Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures

Itinerary:

Day 1. Musala Climb - Govedartsi
Early pick-up from your hotel in Sofia and transfer to Borovets (70 km). From here we will take the cable car to Yastrebetz (2300 m) and then start our climb to the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.). The view from the top is truly breathtaking – you can see the other peaks of Rila Mountains, the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains, Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains, the green summits of the Rodopi Mountains, and last, but not least, the long body of the Balkan range. Transfer to Govedartsi (1150 m a.s.l.), where we stay overnight (40 min. drive from Borovets). -/-/D
Walking: 6 hrs; Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft)

Day 2. Govedartsi - Maliovitsa resort - Prekorechki Lakes - Govedartsi
After breakfast, we embark on another stunning trek. We will start from Maliovitsa resort, going up along the valley to the wide circus of Prekorechki Lakes. The lakes are enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m. B/-/D
Walking: 6,5 hrs; Uphill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); downhill walk: 850m (2,788 ft)

Optional hike: an optional hike for a good day is the climb of the Maliovitsa peak, where we will experience a 360-degree open scenery of the most Alpine part of the Rila Mountains. Walking: 6 hrs; Uphill walk: 1016m (3,332 ft); downhill walk: 1016m (3,332 ft)

Day 3. The Seven Rila Lakes - Rila Monastery - Bansko
We start the day with an early transfer to Pionerska hut. From here we take the chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes (above 2200m a.s.l.). We will then start our loop hike to the Razdela saddle and the stunning "Zeleni Rid" ridge. From here we start descending back to the chair lift. We continue with an hour-long transfer to Rila Monastery - the biggest monastery in Bulgaria, listed as a UNESCO Heritage site. Afterwards, we continue with a drive to Bansko where we will spend the night. B/-/D
Walking: 5 hrs; Uphill walk: 400 m (1320 ft); downhill walk: 400 m (1320 ft)

Day 4. Pirin Trek, Bezbog - Tevno Ezero
The next two days we are embarking on a trek that will take us to the most beautiful part of Central Pirin Mountains. We will start from Bezbog hut (2240m a.s.l.)and after 4-5 hours of walking we will reach Tevno Ezero hut (2512m a.s.l), where we will spend the night. B/-/D
Walking: 6 hrs; Uphill walk: 450 m (1470 ft); downhill walk: 150 m (492 ft)

Day 5. Tevno Ezero - Demyanitsa Hut - Bansko
Today's walk offers stunning views over two of the most beautiful glacier lakes of Pirin - Prevalski (2664m a.s.l.) and Valiavishki (2300m-2475m a.s.l.) lakes. It will take us about 5-6 hours to reach the road under Demyanitsa Hut, where we will meet our driver who will take us back to Bansko. B/-/D
Walking: 6 hrs; Uphill walk: 150 m (492 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft)

Day 6. Bansko - Mount Vihren - Bansko - Sofia
A fairly difficult ascent awaits us today - to the highest peak in Pirin Mountains - Mount Vihren (2914m a.s.l.). On our way to the peak, we will have a chance to enjoy scenic views of many of Pirin's high peaks, as well as the Vlahini and Bunderishki glacial lakes. We will also get to see the endangered Edelweiss flower and many other rare plants native to the karst parts of the mountain. Transfer back to Sofia, end of services. B/-/-
Walking: 6-7 hrs; Uphill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); downhill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft)

Clothing and equipment: Check list.