Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria)
A unique mountain hike above the clouds of the highest mountains on The Balkan Peninsula.
During the trek we will visit the highest peak on the Balkans in Rila Mountains (Musala, 2925m a.s.l.) and the giant of Pirin Mountains (Vihren, 2914 m a.s.l.). We will explore enormous national parks, housing vast alpine meadows, stone rivers, glacial lakes, rare vegetation and rich animal life. The biggest Bulgarian monastery (Rila Monastery) and probably the most famous Bulgarian landmark will also be visited as a part of the trip.
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Itinerary / Highlights
Tour Highlights♦ Rila Mountains are the highest mountains in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala - 2925 m a.s.l.
♦ Pirin Mountains are the second highest in Bulgaria after Rila Mountains and the third in the Balkan Peninsula (Mount Vihren 2914 m a.s.l.).
♦ Rila Monastery (1147 m a.s.l.) is the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival
Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to the mountain village of Govedartsi (1150 m a.s.l.), where we stay overnight (1hr drive).
Day 2. Govedartsi – Vada Hut – The Seven Rila Lakes – Govedartsi
Loop hike from Vada Hut to the most eminent area in Rila Mountains - The Seven Rila Lakes (above 2200m a.s.l.). The path follows the summit between the rivers Dzherman and Cherni Iskar, offering fine views towards both Vitosha and Verila mountains.
Uphill walk: 1,050 m (3,444 ft); downhill walk: 850 m (2,788 ft); walking time: 6-7 hrs
Day 3. Govedartsi – Maliovitsa resort – Prekorechki Lakes – Govedartsi
Another stunning trek from Maliovitsa resort, going up along the valley to the wide circus of Prekorechki Lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m.
Uphill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); downhill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); walking time: about 6.30 hrs
Day 4. Govedartsi – Musala Peak – Govedartsi
Today we climb the highest peak on the Balkans – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.). The view from the top is truly breath-taking – 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.
Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); walking time: about 6.30 hrs
Day 5. Govedartsi – Rila Monastery – Stob Pyramids – Bansko
Transfer to the most famous landmark of Bulgaria – Rila Monastery. Sightseeing and leisure hike to the hermitage of St. Ivan Rilski. We will then stop by the impressive Stob Pyramids and continue on to the foots of Pirin Mountains and the town of Bansko.
Uphill walk: 150 m (492 ft); downhill walk: 150 m (492 ft); walking time between 2-3 hours
Day 6. Bansko – Mount Vihren – Bansko
A fairly difficult ascent to highest peak in Pirin Mountains - Mount Vihren (2914m a.s.l.), awaits us. On our way to the peak we have various opportunities to enjoy most of the Pirin's peaks, Vlahini and Bunderishki glacial lakes as well as Edelweiss and many other rare plants flowering in the Karst parts of the mountains.
Uphill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); downhill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); walking time: 7-8 hours.
Day 7. Bansko – Popovo Lake – Valiavishki Lakes - Bansko
We head towards the biggest and deepest glacial lake in the mountains – Popovo Lake. Then we continue on to Dzhengalska Porta saddle, which surprises with the magnificent panoramic view. Going past Valiavishki Lakes we reach the valley of Demianishka River, where the bus waits to take us back to Bansko.
Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft)
Day 8. Departure
Transfer to Sofia airport for departure (2,30hrs drive).
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