THE HIGH MOUNTAINS OF BULGARIA
Rila and Pirin are the highest and the most beautiful mountains in Bulgaria. Marvelous lakes, narrow rocky peaks, deep green valleys, fresh air and quietness is what one finds here. Moreover, one always leaves with peace and satisfaction in the soul. Many legends are related to Rila and Pirin Mountains, not only because of their alpine beauty, but also because of the many monasteries and old villages hidden in their valleys. Both mountains are proclaimed national parks and Pirin is included in the list of the world natural heritage because of the big variety of wildlife and unique natural objects.
The highest peak in the entire Balkan Peninsula, mt. Musala – 2925 m., is situated in Rila Mountain. More than 200 lakes and the massif of alpine relief are a result of the glaciers that were there ages ago. In the deep forests one can find the jewel of the orthodox Christianity – the Rila monastery. Pirin Mountain is even more alpine and narrow and also embraces many lakes. Magnificent unique plants that only grow here, pure water, fresh forest air, and beautiful peaks surrounding all this majesty.
Day 1. Arriving at Sofia airport. Meeting with your tour guide and transfer to a nice family hotel deep in the forests of Rila Mountain. Accommodation and short briefing about the tour. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2. Breakfast. It’s a day for acclimatization. Morning start from the hotel and trek to one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Bulgaria – Skakavitza, (64 m.). Lunch will be a picnic. Ascent from there to Kabul peak (2531 meters), with magnificent views. Descent to the same accommodation (5 h.). Dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Breakfast. Today it’s a bit longer hike (7 h.). Ascent all the way through the famous Seven Rila Lakes to Razdela top (2600 meters). Lunch will be picnic. Descent through some very old pine and oak forests, straight to the Rila monastery – the biggest and the oldest in Bulgaria. Many lakes and a great part of the mountain’s highest peaks can be seen this day. Accommodation in a mountain hotel, nearby the beautiful monastery. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Breakfast. It is an easier hike for today (6 h.). Short morning transfer (20 min.) and walk through the beautiful southern part of the mountain and “Macedonia” hut. Lunch will be a picnic. Descent to the little village of Dobarsko. Transfer to Bansko, a town of old traditional buildings and typical Bulgarian folk music, at the foot of the impressive Pirin Mountain. Accommodation in a hotel and dinner. Overnight.
Day 5. After breakfast we will take a short transfer (30 min.) to a mountain hut at 2000 m. Next is ascent to mount Vihren (2914m) – the highest peak of Pirin and the most technical part of the walking tour. About 6 hours for the ascent and descent and some incredible views of alpine peaks, marble rock walls and glacial lakes. Return back to Bansko and same accommodation. Dinner at a traditional tavern, where you will be able to taste the traditional meals and music. Overnight.
Day 6. Breakfast. Short morning transfer (40 min.) to the village of Dobrinishte and the chair lift, which will take us to Bezbog Lake in the high slopes of the mountain. Ascend to mount Polejan (2851m.) to witness some of the best views to the biggest lakes in Pirin Mountain. Lunch will be a picnic. Descent back to Dobrinishte (5 h.) Descent back to Bansko and same accommodation. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7. Breakfast. Transfer to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and departure from Sofia airport. Minimum/maximum participants: 6 to 18
Price includes: •All the accommodations, mentioned in the program •All the dinners, mentioned in the program •All the breakfasts, mentioned in the program •All the lunches, mentioned in the program •All the transfers •The instant assistance of a licensed, english speaking mountain guide •All the chairlift tickets Price does not Include: •All the drinks, during dinners •Tickets for museums and historical monuments •Tips and personal expenses
Price: Upon request
