Trekking in Bulgaria: Rila, Pirin and the Rhodope Mountains

Trekking in Bulgaria: Rila, Pirin and the Rhodope Mountains

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12 Days From

$1747

Trekking in Bulgaria: Rila, Pirin and the Rhodope Mountains

12 Days Starting in Sofia, Bulgaria and ending in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Visiting: Govedartsi, Mount Malyovitsa, Seven Rila Lakes, Mount Musala, Rila Monastery, Bansko, Pirin Mountains, Yagodina, Trigrad, Shiroka Laka, Plovdiv

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

492

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Group size:

1 - 20

Physical rating:

Moderate

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1747

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Take your trekking in Bulgaria to another level on this 12 day, self-guided adventure in the heart of the Rila, Pirin and Rhodope Mountains. The first four days are spent in the Rila Mountains’ resort of Govedartsi, which gives you easy access to Mounts Malyovitsa (2,729m) and Musala (2,925m), so you are hitting the highs from the get go, with Musala being the country’s highest peak. Moving on to the ski resort of Bansko, in the heart of the Pirin Mountains, trek to Bulgaria’s second highest peak, Mount Vihren, (2,914m) and Mount Polezhan (2,850m). This trip really is peak Bulgaria

Highlights

  • Explore the village of Govedartsi in the foothills of the Rila Mountains.

  • Ascend Mount Malyovitsa for breathtaking views of the valleys and Rila Monastery.

  • Discover the Seven Rila Lakes, each named for its unique shape and characteristics.

  • Reach the summit of Mount Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans, with views extending to Greece.

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rila Monastery, rich in history and architecture.

  • Hike to Mount Vihren or Todorka Pass in the Pirin Mountains for stunning alpine scenery.

  • Experience the panoramic views from Mount Polezhan in the Pirin Mountains.

  • Explore the Rhodope Mountains, including the Eagle's Eye platform and Devil's Throat Cave.

  • Wander through Plovdiv's Old Town, Roman ruins, and the Kapana Creative District.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Govedartsi

Location: Govedartsi

Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

After a transfer from the airport to Govedartsi (1.5h), spend some time exploring this village located in the foothills of the Rila Mountains and your base for the next four nights.

Day 2 : Mount Malyovitsa (2,729M) 14Km

Location: Mount Malyovitsa

Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning begins with a transfer to Malyovitsa Ski and Mountaineering Centre (30mins). From here, the route follows the river towards Malyovitsa Valley, through coniferous forest to Malyovitsa Hut, where you can pause for a short break before beginning the ascent towards Mount Malyovitsa’s summit via the main ridge. Once at the summit, take in the far-reaching views of the valleys below and across to Rila Monastery before beginning the descent via the same trail back to the ski resort for a transfer. Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓1,000m, 7-8h

Day 3 : Seven Rila Lakes (2,600M) 13Km

Location: Seven Rila Lakes

Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a transfer to Panichishte (1h 15mins), take the chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes Hut at an altitude of 2,100m to begin a circular route around the glacial lakes. Each lake is named after its shape and characteristics: Lower, Fish Lake, Trefoil, Twin, Kidney, and Eye, with the highest being Tear, sitting at almost 2,600m. The trail leads past five of the lakes, with optional steep detours to the other two, before descending towards Vada Hut for a transfer back to Govedartsi.

Walking for the day: 13km, ↑610m, ↓1,220m, 7-8h

Day 4 : Mount Musala (2,925M) 14Km

Location: Mount Musala

Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

An early morning transfer brings you to Borovets, the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria dating back to 1896, to take a gondola to Yastrebets (40mins). Starting at an altitude of 2,369m, the route heads along a flat dirt road towards Musala Hut, located next to the Musala Lakes, before following a rocky trail past the glacial lake of Ledeno Ezero. From here, the trail continues ascending towards the top of the mountain (2,925m), where, in good weather, you can see all the way to Greece to the south and the Danube River to the north. Return via the same trail, taking the gondola down to Borovets for a transfer back to Govedartsi.

Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓700m, 6h

Day 5 : Rila Monastery And Bansko

Location: Rila Monastery

Accommodation Name: Three-star family hotel Rahoff or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin the day with a transfer to Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila and home to a collection of historic buildings, including the Church of the Holy Virgin, the Monastery Museum, a medieval kitchen and tower. After taking the time to explore the monastery, take a transfer to Bansko, a ski resort in the Pirin Mountains and your base for the next three nights.

Day 6 : Todorka Pass (2,550M) Or Mount Vihren (2,914M) 8-15Km

Location: Bansko

Accommodation Name: Three-star family hotel Rahoff or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

A short transfer brings you to Vihren Hut, with a quick stop along the way to visit Baykusheva Mura, the oldest pine tree in Bulgaria, at over 1,300 years old, before choosing from two route options. There is also the option of booking an additional overnight in Bansko to complete both routes.

Option 1: Todorina Porta Pass (2,550m)

Follow the river that runs alongside the hut before ascending along a rocky trail overlooking the valley towards Frog Lake, which offers an excellent spot to stop for a break, with views of Mount Todorka to the north. From here, continue ascending towards Todorka Pass, the highest point of the day, offering views over two glacial lakes known as Todora’s Eyes and the jagged Strajite Ridge. The return path descends past Demyanitsa Hut and back down to the road for a transfer back to Bansko.

Option 2: Mount Vihren (2,914m)

This route heads to the summit of Mount Vihren via its south-west ridge, with the last section of the route becoming slightly more technical (no scrambling) and is aided by a steel rope. After taking in the panoramic views of the Pirin Mountains from the summit, descend back to the starting point for a transfer back to Bansko.

Walking for the day (option 1): 15km, ↑550m, ↓1,000, 7-8h
Walking for the day (option 2): 8km, ↑↓1,000m, 6-7h

Day 7 : Mount Polezhan (2,850M) 8Km

Location: Pirin Mountains

Accommodation Name: Three-star family hotel Rahoff or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Todays’ route takes you to a different part of the Pirin Mountains, trekking towards Mount Polezhan at 2,850m. The morning begins, therefore, with an early transfer to the nearby town of Dobrinishte (20mins) to take a chairlift to Bezbog Hut (2,240m), the starting point for the day’s hike. Today’s walk is much more relaxed than the previous day, but the last section before the summit is slightly more challenging with steeper and rocky terrain. On clear days, the summit offers 360-degree views across to some of the locations explored on previous days. After taking in the views, the route returns to the starting point for a transfer back to Bansko.

Walking for the day: 8km, ↑610m, ↓610m, 6-7h

Day 8 : Yagodina

Location: Yagodina

Accommodation Name: Family hotel Yagodina or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

A morning transfer (2h 30mins) brings you to Yagodina, a small village in Buinovo Gorge in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. From here, there is an optional visit to Yagodina Cave, an 8,501m karst cave system, before beginning an afternoon hike to Eagle’s Eye platform. The route is relatively steep but offers impressive views towards the Rhodope Mountains, with parts of Greece becoming visible on the horizon on clearer days.

Walking for the day: 8km, 3-4h, ↑410m, ↓410m

Day 9 : Trigrad

Location: Trigrad

Accommodation Name: Family Hotel Arkan Han or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s route heads through Buinovo Gorge towards Trigrad and Devil’s Throat Cave, named after its entrance which resembles a devil’s head. Inside the cave, a waterfall rushes down the cave’s throat, giving rise to many legends, the most popular being that Orpheus descended through this hole to the underground kingdom of Hades to seek his lost love, Eurydice.

Walking for the day: 11km, 4-5h, ↑640m, ↓620m

Day 10 : Shiroka Laka

Location: Shiroka Laka

Accommodation Name: a four-star hotel with spa facilities Shiroka Laka Spa Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

A morning transfer brings you to the hotel in Shiroka Laka to begin a walk along a forest path towards Zaevite, taking in the views of the surrounding mountains and villages. From here, the route continues to Lednistata Lodge and Lednitsata Cave before descending back towards Shiroka Laka alongside a backdrop of the Rhodope Mountains.

Walking for the day: 20km, 6-7h, ↑747m, ↓747m (shorter options available)

Day 11 : Plovdiv

Location: Plovdiv

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ego or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a morning transfer to Plovdiv, spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s Old Town, Roman ruins and the Kapana Creative District.

Day 12 : Departure

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Breakfast is included daily, and dinner is included on select days.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided in hotels such as Hotel Krusharskata House, Three-star family hotel Rahoff, Family hotel Yagodina, Family Hotel Arkan Han, and Shiroka Laka Spa Hotel.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are included between various locations such as from the airport to Govedartsi, and between hiking locations.

What's Not Included

  • Lunch

    Lunch is not included in the tour package.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as visiting Yagodina Cave are not included.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy convenient transfers between destinations, including airport transfers, short drives to trailheads, and chairlift rides to higher altitudes, ensuring a seamless travel experience as you explore the stunning landscapes of Bulgaria's mountains.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable accommodations throughout the tour, including Hotel Krusharskata House in Govedartsi, a three-star family hotel Rahoff in Bansko, Family Hotel Yagodina, Family Hotel Arkan Han, and a four-star hotel with spa facilities Shiroka Laka Spa Hotel, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the starting point of the trek to Mount Malyovitsa?

    The trek to Mount Malyovitsa starts at the Malyovitsa Ski and Mountaineering Centre.

  • How many lakes are included in the Seven Rila Lakes hike?

    The Seven Rila Lakes hike includes a circular route around seven glacial lakes, with the trail leading past five of them and optional detours to the other two.

  • What can you see from the summit of Mount Musala on a clear day?

    On a clear day, from the summit of Mount Musala, you can see all the way to Greece to the south and the Danube River to the north.

  • What is the significance of Rila Monastery?

    Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila and is home to a collection of historic buildings, including the Church of the Holy Virgin and the Monastery Museum.

  • What are the two route options available on Day 6?

    On Day 6, you can choose between two route options: Todorina Porta Pass or Mount Vihren.

  • What unique feature does the Devil's Throat Cave have?

    The Devil's Throat Cave has a waterfall that rushes down the cave's throat, and it is associated with legends, including the story of Orpheus descending to the underground kingdom of Hades.

  • What can you explore in Plovdiv on Day 11?

    In Plovdiv, you can explore the city's Old Town, Roman ruins, and the Kapana Creative District.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cathy O'Connor (Google Reviewer)  

I recently hiked, with a...

26-Jul-2024

I recently hiked, with a friend in the Italian Alps (the Val D'Aosta) and can highly recommend the region, and the Natural Adventure company. We were very pleased with the accommodation and the food was excellent most of the time- generous portions of excellent local dishes. The resources we were sent were excellent and very thorough. It was very easy to follow the routes as we were given so much detail- which we printed out and took each day's instructions with us, and the App helped to keep us on track. Sadly, we couldn't stay at the last location because there was a storm one night and the village we were due to stay in was flooded and cut off. The Natural Adventure did all they could to support us immediately, and help us find an alternative and we ended up staying where we were, as we were so pleased with that hotel and knew we could continue our hikes from there. We were very pleased with the holiday, the walks, the info and all our dealings with them. I would highly recommend them

Amanda Daly (Google Reviewer)  

We booked our self-guided Kumano...

15-Jul-2024

We booked our self-guided Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trip in Japan with The Natural Adventure (known locally as Oku Japan). The experience was top notch from beginning to end. The information packet was thorough and helpful, and details regarding trains and local buses (timetables, pricing, etc) were consistently accurate. Each and every accommodation was unique, charming, and welcoming. When there was an issue checking into our final hotel, the local office was quick to respond and the problem was solved within the hour (it was also a Sunday, so extra points). We weren’t expecting this to be a gourmet food tour of the region, but it was that as well! On top of it all, we found the price very reasonable for everything that is included. We had a wonderful experience thanks to The Natural Adventure, and would certainly travel with them again.

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeanna Janssen (Google Reviewer)  

Really poor experience with my...

30-Jul-2024

Really poor experience with my recent Tour Du Mont Blanc trip. Our company contact Pierre was so unprofessional and did not care about the safety of travelers. On the second day he left to do a hike and we didn’t hear back until multiple days later. I experienced multiple travel delays which meant the loss of the prepaid travel arrangements and their solution was a 250 euro taxi to the hotel. Do not recommend.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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