Itinerary

Day 1. Welcome meeting at Sofia Airport and transfer to the town of Bansko (appr. 2,30hrs). Bansko is the most prosperous ski resort in Eastern Europe in winter and probably the best starting point for hiking in Pirin Mountains. We will spend here the next 4 nights, making daily treks to different parts of the mountains within short drive of the lodge.
Day 2. Morning transfer will take us to Gotse Delchev hut (above the neighbouring town of Dobrinishte). Here we board the chair lift to Bezbog hut (2236 m a.s.l.), where our hike to Mount Polezhan (2851 m a.s.l.) begins. One of the most stunning panoramas in Pirin Mountains could be enjoyed during this hike, revealing the beauty of 17 glacial lakes, that could be counted from a single point, including the biggest one in the mountains – Popovo Lake (appr. 30m deep). In the afternoon we will have some time to explore the cobbled streets among the charming stone houses in the old quarters of Bansko. Walking time: 5 hrs; uphill/downhill walk - 650 m.
Day 3. One of the most picturesque parts of Pirin will be visited today. Short drive to Vihren hut (1950 m a.s.l.) will leave us at the entrance of the Bunderishki Lakes cirque. The path gently traces up Bunderishka valley, reaching Todorina Porta (Todora’s Door), the latter being also “the door” to the wilderness of Julen Reserve. Nice descent through Todorini Ochi Lakes (Todora’s Eyes Lakes) and the cirque of Vasilashki Lakes will lead us further down, where the old “Mura” (White Fir) forest starts. In a short while we reach Demianitsa hut and continue walking downstream Demyanitsa River to the area called Todorova Ornitsa. Here we board the bus and drive down to Bansko for a well deserved rest. Walking time: 6-7 hrs; uphill/downhill walk – 800/900 m.
Day 4. Today we will attempt the second highest peak in Bulgaria and the highest one in Pirin Mountains - Mount Vihren (2914 m a.s.l.). Short transfer will bring us again to Vihren hut, the starting point of the hike. The path goes steeply up to the cirque of Golyam Kazan (The Big Cauldron), fenced by the 400m high dramatic vertical northern wall of Mount Vihren. This Karst region of the mountains is famous for the diversity of endemic or rare plants, with the Edelweiss among them. Small flocks of Balkan Chamois could also be seen en-route. After a strenuous climb we reach the peak and enjoy the breath-taking sceneries of the other parts of the mountains. On the way back we will make a short stop by the oldest Bulgarian tree (more than 1300 years old). (6-7 hrs; uphill/downhill walk 1000m).
Day 5. Time to leave Pirin and head for Rila Mountains. Morning transfer (2hrs) will bring us to the renowned Rila Monastery (UNESCO heritage listed) – one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bulgaria. Sightseeing tour and time for lunch before transferring further to “Panichishte” resort, from where we will make our way in the direction of probably the most famous area in Rila Mountains – the Seven Rila Lakes. En-route we will pass by “Skakavitsa” Waterfalls – the highest waterfalls in the mountains (70m). Overnight stay at The Rila Lakes hut (2150 m a.s.l.). (*please note that you will have to bring along a change of clothes for this night as you will see the rest of your luggage in the evening of Day 6). Walking time: 3hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 300/-m.
Day 6. After breakfast we will start exploring the cirque of The Seven Rila Lakes and its pearls – The Eye, The Tear, The Kidney, The Twins, The Trefoil, The Fish Lake and The Lower Lake. Having seen them we start climbing up towards the ridge, leading to another eminent peak – Maliovitsa (2729 m a.s.l.). More stunning views expect us on the way while we pass above Urdini and Elenski lakes (we will also see the Rila Monastery steeply down on the right side of the ridge). Upon reaching Maliovitsa Peak we will start descending along Maliovitsa Valley to Maliovitsa hut and further to Maliovitsa resort, where the bus will wait to drive us to our lodge in Govedartsi village. Walking time: 6-7hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 800/1000m.
Day 7. Today we target the highest peak in Bulgaria and on the Balkans – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.). 30 min transfer will brings us to the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria – Borovets. From here we board the gondola-lift to Yastrebets Peak (2369 m a.s.l.) – perfect starting point, which eases a lot the whole trek. Enjoyable hike along a relatively flat trail heading straight towards the jagged form of Mount Musala leads us to Icy Lake refuge, lying at the foot of the peak. Reaching the top normally takes 2,30hrs for the lift station. The view from the peak is truly amazing – 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. Overnight in Govedartsi. (6 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 750m)
Day 8. Transfer to Sofia Airport for departure (appr. 1,30hrs).