Rock climbing and mountaineering are old traditions in Bulgaria, beginning almost a century ago when the real exploration of these Alpine-like mountains started. Since then, Bulgarian mountaineers have climbed several of the world's peaks which exceed 8,000 m, including the "Top of The World" – Mount Everest. The best natural conditions for acquiring top-notch skills are combined with the excellent tradition and reputation of Bulgaria's mountaineering schools. The expertise of these Bulgarian climbing instructors guarantees excellent results and complete safety to course participants.
The Rila mountains form the highest range in the Balkans, with the highest peak Mousala standing at 2,925 m. At present around 120 trekking and climbing routes exist within the Rila mountains, 106 of which are concentrated on the Maliovitsa ridge (known as "Granite Paradise"). For this reason, the Alpine & Mountaineering School is located in the same spot – some 90 km from the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. It is fully equipped for courses, and includes an indoor climbing wall. Its instructors are all professionals, with most of them working as lecturers at the Sport's Academy in Sofia. The rock-climbing course takes place over six full days; four hours per day. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the climbing sites from the hotel.
Tour Highlights
♦ The highest mountain of the Balkan Peninsula
♦ Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria
♦ Maliovitsa valley - the symbol of Bulgarian alpinism and mountaineering
♦ Some of the best climbing routes in Bulgaria
Itinerary:
Day 1: Sofia / Plovdiv airport - Maliovitsa mountain resort
Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv airport and transfer to Maliovitsa resort in Rila Mountains. The time till the end of the day will be spent on aclimatisation walks (self-guided) and in the area.
Day 2: Instructor guided rock climbing lessons
For the next five days you will receive tuition and instructor-guided rock climbing exercise. The programe will concentrate on the important knowledge and skills you need to master for rock-climbing and mountaineering. This includes basic climbing techniques as: knots; knot tying; belay methods (mass belay, simultaneous belay, belay in sequence, self belay, top-roping); belay techniques (shoulder belay, belay with climbing gear/hardware etc.); climbing techniques (climbing glacis, edge, open book, crack-ups, overhang climbing, roof climbing); how to rappel; placement of belay – cams, nuts friends and so on; piton placement; equipment types and how to take care of your gear; setting rappel and rope management; an introduction to climbing multi-pitch routes; fixing ropes; styles of climbing (alpine, sport etc.); first aid in the mountains; camps and camping in the mountains; the dangers of the mountains, connected to weather, relief and more; orientation etc. Depending on the weather conditions, the rest of your time (outside the course) could be spent on treks to some neighbouring areas of interest in the region of Maliovitsa. These include the Svinskoto Lake ("The pig's lake") a 1.5-hour walk; a two-hour trek to the Yonchevo Lake; the Maliovishki Lakes (three lakes between 72 m and 115 m in length, situated in the circus of Maliovitsa) which are a two-hour walk; the Strashnoto ("The Frightful") Lake refuge, a three-hour trek; Orlovets refuge – 2,5 hrs; Maliovitsa hut – 50 min; to Vada hut; the peak of Maliovitsa. The paths along these routes are clearly signposted.
Day 3: See Day 2
Day 4: See Day 2
Day 5: See Day 2
Day 6: Maliovitsa peak
This day you will climb Maliovitsa peak (2729 m a.s.l.) on the northeast edge, using the simultaneous belay method. There you may learn too how to fix rope railing. After a sightseeing brake on the summit you will have about 3,30 hrs downhill walk to the hotel. On your way back you will pass Elenino Lake, the second and firs ledges etc.
Day 7: Practical exercices
The lessons learned will be applied practically when climbing more difficult routes than those of the days before .You will be expected to competently make the most of belay in sequence techique . Of course your security will be guaranteed with top-rope system.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you will have transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.
Included in the price: ►accomodation in standart hotel with en-suite facilities on FB (breakfast, lunch & dinner included) ►transfer to/from Sofia or Plovdiv airport to Maliovitsa resort ►days instructor-guided lessons 4 hours/day (in English) ►1 day practical activities ►climb of Mliovitsa Peak on day 6 ►all necessary equipment (except climbing shoes ►VAT and all local taxes.
Not included: ►map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour) ►guidance guidance for the rest time outside the program ►tips ►entrance fees ►alcohol drinks ►other personal expenses.
Good to know: For advanced climbers we recommend 1 overnight at Orlovets (BAK) or Strashnoto Lake refuges - very close to Rila's best climbing sites. Sleeping bag is necessary.
Practical information: EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price! We can offer a great variety of means of accommodation - from home stays to 4-star hotels in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight (prices vary between 100 and 400 Euro per person per week depending on the hotel category and the meal plan; transportation is included). For more information please check "Vacation extensions" below. CONNECTING THE TOUR: in summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport. We can arrange for you a bus or train ticket to the starting point of the active tour with transfer to the central bus/railway station in these towns, picking you up at the airport upon arrival or vice versa at the end of your tour (this would only cost you appr. 20-30 Euro per car + the bus/train ticket price itself). For longer private transfers or rent a car services please check our offers from the menu “Rent-a-car and Transportation”
How to get there: For low-cost flights to Bulgaria please check: Wizz Air - http://wizzair.com/; Easy Jet - http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings - http://www.germanwings.com/; Penguin Travel -http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle - http://www.norwegian.no/
We recommend the trip in the period: June - September
Necessary equipment: All special equipment is included. What is most important is to bring your own climbing shoes and sleeping bag. For a full list of recommended items see the detailed trip dossier.
Links to additional information:
http://www.walkingbulgaria.com/
http://www.solowalks.com/
Vacation Extensions:
Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures
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These tours include trekking which is a little harder, normally on a challenging terrain. We take it for granted that you are in good condition and fit. You should be physically prepared at home to get the maximum of the tour. Most of the trekking is done at a greater height (max 3000m).
Tours of this level demand that you be really in good shape. The paths are not always in the best condition and the marking can be scarce. There are day-treks with big ascents and descents. Changing weather conditions /even in midsummer/ play an important role when trekking/cycling at a very high altitude and may cause changes of the preliminary route. This is to be decided by the mountain guide on the spot. Normally, the treks are 6/8h per day, but some can be longer. Preliminary hiking experience is an advantage, but not necessary if you are really in a good shape. Note that during some of the days, you should personally carry your baggage, which is naturally an additional difficulty. No rock/ice climbing experience is needed.
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