Rila and Pirin Mountains and Lakes

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Depart by public transport (there is a local bus station with regular departures to Sofia and Plovdiv) or private transfer (upon request).