The Rila Mountains range is not only the tallest in the Balkan Peninsula, but also within southeast Europe. The highest peak is Musala (standing at 2,925 m, or 9,596 ft). Many of the summits here are close to 3,000 m, or 9,842 ft, high. Rila (an old Slavic word, meaning "Water Mountain") looks like a rough sea of mountain ridges and peaks, and boasts deep gorges with no less than 150 crystal clear lakes. Generally speaking, the Rila Mountains comprise two parts: west Rila with Maljovitsa Peak, the Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes; and east Rila, housing the ski resort of Borovets and Musala Peak. The Seven Rila Lakes, lying like pearls on a thread, are the main reason for Rila's attraction to alpine trekkers and wanderers. Thanks to mild winds from the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains have an entirely unique vegetation. A big part of the National Park is also under the protection of UNESCO.
The village of Govedartsi (1,200 m, or 3,937 ft ) lies in the Cherni Iskar River valley. It is a perfect starting point for trekking tours to west or east Rila.
Departure dates for 2010: Every day from June to October (other dates also possible upon request).
Trip plan:
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Govedartsi village in Rila Mountains (1hr drive).
Day 2. We walk to The Seven Rila Lakes – probably the most eminent area of Rila Mountains. The path climbs up to the first lake on a ridge through dense dwarf pin , offering fine views of both the Vitosha and Verila mountains. We pass through all the 7 Rila lakes, the highest being at 2500m and descend on the panoramic Green ridge with views to the majestic Malyovitsa range. The trek ends again at Vada hut.
Walking time: 6-7 hrs; uphill walk: 1,050 m (3,444 ft); downhill walk: 850 m (2,788 ft);
Day 3. Today we walk in Maliovitsa region to the wide circus of Prekorechki Lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m (Popova Kapa, Kupenite, Iglite etc.). We visit also The Scary Lake before walking downhill on a steep rocky slope to the west coast of Yonchevo Lake (more than 200m long) and further to Maliovitsa resort.
Walking time: about 6.30 hrs; uphill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); downhill walk: 850m (2,788 ft);
Day 4. The highest peak on the Balkans – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.) awaits us today. Enjoyable walk along Dwarf Pine massifs with the jagged form of Mount Musala at the background leads us to Musalenski Lakes, lying at the foots of the peak. The view from the top is truly breath-taking – you can make out the remaining 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 back to Govedartsi.
Walking time: about 6.30 hrs; uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft);
Day 5. Transfer to Sofia airport for departure.
All walks in the original program could be adjusted by the guide on spot depending on the physical condition of the hikers (there is a diversity of hiking trails in the mountains, varying in difficulty grade).
The tour provides the opportunity more days to be added to the program if purchased in advance. These could be spent on self-guided walking in the area, more guided walks, guided sightseeing tours to famous places nearby (Sofia, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv etc.), cycling, birdwatching around Sofia at Dragoman Marsh or along Maritsa River and Pazardzhik hills etc. Please ask for quotation for any of these possibilities.
Accomodation and food: Family run pension with en-suite rooms on halfboard (breakfast and dinner included). Lunchpacks could be ordered at the amount of 5-6 EUR.
Included in the price: 4 overnights in family-run hotel with en-suite rooms on halfboard; transfers as follows: day 2: to and from Vada hut; day 3: to and from Maliovitsa; day 4: to and from Borovets; pick up/drop off at Sofia or Plovdiv airport; lift tickets; English-speaking guide VAT and all local taxes.
Excluded from the price: map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), guidance and transfer for additional days outside the program; lunches/lunchpacks; tips; entrance fees; alcohol drinks; other personal expenses.
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 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.
Tour difficulty: moderate/difficult
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 4 overnights in family-run hotel with en-suite rooms on halfboard
- as follows: day 2: to and from Vada hut; day 3: to and from Maliovitsa; day 4: to and from Borovets
- pick up/drop off at Sofia or Plovdiv airport
- lift tickets
- English-speaking guide
- VAT and all local taxes
Price Excludes:
- Map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour)
- Guidance and transfer for the rest days outside the program
- Tips and entrance fees
- Alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses.
Single room supplement: 60 euro.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Bulgaria
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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