. One can find here more than 170 glacial lakes and a large number of rare plants, including the edelweiss and the famous Baikousheva Fir, the latter almost 1,300 years old.
- Rila Mountains are the sixth highest in Europe, coming after the Caucasus, the Alps, Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna. The name Rila is allegedly of Thracian origin and is thought to mean "well-watered mountain", owing to Rila's abundance of glacial lakes (about 200) and hot springs in the faulty areas.
- Rila Monastery is one of the most remarkable monuments on the Balkan Peninsula equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history dating back to the 10th century.
ITINERARY
Day 1. Welcome meeting at Sofia Airport and transfer to the town of Bansko (appr. 2,30hrs). Bansko is the most prosperous ski resort in Eastern Europe in winter and probably the best starting point for hiking in Pirin Mountains. We will spend here the next 4 nights, making daily treks to different parts of the mountains within short drive of the lodge.
Day 2. Morning transfer will take us to Gotse Delchev hut (above the neighbouring town of Dobrinishte). Here we board the chair lift to Bezbog hut (2236 m a.s.l.), where our hike to Mount Polezhan (2851 m a.s.l.) begins. One of the most stunning panoramas in Pirin Mountains could be enjoyed during this hike, revealing the beauty of 17 glacial lakes, that could be counted from a single point, including the biggest one in the mountains – Popovo Lake (appr. 30m deep). In the afternoon we will have some time to explore the cobbled streets among the charming stone houses in the old quarters of Bansko. Walking time: 5 hrs; uphill/downhill walk - 650 m.
Day 3. One of the most picturesque parts of Pirin will be visited today. Short drive to Vihren hut (1950 m a.s.l.) will leave us at the entrance of the Bunderishki Lakes cirque. The path gently traces up Bunderishka valley, reaching Todorina Porta (Todora’s Door), the latter being also “the door” to the wilderness of Julen Reserve. Nice descent through Todorini Ochi Lakes (Todora’s Eyes Lakes) and the cirque of Vasilashki Lakes will lead us further down, where the old “Mura” (White Fir) forest starts. In a short while we reach Demianitsa hut and continue walking downstream Demyanitsa River to the area called Todorova Ornitsa. Here we board the bus and drive down to Bansko for a well deserved rest. Walking time: 6-7 hrs; uphill/downhill walk – 800/900 m.
Day 4. Today we will attempt the second highest peak in Bulgaria and the highest one in Pirin Mountains - Mount Vihren (2914 m a.s.l.). Short transfer will bring us again to Vihren hut, the starting point of the hike. The path goes steeply up to the cirque of Golyam Kazan (The Big Cauldron), fenced by the 400m high dramatic vertical northern wall of Mount Vihren. This Karst region of the mountains is famous for the diversity of endemic or rare plants, with the Edelweiss among them. Small flocks of Balkan Chamois could also be seen en-route. After a strenuous climb we reach the peak and enjoy the breath-taking sceneries of the other parts of the mountains. On the way back we will make a short stop by the oldest Bulgarian tree (more than 1300 years old). (6-7 hrs; uphill/downhill walk 1000m).
Day 5. Time to leave Pirin and head for Rila Mountains. Morning transfer (2hrs) will bring us to the renowned Rila Monastery (UNESCO heritage listed) – one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bulgaria. Sightseeing tour and time for lunch before transferring further to “Panichishte” resort, from where we will make our way in the direction of probably the most famous area in Rila Mountains – the Seven Rila Lakes. En-route we will pass by “Skakavitsa” Waterfalls – the highest waterfalls in the mountains (70m). Overnight stay at The Rila Lakes hut (2150 m a.s.l.). (*please note that you will have to bring along a change of clothes for this night as you will see the rest of your luggage in the evening of Day 6). Walking time: 3hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 300/-m.
Day 6. After breakfast we will start exploring the cirque of The Seven Rila Lakes and its pearls – The Eye, The Tear, The Kidney, The Twins, The Trefoil, The Fish Lake and The Lower Lake. Having seen them we start climbing up towards the ridge, leading to another eminent peak – Maliovitsa (2729 m a.s.l.). More stunning views expect us on the way while we pass above Urdini and Elenski lakes (we will also see the Rila Monastery steeply down on the right side of the ridge). Upon reaching Maliovitsa Peak we will start descending along Maliovitsa Valley to Maliovitsa hut and further to Maliovitsa resort, where the bus will wait to drive us to our lodge in Govedartsi village. Walking time: 6-7hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 800/1000m.
Day 7. Today we target the highest peak in Bulgaria and on the Balkans – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.). 30 min transfer will brings us to the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria – Borovets. From here we board the gondola-lift to Yastrebets Peak (2369 m a.s.l.) – perfect starting point, which eases a lot the whole trek. Enjoyable hike along a relatively flat trail heading straight towards the jagged form of Mount Musala leads us to Icy Lake refuge, lying at the foot of the peak. Reaching the top normally takes 2,30hrs for the lift station. The view from the peak is truly amazing – you can make out the remaining peaks of Rila Mountains; the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains; Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains; the green summits of the Rodopi Mountains; and last, but not least, the long body of the Balkan range. Overnight in Govedartsi. (6 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 750m)
Day 8. Transfer to Sofia Airport for departure (appr. 1,30hrs).
EXTENSIONS
Yes, summer holidays at the Black Sea
Do not miss a unique chance to prolong your stay in Bulgaria with one week more at anincredibly low price! We can offer a great variety of accommodations - from home stays (no meals) to 2, 3 and 4-star hotels (BB or HB) in the most famous summer resorts along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, namely Sunny Beach, Sozopol, Nessebar, Golden Sands etc. Please contact us for more details.
Accommodation: 3-star hotels, en-suite double rooms on halfboard (ordering lunchpacks is possible for each of the days at the price of 4-5 Euro/person).
Best period: mid June - September
Group size: Min. 6 persons.
Price: 570 €
Single room supplement: 80 €
The price includes: accommodation and boarding as mentioned above; transfer to/from Sofia airport; English-speaking guide and private transfers throughout the tour; lift tickets; VAT and all local taxes.
The price does not include: maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), entrance fees, tips, alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses.