Hike Bulgaria's Mountains in Winter
Snowshoe through Bulgaria's epic winter landscapes, taking in the pristine peaks of the Vitosha, Pirin, and Rila mountain ranges
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAccommodation
5 nights in cozy, family-run hotelsMeals
All your meals are included throughout the tourTransfers & Lifts
Airport transfers, all transfers during the trip, plus ski liftsGear
All your snowshoeing and safety gearSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Take on the peaks of Cherni Vruh (7,513 ft) and Bezbog (8,678 ft) for stunning mountain views in Bulgaria's UNESCO-listed National Parks
Snowshoe around the iconic Seven Rila Lakes, a magical winter wonderland of frozen lakes surrounded by snow-covered peaks
Relax in cozy family-run guesthouses offering warm hospitality and traditional meals, and enjoy a variety of thermal pools, saunas, and après-ski experiences
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Bulgaria!
Meet your host at the airport and head to your hotel in the Dragalevtsi neighborhood of Sofia, situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. This evening you'll meet your guide over a welcome meal at a nearby restaurant and check over your gear ahead of tomorrow's snowy adventure.
Day 2
Begin your snowshoe adventure
Snowshoeing
Driving
Head up into the mountains with a quick morning transfer to the Aleko Mountain Hut at 5,938 ft. Situated at the foot of Maluk Rezen (7,188 ft), it is the perfect place to get acquainted with your snowshoes. Your guides will run you through the basics of moving on the snow and some practical safety advice about the winter mountain environment. Once comfortable with your new appendages, you'll head out on your first hike where you'll cross the Moreni boulder field and reach the plateau of Torfeno Nature Reserve, which was declared as a reserve in 1935 to preserve the unique ecosystems of the peat bogs that make up the plateau. You'll explore the higher open plateau above Torfeno with panoramic views across the city of Sofia and the Stara Planina and Rila Mountains. As a test of your newly acquired snowshoeing skills, make a final climb up to the peak of Cherni Vruh, the highest of the Vitosha Mountains at 7,513 ft. From here, descend to Goli Vruh and meet the van to take you to the town of Sapareva Banya in the foothills of the Rila Mountains. Check in to the small, family-run hotel complete with its own mineral hot pool.
Day 3
Explore the Seven Rila Lakes
Snowshoeing
Driving
After a short transfer to the lift station, you'll hop on the chair lift from Pionerska Hut and ascend 1,640 ft to the Rila Lakes hut at a lofty 6,890 ft. You'll snowshoe a circular route through the seven frozen lakes of Rila National Park and some of Bulgaria's most spectacular scenery. You'll reach vast mountain plateaus offering panoramic views of jagged peaks and frozen lakes. After reaching Kidney Lake, head back down to the Rila Lakes Hut and take the chairlift back to the waiting van. With your guide, drive to the town of Bansko in the foothills of Pirin National Park where you'll check in to your next cozy hotel.
Day 4
Snowshoe to the top of Bezbog Peak (8,678 ft)
Snowshoeing
Get ready for the highest climb of the trip, as today you'll tackle the impressive Bezbog Peak at 8,678 ft. After a short drive to Gotse Delchev hut, take the chairlift to Bezbog hut at 7,349 ft. A modern mountain hut located on the shores of the Bezbog mountain lake, it's a good place to grab a snack or a coffee before starting the hike. From here, the peak is a couple of hours' snowshoe away along a narrow trail winding up onto a ridge that rises to the summit. Once on top, you'll be treated to great views over Pirin, Rila, Rhodope, and Falakro, as well as the stunning panorama of mountain lakes and surrounding snowy peaks. Descend to the top station and take the lift back down to Bansko. This evening your guide will take you to the village of Gorno Draglishte where you'll enjoy an evening of traditional Bulgarian culture and local specialties.
Day 5
Snowshoe to Muratovo Lake
Snowshoeing
Today's snowshoe adventure takes you through the woodlands of Banderitsa Valley. From Shiligarnika, at 5,575 ft, you'll head up through a pine forest to Muratovo Lake with amazing views of the surrounding peaks of Vihran, Todorka and Donchovi Karauli. Along the way, you pass Baikusheva Mura, the oldest tree on the Balkan Peninsula at an impressive 1,300 years old! Having enjoyed your final day in this magical snowy landscape it's time to head back to Bankso for a farewell dinner with your fellow adventurers.
Day 6
Goodbye Bulgaria!
Driving
Say goodbye to Bulgaria's impressive mountains and take a morning transfer to Sofia Airport.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Sofia Airport, Bulgaria (SOF)
15:00 on Day 1
Ends
Sofia Airport, Bulgaria (SOF)
11:00 on Day 6
Transfers
Your adventure begins at Sofia Airport with your airport transfer usually scheduled at 15:00. If you arrive in Sofia early, you can spend the morning exploring the enchanting old town and then meet your group at the start hotel in the afternoon. At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Sofia Airport at 11:00, and we recommend booking any flight that departs after 13:00. Alternatively, private transfers for flights departing at different times can be arranged – see Optional Extras for the costs.
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Sofia from London Gatwick (Easyjet), Stansted (Ryanair) and Luton (Wizz Air), as well as direct flights from Heathrow with British Airways and Bulgarian Air. There are also plenty of indirect options that connect through a variety of European airports.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Bulgarian food blends Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman influences. It features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with dishes like shopska salad (a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and cheese), banitsa (a savory pastry filled with cheese or spinach), and hearty stews like gyuvech (a slow-cooked vegetable and meat dish). In the mountainous regions of Rila and Pirin, traditional food becomes even more rustic, with mountain huts and eateries serving dishes like kachamal (a cornmeal similar to polenta, often topped with cheese or meat) and kapama (a slow-cooked meat and rice casserole). These meals are often paired with homemade yogurt or honey.
During your trip, breakfasts and evening meals will be taken in the family-run hotels where you are staying, offering a mix of homemade Bulgarian and international dishes. On Day 4 you will head to a local restaurant in a village outside Bansko to experience a traditional meal of the region. Lunches will be packed lunches prepared by the hotel and include a sandwich, fruit, and snack item. There may be the chance to supplement this with a cake/coffee stop at one of the mountain huts, usually at the end of the day's walk.
Vegetarians, vegans, and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Sofia
You'll spend the first night in the 3-star Hotel Vitosha, located in the Dragalevtsi neighborhood of Sofia. Fifteen minutes from the city center, it is situated at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain and allows you to head straight into the hills from the hotel. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with TV, WiFi and ensuite bathrooms.
Sapareva Banya (Rila Mountains)
For your night in the Rila Mountains, you will stay at Hotel Emaly Green in the town of Sapareva Banya. The hotel has a heated indoor mineral pool and a spa center complete with saunas, jacuzzis, and a steam bath. Massages can also be arranged for a fee. You'll be staying in well-appointed ensuite rooms with TV and WiFi, as well as a terrace with a view of the Rila mountains.
Bansko (Pirin Mountains)
For three nights in Bansko, you'll stay in the comfortable, family-run Bizev Hotel. It is well set up for winter sports with a drying room, game room, access to an infrared sauna, and comfortable ensuite rooms with TV and WiFi. You'll be sharing on a twin basis.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability and can be limited depending on the hotels' availability.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
No special skills are required for this trip and snowshoeing is a great introduction to winter in the mountains.
Snowshoes are a special type of footwear that enable you to spread your weight over a larger area, allowing you to move easily across powdery, snow-covered terrain. If you have never tried this activity before, don't worry! Snowshoeing is incredibly easy, comfortable and safe. You simply clip your snowshoes to the outside of your hiking boots and off you go. You'll be in the hands of experienced and qualified local guides who know the area intimately and will guide you safely throughout the hikes.
You'll need to be ready for four or five hours activity each day, taking on the winter elements and with up to 1600 ft elevation gain each day. You may even feel some small effects of the altitude with some of the peaks reaching just over 8200 ft. Depending on the conditions, sometimes snowshoes won't be necessary, so your group will hike instead. Hiking (instead of snowshoeing) will mean that the usual routes won't take as long as advertised. However, weather conditions permitting, your guide will modify the routes to ensure they are appropriate and that you have the best experience in the mountains.
It's a good idea to get in some hill walking of similar duration and elevation before you go in order to prepare your body, test out your gear and boost your confidence ahead of your trip.
What will I need to carry?
Your larger bag suitable for all your belongings will be transported for you. In addition, you'll need a small backpack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
The Rila and Pirin mountains will be cold in winter, with snowfall common from December through March. Daytime temperatures in the mountains will likely be around 23°F up to 32°F, but can drop lower at the higher elevations. You'll need to bring adequate winter clothing and warm layers for the hikes, but the hotels and guesthouses will keep you cozy and warm during the evenings.
Please note that snow is never guaranteed on each departure, but winter hiking without snow will be equally spectacular and enjoyable.
Brilliant intro to snowshoeing and Bulgaria
I had a brilliant time in Bulgaria. Our guide Vania took excellent care of us, adapting the walks for conditions and sharing her passion for the country and culture. I found walking with snowshoes to be more of a workout than expected and I slept well each night in our comfortable hotels! The food was excellent and I would recommend taking an extra day if possible to explore Sofia. Also make sure to bring truly waterproof equipment (plus dry bag) to fight off any rain. Completely recommend this holiday and can’t wait to return and see the mountains in the summer. Thank you to Vania and team!
Brilliant trip - fab hikes & great food
This was a great trip. The local staff were super friendly and helpful and the hikes were beautiful. We had really mixed weather with some rain and high winds, and poor snow in the lower routes (mid March) but the hike routes were adapted to accommodate and we still saw some wonderful scenery and enjoyed loads of outdoors time. Just remember your waterproof layers! The food was amazing although somewhat limited (but still enough options) for vegetarians, and all the drinks prices were really reasonable. I loved going to the hot water spas after the hiking (bring a towel for this) and the Bulgarian meal with costumes and music was really entertaining. Highly recommend this trip!
Itinerary Activities
- Guided snowshoe hike in the Vitosha Mountains
- Guided snowshoe hike around the Seven Rila Lakes in Rila National Park
- Guided snowshoe hike to Bezbog Peak (8,678 ft) in the Pirin Mountains
- Guided snowshoe hike to Muratovo Lake in the Pirin Mountains
Guides
- Professional, English-speaking, local guide holding the UIMLA accredited International Mountain Leader qualification
Lodging
- 1 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Sofia
- 1 night in a spa hotel in Sapareva Banya
- 3 nights in a family-run hotel in Bansko
Meals
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 5 tasty breakfasts
- 5 packed lunches
- 5 hearty Bulgarian dinners
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Sofia Airport on Day 1
- Group Departure transfer to Sofia Airport on Day 6
- All transfers during trip
- All ski lifts during hikes
Gear
- All your snowshoeing gear (snowshoes and poles)
- Avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
- 40-60 BGN for your guide
- 20-30 BGN for your driver
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What's included?
SNOWSHOE AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT
- Snowshoes, poles and crampons/microspikes if needed
- Avalanche Safety Equipment (where necessary) - transceiver, shovel probe (training will be given on the first day)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Main luggage or duffel bag
- Daypack (20-30 liters)
- Drybags for daypack
CLOTHES
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants/ski pants
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermals (merino best)
- Warm hat
- Cold weather gloves/mitts and liner gloves
- Warm/ski socks
- Buff or neckscarf
- Trekking pants
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear (for sauna/pool)
- Sunglasses (cat 4, UV protecting)
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Sturdy warm and waterproof hiking boots (worn-in)
- Gaiters (optional)
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Sunscreen
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Reusable water bottle x1 liter (or x2)
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Pre/post trip accommodation in Sofia or Bankso (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Sofia or Bankso (Single)
… Per person, Per night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Sofia or Bankso (double/twin)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Sofia or Bankso (double/twin)
… Per night
Single Room Occupancy
Payable Before Departure
Single Room Occupancy
… Per person
Private Transfer from Sofia Airport to Hotel (1 - 4 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private Transfer from Sofia Airport to Hotel (1 - 4 people)
…
Private transfer to Sofia Airport from Bankso (1 - 4 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private transfer to Sofia Airport from Bankso (1 - 4 people)
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 155kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Although snowfall is common in this region from late December through March, and the itinerary reaches elevations where snow cover is the norm during these months, it is never guaranteed – so conditions may vary on each departure. All activities included in the trip can take place with or without snow, and they are equally enjoyable. Your guide may slightly alter the hiking routes and distance to offer the best and safest possible experience. Equally, if there is too much snow or unfavorable weather conditions, there are alternative routes to complete at lower elevations.
Your luggage will be transported to each hotel throughout the trip.
The tap water in Bulgaria is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotels to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.
This trip visits locations at or above 8,000ft, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatize can also make a big difference.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
This trip includes locations or elevations where conditions can be extremely cold. Daytime temperatures may drop below freezing (32°F/0°C), and nights are often significantly colder. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of exposure-related issues, such as frostbite or hypothermia.
Your guide is trained to manage these risks, adapting activity intensity and monitoring group well-being. However, it's important to take personal responsibility – bringing the right cold-weather gear (see Packing List), staying hydrated and well-nourished, and recognizing early signs of cold stress.
We recommend assessing your personal comfort and resilience in cold environments, and consulting a medical professional if you have health conditions that may be affected. Arriving early can also help you acclimatize to the colder conditions, especially if you're coming from a much warmer climate.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday January 17, 2026
to Thursday January 22, 2026
