Are you a fen of challenging mountains, wild and untouched forests and overnights in mountain huts? If so, this trip is just for you. The Rila Mountains are the highest on the Balkan Peninsula, rich in impressive peaks over 2000 m a.s.l. and over 190 gorgeous alpine lakes. During this trip we pass The Seven Rila Lakes, often called the pearls of the mountain.
Our riding starts from Iskar Ranch, passes by the popular ski resort Borovets, where you will see the hunting residence of the Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand. The ride continues at an elevation between 1900 and 2400m a.s.l. by several remote mountain lakes offering breathtaking views. One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the biggest and most important Orthodox monastery of Bulgaria - Rila Monastery (1147 m). It was founded in the 9th century and has more than 1200 murals. If you wish, you can also peek into the monastery kitchen or a monk’s cell. Riding goes on through highlands and lowlands with traditional Bulgarian agriculture. It ends at Iskar Ranch.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: After welcoming you at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport you will be transferred to Iskar Ranch. This is where our trail starts. Accommodation is in double rooms, and every two rooms share a bathroom.
Day 2: This day is dedicated to the acquaintance between riders and horses. Along the largest dam in Bulgaria - Iskar, the ride leads across the rolling hills of the ridges of Sredna Gora and Rila Mountains. After a short uphill we reach Borovets - a mountain ski-resort. We leave the horses here and get a ride back to Iskar Ranch, where we stay overnight.
Day 3: This will be an active riding day. After breakfast a visit to the Bulgarian king’s hunting hut in Bistritsa is planned. Then we start riding to the mountain hut Zavratchitsa following the upstream of Prava Maritsa River. In the afternoon the ride continues to the circus of the Maritchini lakes, lying in the foot of the highest peak on the Balkans - Musala (2925 m a.s.l.). Afterwards we enjoy a spectacular view over Rila’s gorges while riding towards the final stop for today –Grunchar hut (2178 m.) The accommodation is in small 2- and 3-bed rooms. (please note that there is no bathroom here).
Day 4: Today the ride takes us along several circuses and glacier lakes situated by the peaks Suha Vapa and Lopatishki peak. Around noon we reach the springs of Iskar River right above the Beli Iskar dam. The route is traced to pass between heights of 2200 and 2700 m a.s.l. We stay overnight in Semkovo hut. Accommodation is in double rooms, bathroom is on the floor.
Day 5: In the morning we head north from Semkovo hut to the glacier mountain “pearls” of Sinioto, Ribnoto, Smradlivoto and a few other lakes. The path through the alpine meadows will take us to Ribni Ezera hut. This route gives us a great chance to see flocks of semi-wild horses (please note that their reaction to our own horses is quite unpredictable and one should stay alert). From now on the road follows the stream of Rilska River to Rila Monastery. We overnight in a nearby hotel.
Day 6: Today’s ride takes us along a path through an old beech wood to the peak of the Rila Mountains’ plateau at a 2600 m - height. The alpine meadows and pastures here provide magnificent views over the Urdini and the Seven Rila Lakes. This is one of the most exciting places in Rila. After a short ride among the circuses we continue further along the stream of Dzherman River to Lovna hut. Vada hut, the final destination for today’s ride, is very close by. Once again we leave the horses here and get a ride to Iskar Ranch, where we stay overnight.
Day 7: In the morning descent leads along the Cherni Iskar River valley to the village of Govedartsi. The final destination for the day is the tiny village of Madzhare, where the horses remain. From here we will be transferred again to Iskar Ranch for overnight.
Day 8: In the morning farewell breakfast and saying goodbye to the horses and the guides will put the end of this journey. Then you will be transferred to Sofia Airport for departure.
* 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! We can offer a great variety of means of accommodation - from home stays to 4-star hotels 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 (prices vary between 100 and 400 Euro per person per week depending on the hotel category and the meal plan; transportation is included). For more information please check "Vacation extensions" below.
* Connecting the tour: in summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport. We can arrange for you a bus or train ticket to the starting point of the active tour with transfer to the central bus/railway station in these towns, picking you up at the airport upon arrival or vice versa at the end of your tour (this would only cost you appr. 20-30 Euro per car + the bus/train ticket price itself). For longer private transfers or rent a car services please check our offers from the menu “Rent-a-car and Transportation”.
* Terrain: This trail is saturated with overcoming high altitudes, with lots of descends and ascends. It goes primarily along dirty roads and walking paths through woods (coniferous and beech forests) with gradual inclines. The alpine parts are rather flat and nice for riding. Galloping is almost impossible (except within the meadows and pastures of the Iskar Ranch). Some parts of the alpine meadows are covered with high tuffs of green grass and peat bogs, requiring attention and time when passing them.
* Horses and saddling: Iskar Ranch has more than 30 horses: East-Bulgarian half-breeds, Hanover and Arabic horses. They are well-trained, patient and calm. Saddling is Western and military type.
* Guides: Our guides are locals and have years of experience in horse riding and trekking in the Rila Mountains. They speak English and are always available for help and advice.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation and boarding as per program;
- Riding guide accompanying the party throughout the week;
- Luggage transport;
- Transfers from/to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport.
Price Excludes:
- Tips;
- Alcohol and extra soft drinks;
- Personal expenses;
- Insurance.
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Bulgaria
Horse Riding
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