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View of the Musala Lakes

Rila & Pirin Trekking

Bulgaria's pristine mountains

New tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
Trekking
View of the Musala Lakes

Ready for an adventure? Come along as we trek to the summits of Bulgaria's mountainous terrain and discover its unique, almost untouched landscapes. Traverse beautifully designed yet challenging hiking trails that wind through alpine meadows and past glacial lakes, where you may even encounter wild goats and horses in the national parks of the Rila and Pirin mountains. Plus, immerse yourself in Bulgarian culture and savor the delights of regional cuisine along the way.

Starting from Govedartsi, this journey offers breathtaking trails. The adventure begins with the ascent to the summit of Musala, the highest mountain in Bulgaria. The next trek leads to Malyovitsa, guiding you through its namesake valley before traversing the main ridge of the Rila Mountains. Day 4 is devoted to exploring the Seven Rila Lakes, fed by glaciers.

On Day 5, you journey from Govedartsi to Bansko, venturing into the Pirin region. Ascents to Wichren and Polezhan are on the itinerary. You approach Wichren via the southwest ridge, and if lucky, you may encounter blooming edelweiss on the descent. Your trekking journey concludes at 2,850 meters altitude with the panoramic view from the summit of Polezhan.

  • The magnificent Rila Monastery: At an altitude of 1,200 meters, nestled in nature, lies the enchanting monastery complex, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural masterpiece is renowned for its colorful frescoes and icons.
  • The ascent to Musala: The highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula stands at 2,925 meters and is located in the Rila National Park. From the summit, you'll enjoy an almost surreal view of the surrounding mountains. However, the journey itself is equally rewarding, as it passes through picturesque alpine meadows and alongside deep blue glacier lakes.
  • The Seven Rila Lakes: From the uppermost of the lakes you can enjoy an stunning view of the other six, which slope downwards like steps in the terrain.

The trekking route requires a good level of fitness, as you hike for between six and seven hours during the daily stages. Additionally, it's important to have experience, as some of the summit ascents lead through high-alpine terrain. In return, you can expect a tranquil and far-from-overcrowded route that our team has meticulously curated for you with the utmost care. Various transfers are included in the travel package, and in some places, you'll have the option to choose between different difficulty levels for the hiking routes.

Have you already fallen under the spell of Eastern Europe's allure? The mountainous landscapes seem to captivate one almost magically – browse through our hiking tours in Albania! Or perhaps opt for a hiking holiday in Montenegro?

Itinerary at a glance

You will climb the highest Balkan peak, Musala, and visit the Rila Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Pirin Mountains, the Wichren awaits you with panoramic views and spectacular mountain scenery.
Day
01
Arrival in Govedartsi

On the very first day, an alpine highlight awaits you on the Musala peak at 2,925 m! A transfer to Borovets, from where you will take the cable car to the starting point of the hike. There you will enjoy a unique panorama, always with a view of the escarpment of the Musala. Your path will lead you past glacial lakes and mountain huts to the summit. The view from the summit to the surrounding mountains is breathtaking.

The starting point of your hike is the mountaineering centre, where you first follow the river into the Malyovitsa valley. Across the main ridge of the Rila Mountains you will reach the impressive summit. From here, an overwhelming view opens up to the famous Rila Monastery.

Through spruce forests you hike higher and higher up into the alpine mountain world until you reach the mountain basin of the Seven Rila Lakes. The famous glacial lakes will enchant you with a spectacular scenery that you can view from the edge of the highest of the lakes.

Day to relax and discover the cultural highlights of the region. You leave the Rila Mountains and make your way to the Pirin Mountains, on your way a visit to the famous Rila Monastery awaits you before you reach Bansko, picturesquely situated at the foot of the Pirin Mountains.

Today, another highlight on your trekking tour is the ascent of Wichren. Always accompanied by a breathtaking view, the trail leads along the south-west ridge to the summit. From the summit you will once again have a view of the entire mountain world of Bulgaria. The descent is on a different path, where you can observe wild goats and blooming edelweiss.

After the chairlift ride, your hike starts at the Bezbog Hut to one of the most spectacular peaks of the Pirin Mountains, Polezhan (2,850 m). Once on the summit, you will be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view. Here you can review your hiking trip.

Day
08
Departure or extension

Route information

Trekking

Beautiful, solitary mountain tours with summit routes. A very good physical condition, surefootedness and a head for heights are required for the demanding tours. You will be hiking in the high alpine region, for which hiking experience is necessary. In some cases, you can choose between a more difficult and an easier variant. The views of the Rila and Pirin mountains will fascinate you in any case.

Prices & Dates

Category: Middle-class hotels

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • 5 dinner
  • Transfer airport - Govedartsi
  • Transfers according to programme
  • Luggage transfer
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Digital travel documents 1x per room
  • App for navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Transfer from Bansko to Sofia, costs per ride EUR 205 (up to 3 persons); EUR 249 (up to 7 persons), Reservation required, payable in advance.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Arrival: Organised transfer from Sofia airport.
  • Return journey by bus from Bansko to Sofia (central bus station) in approx. 3 hrs. continue by Airport shuttle or taxi to the airport in approx. 10 min.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
  • Cable car rides Borovets approx. EUR 8.
  • Chairlift rides Rila Lakes ca. EUR 6.
  • Chairlift rides Bezbog Hut approx. EUR 9.
Lisa Schlager

"I look forward to making your vacation dreams come true."

Lisa Schlager
Travel Specialist
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