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
Vacation Extensions:
Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures
Gallery
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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