Rila Mountains
Rila Mountain range, situated in southwestern Bulgaria, is the highest in the country.
Highest peak is Mt Musala (2925 m) and the area is famous for glacial lakes and hot springs.
The Seven Rila Lakes is a group of glacial lakes in northwestern part of Rila Mountains and a popular hiking destination,
at least during the summer months.
These lakes are situated from 2100 to 2500 elevation meters, and usually frozen from November to June.
Our hike there was on the last day of October, and all but the lowest lake already got at least thin ice layer on.
Temperature up there was few degrees below zero during the day, but the weather was just perfect for hiking,
at least as long as we managed to keep the snow outside of our shoes. ?
There are plenty of hiking routes in Rila Mountain range, and also the Seven Lakes can be reached from several starting points.
It would be easy to spend at least a week exploring this mountain range with jaw-dropping scenery.
We started our 2-days hike by driving through Govedartsi village on northern side of the mountain range towards Vada Mountain hut.
The shortest route to Govedartsi was through Borovetsi ski resort,
where the winter season seemed to be just getting started,
but we had to turn back since the road was too icy and steep for summer tires.
But by circling via Samokov we managed to get as close to the hut as 4 km away, along road number 6206.
At that point there was a small parking area, from where the narrow, poor-conditioned, partly icy road up would have required a 4×4 jeep.
Rila Trekking
Bulgaria’s Original Alpine World.
The Rila Massif dominates the original Alpine world in the southwest of Bulgaria,
home of several peaks of more than 2900 m.
This most famous Bulgarian trekking area offers an enormous number of trails varying both in scenery and difficulty.
You will cross vast national parks, hike past glacial lakes and stunning alpine pastures.
These mountains are mapped and pervaded with an extensive network of well marked trails.
One of the highlights of this tour is climbing the highest mountain top of the Balcan region of over 2900m in altitude, the Musala.
Itinerary
Day1 Arrival in Sofia
Arrival at Sofia airport and organized transfer into historic center of Sofia.
A panoramic hiking trail leads over the sharo ridge of mount Vitosha,
and starts with the first highlight of these scenic tours across the Rila region: the climb of the Cherni Vrah up to 2290m in altitude.
Then across the alpine pastures of nature reserve Torfeno Branishte and follow a trail to the rivers of Zlatni Mostove.
Transfer to Govedartsi where you will spend the next 3 nights.
A loop walk through the lower parts of the Rila mountains via Govedartsi gives you a taste of what lies ahead with
and increasing level of difficulty to come.
A comfortfortable walk on which you can enjoy a nice variety of fascinating landscape
and stunning panoramic views of steep rocky peaks and deep valleys.
approx. 5 to 6 hours
20 km
Through shady fir forests the path leads right up to the alpine part of the mountain and nestled there are the 7 Rila lakes.
You will be amazed by the marvellous backdrop of these well-known glacial lakes
which you get to see from the highest ridge first hand.
Today first up is the Malyovitsa valley, onwards via the sheltered Alpine peak to lake Strashno Ezero.
For extreme enthusiasts there is the option of an alternative hike to the peak of the Malyovitsa mountain
which offers an incredible view of the close by ridges and peaks of the Rila mountain area.
Transfer to the Borovets ski area, where you will spend the next 3 nights.
Your trail leads through ancient coniforous forests into the Mariza valley
and the gently ascending to the royal hunting lodge Saragiol. Then back to Borovets.
Another option would be a longer hike in a lesser known part of the Rila Mountains.
To climb the highest peak of the Balcan region, mount Musala at 2925m will take up the whole of this day.
Once you have conquered the mountain you will enjoy a unique panorama with views of the rockface of mount Musala.
The view from this peak on to the surrounding mountain tops is truly breathtaking.
Transfer to Sofia airport or to hotel for extension, approx. 1.5 hours.