Overview
The Rila and Pirin Mountains are often called the Bulgarian Alps, and for good reason. On this eight day, self-guided walking holiday, our carefully crafted itinerary takes you up to some of the ranges’ highest peaks, and across other magnificent glacial trekking terrain. You are based in two different locations, Govedartsi village and the historic town of Bansko, so that you get the most of both Pirin and Rila National Parks, their respective Mount Vihren and Mount Musala being two much sought after summits. This trip also includes a trek to Seven Rila Lakes, and the UNESCO Rila Monastery.
- Pirin National Park
- Rila National Park
- Mount Vihren
- Seven Rila Lakes
- Rila Monastery
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Govedartsi
Once you arrive in Sofia, you are transferred from the airport to Govedartsi village (approx. 1.5h), located at the foothills of Rila Mountains, where you are based for the next three days.
- Accommodation: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar
- Included meals: dinner
Day 2: Mount Musala (2,925m) | 14km
An early morning transfer (approx. 30mins) takes you to Borovets, the oldest mountain resort in Bulgaria, where you take a 40mins gondola ride to the Yastrebets area. You arrive above the tree line at an altitude of 2,369m, where you see your goal for the day: Mount Musala. Walk on a flat dirt road leading to Musala Hut, located next to Musala Lakes. After the hut, start hiking on a rocky trail which passes by a couple of glacial lakes, the most famous of which is Ledeno Ezero. From the top of the mountain (2,925m) in good weather, you can see as far as Greece to the south and the Danube River to the north. The way back is on the same trail, taking the gondola down to Borovets. A transfer takes you back to your guesthouse in Govedartsi.
- Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓ 700m, 6h
- Accommodation: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar
- Included meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Mount Malyovitsa (2,729m) | 14km
A short transfer (30mins) takes you to the start of your walk, Malyovitsa Ski and Mountaineering Centre. Initially, you follow a river which takes you to the Malyovitsa Valley. Walk for about one hour through coniferous forest to reach Malyovitsa Hut. Climb gradually to the summit, via the main ridge of the Rila mountains, with views across to the looking south to the famous Rila Monastery (which you visit on Day 5). The way back is along the same trail. When you reach the ski resort, you are picked up and transferred to Govedartsi village.
- Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓ 1,000m, 7-8h
- Accommodation: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar
- Included meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Seven Rila Lakes (2,600m) | 13km
In the morning you are transferred (1h 15mins) to the Panichishte area. From here you get on a chairlift which takes you to an altitude of 2,100m and the Seven Rila Lakes Hut. Your circular walk around the glacial lakes starts from here. Each of the lakes is named after its shape and characteristics: Lower, Fish Lake, Trefoil, Twin, Kidney, Eye and Tear, the highest one at almost 2,600m. The trail leads you past five of them, with an option to take fairly steep treks to the other two. The return path is to Vada hut, where you are collected and transferred back to your guesthouse.
- Walking for the day: 13km, ↑ 610m ↓ 1,220m, 7-8h
- Accommodation: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar
- Included meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 5: Rila Monastery and Bansko
After breakfast, a transfer (2h) takes you to Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary was founded in the 10th century by the hermit Saint Ivan Rilski and boasts a collection of historic buildings: the Church of the Holy Virgin, a monastery museum, medieval kitchen and tower. Later you continue by car to Bansko, a Pirin Mountains ski resort where you stay for the next three nights.
- Accommodation: Three-star family hotel Rahoff or similar
- Included meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 6: Todorina Porta Pass (2,550m) or Mount Vihren (2,914m) | 15 or 8km
A short transfer (30mins) brings you to Vihren Hut, from where you can choose between two great routes. En route to the starting point, you can make a short stop to see Baykusheva Mura, the oldest pine tree in Bulgaria at 1,300 years old. As both routes are equally inspiring, you can also consider booking an additional overnight in Bansko to do them both and get the most of your hiking adventure.
Option 1: Todorina Porta Pass (2,550m)
First, follow the river that runs alongside the hut, then take a left turn to ascend a rocky trail overlooking the valley. Here you find two glacial lakes – also known as the Frog Lakes, which are a great spot for a break. Looking north, you see the north face of Mount Todorka. Continue your ascent towards the Pass and, after a short and steep ascent, you get to the highest point for the day – Todorka Pass. A beautiful view awaits on a clear day – the Eyes of Todorka (two glacial lakes) to the east, and the jagged Strajite Ridge in the background. The return path takes you down to Demyanitsa Hut and, after a bit more walking, you reach a road where you are met and transferred back to Bansko.
Option 2: Mount Vihren (2,914m)
The route takes you to the peak along its south-west ridge, the last section of the climb finishing with a slightly more technical part (no scrambling) facilitated by a steel rope. Once you reach the top of Mount Vihren, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the Pirin Mountains. The descent follows a different path back to your starting point, where you are met by your transfer, to take you back to Bansko.
- Walking for the day (option 1): 15km, ↑550m, ↓1,000, 7-8h
- Walking for the day (option 2): 8km, ↑↓ 1,000 m, 6-7h
- Accommodation: Three-star family hotel Rahoff or similar
- Included meals: breakfast
Day 7: Mount Polezhan (2,850m) | 8km
Today you explore a different part of the Pirins, trekking to one of their most spectacular peaks, Mount Polezhan (2,850m). An early transfer takes you to the nearby town of Dobriniste (20mins), where you take a chairlift to Bezbog Hut (2,240m), located next to a crystal clear lake, a beautiful starting point for your day’s hike. The walk is much more relaxed than the previous day; still, the last section towards the peak will be a bit steep and rocky (no scrambling). Once you get to the top, in good weather you will be able to enjoy an amazing 360-degree view and see some of the places you explored on the previous day from another angle. You descend to the starting point along the same trail, and take the lift back to the car park where you are met and transferred back to Bansko.
- Walking for the day: 8km, ↑610m, ↓610m, 6-7h
- Accommodation: Three-star family hotel Rahoff or similar
- Included meals: breakfast
Day 8: Departure
Depart by public transport (there is a local bus station with regular departures to Sofia and Plovdiv) or private transfer (upon request).
- Meals included: breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
The trip is based in two locations, in small family hotels/guesthouses with private en-suite rooms. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Meals as listed in the itinerary: 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners. On the days when dinner is not included, you can order a meal either at your hotel or in some of the nearby restaurants (in Bansko there are plenty). For lunches, you will be able to shop on your own from local grocery stores prior to each walk or order a lunch pack from your accommodation (bookable on the spot).
Difficulty and terrain
Appropriate for experienced walkers in good physical shape. The walks take an average of 7-8h per day with approximately 800-1,000m ascent/descent (read more about difficulty grades). None of the routes involves scrambling, and there are no sheer drops, but most of the paths are steep and rocky, requiring sure-footedness. Most of the routes can be shortened in case you find them too difficult
Most of the trails are well-marked and signposted. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes, maps and GPX tracks and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack
When to go
This trip is available from late June until the end of September. Weather is best in July and August. Generally the trip can depart on each Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, although we can cater for departure on other dates, but with some itinerary amendments (upon request).
The climate is temperate continental with an average 200 days of sunshine a year. It is influenced both by the colder air coming from the north and by the warmer breeze from the Mediterranean. Depending on location and altitude, temperatures vary, but between June-September daily averages are 15-25C. Spring and autumn are pleasant with cold nights and occasional rain and thunderstorms. High summer daytime temperatures are rarely too hot as, even though temperatures can occasionally reach 30C, the mountains and forests remain cooler, dropping at night to 5-15C.
Getting there
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Our recommended arrival airport for this tour is Sofia.
Note that if you book extra nights in Sofia before the holiday, the additional airport transfer to your Sofia hotel is not included, but the city centre is easily reachable by metro or taxi (20-30mins), or you can book an additional airport transfer. The return transfer, from Bansko to Sofia at the end of the holiday, is not included as there is a regular bus line to both Sofia and Plovdiv. You can also book a private transfer upon request.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 overnights in small family hotels/guesthouses
- Meal plan as described in the itinerary (7 breakfasts, 5 dinners)
- All transportation as described in the itinerary
- Airport transfer to Govedartsi upon arrival
- Detailed route notes and maps (a digital copy, provided before the tour)
- GPS tracks
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tickets for the gondola in Borovets on day 2 (BGN15, €8 per person)
- Tickets for the chairlift to the Rila Lakes on day 4 (BGN12, €6 per person)
- Tickets for the chairlift to Bezbog Hut on day 7 (BGN18, €9 per person)
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the itinerary
- Return transfer to Sofia at the end of the trip
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights in Sofia, Govedartisi or Bansko are available upon request
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