Bulgaria on Foot
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Explore the highest mountain ranges of the Balkan Peninsula on foot
The Rila and Pirin mountain ranges of Bulgaria are home to vast alpine meadows, glacial lakes, rare vegetation and a rich variety of fauna. In the Rila Mountains, the highest peak, Musala (2925m) is a focal point of this engaging walk on which you only need to carry a daypack. Superb mountain vistas, hidden villages brimming with traditional culture and a visit to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most famous monastery, are some of the many highlights of the program. Based in 3 star hotels in Govedartsi and Bansko this trip will appeal to keen walkers seeking an alternative mountain experience in a country that simply teems with history and beautiful natural landscapes.
Highlights
- Experiencing the untouched Rila Mountains which are the highest mountains in Bulgaria and on the whole of the Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala being the highest peak (2925m)
- The Pirin Mountains, with their highest peak Mount Vihren (2914m), are the second highest in Bulgaria after the Rila Mountains and the third in the Balkan Peninsula
- Rila Monastery (1147m) is the most impressive monastery in Bulgaria due to its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history.
- Bansko (925 m) is situated at the northeastern foot of the Pirin Mountains beneath the highest and the most beautiful Karst part of the mountains. It is now one of the biggest ski resorts in Bulgaria.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Sofia, transfer to the village of Govedartsi (1150m)
On arrival at Sofia Airport there will be a group transfer to the mountain village of Govedartsi (1150m), where we stay overnight (1hr drive). This is our base for the hikes in the Rila Mountains for the next 4 nights. All starting points of the walks from this base are within 30min drive.
Day 2 Circuit walk to the Seven Rila Lakes (6-7hrs)
In the morning we have a short transfer to the Vada hut (1,410 m). This is the starting point for the trek to Lovna hut and then to the Seven Rila Lakes area. The path follows the summit between the rivers Dzherman and Cherni Iskar, offering fine views of both the Vitosha and Verila mountains. Later we will hike among the famous glacial lakes, and on our way back follow an unmarked trail that goes past 3 beautiful waterfalls. Ascent: 900m ; Descent: 900m
Day 3 Walk to Prekorechki Lakes and return to hotel (7hrs)
In the morning we have a short transfer to Maliovitsa resort, and from there we start walking along the valley of the Maliovitsa River towards Maliovitsa hut (1950m). The route continues along Razhdavitsa ridge and Kamilata peak (The Camel Peak; 2621m) and reaches the wide circuit of Prekorechki lakes, enclosed to the southeast by the steep slopes and rocky walls of Popova Kapa peak (2704m), Kupenite (2731m), Iglite (Tne Pins) and Lovnitsa peak. After about 2.5 hours the path reaches Strashnoto Lake (Scary Lake). The meadows by the lake are an excellent place to stop for a picnic. We continue walking downhill on a steep rocky slope to the west coast of Yonchevo Lake (about 1.5hrs). From the lake we walk back to Maliovitsa resort. Transfer to Govedartsi. Ascent: 900m; Descent: 900m
Day 4 Hike to Musalenski Lakes and climb Mount Musala (2925m) for superb views (6-7hrs)
After breakfast we have a transfer to the ski resort of Borovets (1,350m; a 15km transfer). In Borovets we take the gondola lift (which takes around 25 min) to Yastrebets (2,369m). From there we begin walking along a beautiful path through Dwarf Pine massifs. On the way the track passes the ski-runs of Yastrebets. The jagged form of Mount Musala can be seen and admired throughout the walk. From the Musala hut it will take a little over 2 hours to climb the peak, passing by the Musalenski lakes and the "Icy Lake" rest area on the way. The view from the top is truly breath-taking – you can make out the remaining peaks of the 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. We rest here before heading back to Yastrebets and back down to Borovets via the gondola. Transfer back to Govedartsi. Ascent: 650m; Descent: 650m
Day 5 Transfer to Rila Monastery then walk through Pirin Mountains (3hrs)
Transfer to the most famous landmark of Bulgaria – Rila Monastery. As well as exploring the Monastery itself, we will take a short hike (about 1hr uphill walk through old Beech woods) to the hermitage of St. Ivan Rilski (2-3hrs) . The bus will take us to the next stop nearby, the amazing sand forms near Stob village – The Stob Pyramids. We continue to Bansko (925m), which will be the starting point for our treks in the Pirin Mountains. In Bansko we will have a short rest in the hotel before setting out in the afternoon for a walk through the old quarters of the town. Overnight Bansko. Ascent: 400m; Descent: 400m
Day 6 Ascend the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains, Mount Vihren (2914m/7-8hrs)
A fairly difficult ascent to Mount Vihren (2,914m) awaits us. In the morning we go by bus to Vihren hut (30 minutes; 1,950m). En route there will be various opportunities to enjoy the view of most of the Pirin's peaks and of the Vlahini and Bunderishki lakes. The path weaves through the "Kazanite" region, famous for its incredible variety of plants. If the weather is good we will have lunch on the peak itself, enjoying the amazing scenery. We descend to Vihren hut, and travel by bus to the hotel in Bansko for dinner and overnight. Note: This route involves negotiating a steep path all the way up and down, with many sections passing over rocks. It is only recommended for walkers in good physical condition. Ascent: 1,000m; Descent: 1,000m
Day 7 Popovo Lake walk (6-7hrs)
In the morning we have a transfer to the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, but this time to Dobrinishte (a 15 minute drive). Dobrinishte is a balneological resort, east of Bansko, which has been famous for its mineral springs since ancient times. From there the bus travels on to Gotse Delchev hut (about 20 min drive; 1,450m). We take the chairlift to the Bezbog hut (2,236m), the start of today's trek, which is a 30 minute ride. The destination today is Mount Polezhan (2,851m). There are incredible views on the way to the top and from the summit itself. One can count 17 glacial lakes from a single point, including the biggest lake in Pirin – Popovo Lake. These are the most beautiful panoramic views available from these mountains. It takes approximately 5 hrs to complete the walk. We return to Gotse Delchev hut via the same lift and have a bus transfer back to Bansko. Ascent: 650m; Descent: 650m
Day 8 Transfer to airport (2 ½ hours drive), trip concludes
The trip concludes with a transfer to Sofia airport.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of a mixture of local and international dishes.
- 7 nights in 3 star hotels on a twinshare basis with private facilities
- English speaking mountain guide
- Lift tickets as per itinerary
- Private transfers throughout as described in the itinerary including group airport transfers
- VAT and all local taxes
Group Size Min
4
Group Size Max
16
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Rucksack (35 l); 3-season walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion. A comprehensive gear list is provided on booking.
What You Carry
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from
USD$990
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