During the trek we will visit the highest peak on the Balkans in Rila Mountains (Musala, 2925m a.s.l.) and the giant of 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. The biggest Bulgarian monastery (Rila Monastery) and probably the most famous Bulgarian landmark will also bi visited as a part of the trip.
Departure dates for 2010: 10 July; 24 and 31 July; 28 August; 4 September; 2 October
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to the mountain village of Govedartsi (1150 m a.s.l.), where we stay overnight (1hr drive).
Day 2. Loop hike from Vada Hut to the most eminent area in Rila Mountains - The Seven Rila Lakes (above 2200m a.s.l.). The path follows the summit between the rivers Dzherman and Cherni Iskar, offering fine views towards both Vitosha and Verila mountains.
Uphill walk: 1,050 m (3,444 ft); downhill walk: 850 m (2,788 ft); walking time: 6-7 hrs
Day 3. Another stunning trek from Maliovitsa resort, going up along the valley to the wide circus of Prekorechki Lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m.
Uphill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); downhill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); walking time: about 6.30 hrs
Day 4. Today we climb the highest peak on the Balkans – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.). 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.
Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); walking time: about 6.30 hrs
Day 5. Transfer to the most famous landmark of Bulgaria – Rila Monastery. Sightseeing and leisure hike to the hermitage of St. Ivan Rilski. We will then stop by the impressive Stob Pyramids and continue on to the foots of Pirin Mountains and the town of Bansko.
Uphill walk: 150 m (492 ft); downhill walk: 150 m (492 ft); walking time between 2-3 hours
Day 6. A fairly difficult ascent to highest peak in Pirin Mountains - Mount Vihren (2914m a.s.l.), awaits us. On our way to the peak we have various opportunities to enjoy most of the Pirin's peaks, Vlahini and Bunderishki glacial lakes as well as Edelweiss and many other rare plants flowering in the Karst parts of the mountains.
Uphill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); downhill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); walking time: 7-8 hours.
Day 7. We head towards the biggest and deepest glacial lake in the mountains – Popovo Lake. Then we continue on to Dzhengalska Porta saddle, which surprises with the magnificent panoramic view. Going past Valiavishki Lakes we reach the valley of Demianishka River, where the bus waits to take us back to Bansko.
Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft)
Day 8. Transfer to Sofia airport for departure (2,30hrs drive).
Accomodation and food: We stay overnight in 3-star hotels with rooms with en-suite facilities on halfboard (breakfast and dinner included). Luggage is transferred from point to point.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation and boarding as mentioned above;
- English-speaking guide
- all ground transportation including airport transfers
- lift tickets
- VAT and all local taxes.
Price Excludes:
- Maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour);
- Entrance fees;
- Tips;
- Alcohol drinks, cigarettes;
- Other personal expenses.
single room suplement: 75 euro
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Bulgaria
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
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