Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures

Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures 650 , 8 Days

A unique mountain hike above the clouds in the highest mountains on The Balkan Peninsula. During this 8-day trek, we will visit the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula - Musala in the Rila Mountains (2925m a.s.l.) and the giant of the Pirin Mountains (Vihren, 2914 m a.s.l.). We will explore enormous national parks, housing vast alpine meadows, stone rivers, glacial lakes, rare vegetation and rich animal life. We will also visit the most prominent Bulgarian monastery and probably the most famous Bulgarian landmark - the Rila Monastery.

Tour Highlights
- Rila Mountains - the highest mountains in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala - 2925 m a.s.l.
- Pirin Mountains - the second-highest in Bulgaria after Rila Mountains and the third in the Balkan Peninsula (Mount Vihren 2914 m a.s.l.).
- Rila Monastery (1147 m a.s.l.) - the biggest monastery in Bulgaria, part of UNESCO World Heritage List

View Route Map

Itinerary:
Day 1. Sofia

Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to our hotel for overnight. -/-/-

Day 2. Musala Climb - Govedartsi
We start the day with a 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). B/-/D
Walking: 6 hrs; Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft)

Day 3. 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 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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 7. 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 for overnight. B/-/-
Walking: 6-7 hrs; Uphill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); downhill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft)

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to airport for departure. B/-/-

Clothing and equipment: Check list.

Recommended period of travel: June - September 
 

Price Includes:
6 nights at standard hotels in a double room with ensuite facilities
1 night in a hut (shared facilities)
meals as per program
all ground transportation
English-speaking guide
lift tickets
airport transfers on day 1 and day 8
VAT and all local taxes
luggage transfers from point to point (except on days 5-6)

Not Included:
flight tickets
entrance fees
additional transfers
tips
drinks and meals not mentioned
insurance
personal expenses

Additional Services:
supplement for a small group (2-3 people): 90 EUR p.p
maps: 5 BGN/ per map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour)
transfer Sofia airport - hotel on other days: 15 EUR one way per vehicle (1-3 people),


Gallery


Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures (Rated 4.81 / 5 Based on 381 Reviews.)
Price
650 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
120 EUR
Status
Guaranteed departure
Price
650 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
120 EUR
Status
Guaranteed departure
Price
650 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
120 EUR
Status
Guaranteed departure
Price
650 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
120 EUR
Status
Guaranteed departure
Price
670 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
120 EUR
Status
Guaranteed departure
Price
670 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
120 EUR
Status
Guaranteed departure
Price
670 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
120 EUR
Status
Guaranteed departure
Price
670 EUR
Duration
8 Days
Single Supplement
120 EUR
Status
Guaranteed departure

Currency fluctuations might cause correction of price at any time.

The Trek is suitable for reasonably fit persons and include relatively short walking days at moderate altitude, on good paths and tracks. There can be the occasional more difficult days including steeper ascents/descents

Group Size
4-12
Reservation System Code
BGPIRRIL
Balkan Kaleidoscope - 8 Balkan Countries in 14 Days 1240 , 14 Days

Balkan Kaleidoscope - 8 Balkan Countries in 14 Days

Once upon a time people said that the Balkans were the “power-keg of Europe”. Indeed,...
Senegal and The Gambia: A Cultural and Wildlife Odyssey 1120 , 10 Days

Senegal and The Gambia: A Cultural and Wildlife Odyssey

Desert lands, tropical forests and magnificent coasts. On this unique holiday in West Africa...
Balkan Village Trek (8 days progressive ride in Teteven Balkan area) 820 , 8 Days

Balkan Village Trek (8 days progressive ride in Teteven Balkan area)

Many and varied are the mountains in Bulgaria, but Teteven Balkan combines the best of them all -...

View all» What people say about us

Christie

Tour: Balkan Kaleidoscope
★★★★★
I just returned from a 2 week tour of the Balkans and thoroughly enjoyed the experience offered by Penguin. Communication leading up to the tour was exceptional. Our itinerary was fast paced and comprehensive and the sights were spectacular. Accommodations were were clean and amenities sufficient for the price paid for the tour. The tour leader, bus driver and the local guides were efficient friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend Penguin travel, especially for off the beaten path destinations.


Mauricio

Tour: Iraqi Kurdistan
★★★★★
My recent trip in Iraq organized by Penguin was excellent from start to end. Both Penguin tour guide (Nessi) and the local guide (Fahad) managed all topics efficiently and facilitated an amazing experience for the group. Now I dream about visiting the Northern part of the country, too.


Peter

Tour: Socotra Island Adventures (Yemen)
★★★★★
Thanks for everything in terms of your work and help with this trip to Yemen. It was an amazing experience - one I would recommend to almost anyone. By the numbers of people who travelled to the island, it is only going to get more exposure. The local company was very good - so you can have no problems with them at all. I was really lucky though - there were only 2 of us on the trip - and it was a really nice experience. I will continue to work with Penguin in getting ideas for great places to travel.


View all»

Blog

04.12.2023 11:00

Almaty Unveiled: Where Tradition Meets Modern Marvels

Nestled amidst the undulating majesty of the formidable Tian Shan mountains, Almaty stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity, presenting an expeditionary sojourn that etches itself indelibly into the traveler's consciousness. Markets pulsating with vitality and parks exuding an air of tranquility, Almaty unfolds its multifaceted allure, catering to every...


02.12.2023 09:40

Vranov Castle: A Timeless Journey through Moravian Splendor

Nestled within the undulating tapestry of Moravia's landscape, Vranov Castle emerges as an awe-inspiring testament to the relentless march of centuries. Perched atop a defiant rocky outcrop, this medieval gem stoically bears witness to the ceaseless ebb and flow of time, encapsulating tales of nobility, epic battles, and an architectural grandeur that resonates through the ages. Our expedition...


30.11.2023 09:20

Hoi An Vietnam: Timeless Charm and Culinary Wonders

Nestled amid the meandering Thu Bon River, Hoi An, a beguiling ancient town ensconced in the tapestry of Vietnam, extends an invitation laden with historical opulence, cultural vibrancy, and a beauty that ensnares the senses. This UNESCO World Heritage site, a siren call for those in pursuit of a harmonious amalgamation of antiquity's allure and the modern era's enchantment, beckons enthusiasts...


28.11.2023 08:00

Palawan Paradise: Unveiling the Jewel of the Philippines

Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, Palawan beckons with promises of pristine landscapes, turquoise waters, and a tapestry of cultures waiting to be explored. Aptly dubbed the "Last Frontier" of the country, Palawan is a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those in pursuit of a genuine tropical escape. Natural Wonders: El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa Begin...