Rila Mountains are the highest ones not only on The Balkan Peninsula but also in South East Europe. The highest peak is Musala (2925 m a.s.l.). Many of the tops here are close to 3000 m a.s.l. Rila (an old Slavic word, meaning "Water Mountain") looks like a rough sea of mountain ridges and peaks, deep gorges and 150 crystal clear lakes. Thanks to the mild winds from the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains have entirely unique vegetation. A big part of the National Park is under the protection of UNESCO.
The animal world of Rila constitutes deer, red deer, wild goats and boars, bears, squirrels, eagles, falcons, hawks, wood-grouses, etc. In rivers and lakes trout breeds. A large part of the mountain is included in Rila National Reserve. The biosphere reserves Central Rila Reserve and Parangalitsa (spruce, firtree, and juniper) are here.

Key Information:
Tour Duration: 10 day(s)
Group Size: 2 - 6 people
Destination(s): Bulgaria  
Specialty Categories: Hiking & Trekking  
Season: June - October

Day 1
We meet you at Sofia airport or at Sofia main railroad station. One-hour drive to the oldest mountain resort in Bulgaria – Borovets. Overnight at mountain hotel or hut.

Day 2
Nice and inspiring walk along the Bistritsa River to magnificent Moussalla corrie and its lakes. Approximately 6 hours walking time. Overnight at Ice Lake hut ( Ledenoto ezero).

Day 3
Great day in the hills. You are hiking in the highest part of the mountain – Moussalla peak (2925m), Twin peaks (2777m and 2779m), Marishki chal peak (2765m), Yurushki chal peak (2768m). Finally you descend to impressive Granchar corrie with big lake near the hut. Overnight at Potter hut (hija Granchar). Approximately 5 hours walking time. If you have time and wish for, you can climb Suha vapa peak (2638m), which dominates the corrie or take a look at the other smaller lakes in the corrie

Day 4
Uphill from the hut to Djanka col. You follow the route, that traverses the northern side of the ridge with Kovach peak (2634m) and Vapa peak (2532m) to the central peak of Rila Mountain – Kanarata peak (2691m). Eventually you arrive at vast and wonderful Ribni ezera corrie with two big lakes. Overnight at Fish Lakes hut (hija Ribni ezera). You can climb Kanarata peak before descending to the corrie, if you wish to. Approximately 6 hours walking time.

Day 5
This day you visit the biggest glacial lake in Rila, and some say – in the Balkan Peninsula – Smradlivoto ezero (Stinky lake). In the days of old a huge avalanche broke the ice on the surface of the lake and threw out the whole water and the whole sleeping fish. Summer came and the dead fish rotted. Then you continue your trek and descend to the famous Rila monastery. Overnight at monastery cells or at nearby hotel. Approximately 7 hours walking time.

Day 6
From the monastery you head north to Razdela Col and descend to the picturesque Seven Rila Lakes. Overnight at Seven Rila Lakes hut (hija Sedem rilski ezera). Approximately 7 hours walking time.

Day 7
Back to Razdela Col. You are doing this passage (Razdela Col – Seven Rila Lakes hut) for the second time but it is more than justified because of the beauty of the corrie and the tarns and also it is simply necessary. Another great day on the ridge. Damga peak (2669m), Dodov peak (2661m), Malyovitsa peak (2729m). Before going down from the ridge cast a look at Rila Monastery on your right side. See Eleninoto ezero (Deer Lake). Pass Malyovitsa hut and descend to Bear meadow. Overnight at Alen mak hotel. Approximately 7 hours walking time.

Day 8
From the hotel up to Malyovitsa hut. From here take the route to the beautiful Strashnoto ezero (Frightful Lake). Frightful called it people with no guts because in the days of old there was great thunder and lighting, and the waters got very unrest, and strangely shaped surrounding peaks looked menacing in the times of storm. You continue your walk on another high ridge. Popova kapa peak (2704m), Lopushki peak (2698m), Mechit peak (2667m). Then you descend to a nice place on the edge of the coniferous wood. Here you will see hija Mechit (Mechit hut). You continue your going down to the village of Govedartsi. Approximately 9 hours walking time. Overnight in the best family hotel in Govedartsi.

Day 9
Bus to Sofia. Departure.

HIGHLIGHTS

Accommodation: 9 nights – mountain chalet and hotels.

Meals: FB breakfast and dinners at the chalets and hotels, packed or picnic lunches. The tour starts with dinner day 1, ends with breakfast day 9. The drinks not included.

Transport: All transfers are with private transport according to group size.

Insurance: Including only mountain insurance.

Group & Staff: Min 4 people group. Plus highly experienced mountain guide and Leader.

Price: 835 EUR

Flight: is not included