Penguin Travel

Snowshoeing is another way of exploring the mountains – and offers spectacular views. It gives you the freedom of exploring nature from a different angle – vast fields with virgin snow coverage, majestic frozen peaks, quiet century-old forests, hidden below the snow paths…There is no better way to discover the beauty and tranquility of the mountain, walking even outside the marked trails. This tour takes you off-the beaten tracks, combining spectacular views of two of the most beautiful Bulgarian mountains – Vitosha and Rila.

Departure dates:
01 January 2010 - 17 April 2010 every day

Country region:   Vitosha and Rila mountains

Price without flight ticket:    125 EUR

Trip plan:   

Day 1. (easy route) After a short transfer to the nature landmark Zlatnite mostove area (The Golden Bridges) we start walking in the direction of Momina Skala hut, where we will stop for a short break. From the hut we head towards Kamen Del (1862m.a.s.l) – the peak that offers the best view to the city of Sofia. Then we continue, walking along the border of Torfeno Branishte nature reserve (Peat reserve) to Aleko mountain base, where the bus is waiting to transfer us to our hotel at Maliovitsa Mountain Resort. (3.30 hrs; uphill walk: 580m /downhill walk: 130

Day 1. (moderate / challenging route) Transfer to Kumata hut, which is the starting point for the snowshoeing towards the highest peak of Vitosha Mountain – Cherni Vrah (2290m a.s.l.). The route to the peak follows the border of the natural reserve “Torfeno Branishte” (Peat Reserve) and offers panoramic views to Rila Mountains. After a cup of warm tea in the small cafeteria of the weather station on the top, we start descending to Aleko Mountain Base, where the bus is waiting to transfer us to our hotel at Maliovitsa Mountain Resort.
(6-7 hrs; uphill walk: 600m; downhill walk 500m)

Day 2. After breakfast we start walking along the picturesque valley of Maliovitsa river. After about 1 hour walk upstream the river we reach Maliovitsa hut (1950m). After a cup of herbal tea we continue passing through first and second “ledges”, than by Elenino lake, to the top of Maliovitsa (2729m a.s.l.). After enjoying the awesome views from the top (including the renowned Rila Monastery and the Pirin Mountains) we descend back to Maliovitsa Mountain Base where the bus will wait to transfer us back to the Sofia. (*Reaching the top is only possible in good weather and stable snow conditions. Otherwise we will stick to the lower parts of the mountain).
(7 hrs, uphill/downhill walk: 1000м)

Accomodation and food:    mountain hotel in double room with private facilities on BB

Included in the price:   accommodation in mountain hotel in double room with private facilities on BB, English speaking guide, snowhoses and walking sticks, all transfers

Excluded from the price:   lunch and dinner, drinks, tips, insurance

Tour highlights:   

Recommended travel period of the year:   January - April

Nessesary equipment:   Dress in layers (breathable)! Do not use cotton underwear!
Recommended items: daypack (40 l); thermal underwear; winter walking waterproof boots (hard-soled); gloves/mittens; hat that covers the ears; sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion; lip balm; water & wind proof jacket & pants;
 

Tour difficulty:   B  - C 

Moderate - Difficult

Group Size:   min. 2 pax