Trekking in Bulgaria: Rila, Pirin and the Rhodope Mountains
Trekking in Bulgaria: Rila, Pirin and the Rhodope Mountains
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:
Tour code:
492
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Group size:
1 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
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
Itinerary
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
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Meals
Breakfast is included daily, and dinner is included on select days.
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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.
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Transfers
Transfers are included between various locations such as from the airport to Govedartsi, and between hiking locations.
What's Not Included
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Lunch
Lunch is not included in the tour package.
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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
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What is the starting point of the trek to Mount Malyovitsa?
The trek to Mount Malyovitsa starts at the Malyovitsa Ski and Mountaineering Centre.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.