8-Day Hiking through the Bulgarian Mountains

Need To Know

Location

View map

The Rila Mountains are the highest in the Balkans. The name refers to its high number of beautiful mountain lakes—more than 200! The rugged, glacial mountains are home to the Rila National Park and four nature reserves, protecting such wildlife as hedgehogs, martens, foxes, bears, deer and ibex. Eagles and falcons often soar overhead. Local points of interest include the UNESCO listed Rila Monastery; Sapareva Banya, a hot mineral springs with a modern public bath; and Kalin Dam, the highest—and most scenic!—dam in the Balkans.

The Pirin Mountains are similarly high with 40 peaks over 2500 m. They are famous for their heavily glaciated landscape including numerous dramatic cirques full of glacial lakes. Snow sticks to the high mountains year round. A large portion of the Pirin Mountains have been preserved as a national park and as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Towns in the Pirin Mountains include Bankso, the largest ski resort in Bulgaria; Melnik, a tiny village known for its wine, architecture, and sand pyramids; the hot springs towns of Dobrinishte and Sandanski; and Razlog, a supremely scenic town situated between three high peaks.

Start point?
Your guides will pick you up at Sofia Airport. You are free to book any flight that lands before 15:00. They will be in touch before the trip to finalise details.

If you are already in Sofia, we will pick you up from your accommodation and transport you to the airport to meet the rest of the group.

Finish point?
You will be dropped off at Sofia Airport. You are free to book any flight that departs after 11:30. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalise details.

Getting there and away?
There are regular flights to Sofia throughout the year. The mountains are just a couple hours south of the airport, so you won’t waste time getting to your destination. Airport transfers are included in your tour.

What to Expect

The Plan

Day 1: Sofia Airport to Bansko (2.5 hours driving)

Your guide will pick you up at Sofia Airport and drive you to the town of Bansko at the foot of Mount Pirin. There you’ll check into your hotel (where you’ll stay for the first 4 nights), eat out at a restaurant, and discuss the week’s details with your guide.

Day 2: Polezhan Summit (5 hours hiking, 1 hour driving)

In the morning you’ll take a cable car to Bezbog Hut, the start of your hike to the summit of Mount Polezhan (2851 m). From the peak you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of 17 blue alpine lakes. Hike back down to the start for dinner. (8 km, 650 m gain and loss, moderate/difficult.)

Day 3: Banderishki Lakes Cirque (6-7 hours hiking, 40 min driving)

Today you’ll hike among breathtaking glacial blue alpine lakes. The trail will first take you over Todorina Porta (2702 m) into Yulen Nature Reserve, then past Todorini Ochi (“Todora’s eyes”) lakes. You’ll then descend through groves of fir trees past and finish with a walk along a shady riverside path. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian meal before returning to your hotel. (16 km, 700 m gain, 1000 m loss, difficult.)

Day 4: Mount Vihren (6-7 hours hiking, 40 min driving)

Ascend through the dramatic Golem Kazan (“Giant Cauldron”) area beneath the sheer face of Mount Vihren (2915 m). Your guide will point out endangered edelweiss, rare wallcreeper, and hopefully some shy Balkan Chamois. Enjoy the spectacular views from Mount Vihren, then return to your hotel in Bansko for your last night in the Pirin range. (9 km, 1000 m gain and loss, very difficult.)

Day 5: Rila Monastery (3-4 hours hiking, 3 hours driving)

Today you’ll leave the Pirin Mountains and head for the Rila range. Along the way you’ll visit the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with exceptional frescos. Afterwards, finish your drive to Panichiste and check into your guesthouse, then take an optional hike to Skakavitsa Waterfall (70 m), explore the woods, or simply relax. (7 km, 300 m gain and loss, easy.)

Day 6: Seven Rila Lakes Cirque (7 hours hiking)

Take a cable car to the base of the Seven Rila Lake Cirque, then hike all day through a landscape of crystal lakes, jagged ridges, and alpine meadows. Ascend Malyovitsa Mountain (2729 m) and drop into Malyovitsa Valley, where you’ll spend the night at a guesthouse in the village of Govedartsi. (18 km, 800 m gain, 1200 m loss, difficult.)

Day 7: Musala Mountain (6 hours hiking, 1 hour driving)

Today you’ll climb the highest peak in the Balkans, Musala Mountain (2925 m). Begin with a cable car ride from Borovets Resort to the trailhead, then ascend past rivers, lakes and mountain huts to the summit. Enjoy the impressive views and take a moment to appreciate all you’ve accomplished this week! Descend back to your hotel in Govedartsi. (13 km, 750 m gain and loss, difficult.)

Day 8: Govedartsi to Sofia Airport (1.5 hours driving)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in scenic Govedartsi before your guide drives you back to Sofia Airport to catch your flight.

Accommodation

You will stay in small, three-star, family-run hotels and guest houses in the mountains. These guesthouses typically feature ensuite rooms with private balconies, an onsite restaurant serving traditional Bulgarian food, wireless internet access, and stellar mountain views.

You will be staying in single rooms by default on this trip. If you’re travelling as a couple / with other people and would like a twin/double room please let us know when booking and we will reduce your quote.

Optional Extras

Make your life easy. Once you have reserved your space, your host can help you arrange the extras you’ll need. Here are some guide prices which can be confirmed with you during booking.