Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), Guaranteed departures
Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), Guaranteed departures
8 Days Starting and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria
Visiting: Sofia, Musala, Borovets, Govedartsi, Malyovitsa, Bansko, Rila Monastery, Tevno Lake Shelter
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BGPIRRIL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
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. 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
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Sofia
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to our hotel for overnight. -/-/-
Day 2 : Musala Climb - Govedartsi
Location: Musala, Borovets, Govedartsi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Govedartsi, Malyovitsa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Bansko, Rila Monastery
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Bansko, Tevno Lake Shelter
Accommodation: Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Bansko
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Sofia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to airport for departure. B/-/-
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights at standard hotels in a double room with en-suite facilities; 1 night in a hut (shared facilities)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
airport transfers on day 1 and day 8
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
all ground transportation
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Fully Guided
English-speaking guide
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Local Taxes
VAT and all local taxes
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Lift tickets
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Luggage is transferred from point to point except on days 5-6
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Meals
meals as per program (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
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Tipping and Gratuities
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additional transfers
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Insurance
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Personal exenses
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Flight tickets
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Drinks and meals not mentioned
Optional Extras
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Extra transfer
In days outside the itinerary. The price is per vehicle.
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Map
could be requested in advance when booking the tour
Accommodation
6 nights at standard hotels in a double room with en-suite facilities
1 night in a hut (shared facilities)
Mode of Transport
airport transfers on day 1 and day 8
luggage transfers from point to point (except on days 5-6)
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, they are
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Bulgarian Lev
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No ,they are not.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No ,they are not included
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, on request.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Private transfer Sofia airport - hotel on day 1 and shared transfer to Sofia airport on day 8
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Low Deposit
Penguin Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 46 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of penguin travel charges.
Up to 46 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.