ROCK CLIMBING COURSES IN RILA MOUNTAINS
Guaranteed departures for 2012:
Every day from June to September.
 |
View detailed trip dossier here! (.pdf ~222 k) |
SUMMARY
Rock climbing and mountaineering are old traditions in Bulgaria, beginning almost a century ago when the real exploration of these Alpine-like mountains started. Since then, Bulgarian mountaineers have climbed several of the world's peaks which exceed 8,000 m, including the "Top of The World" – Mount Everest. The best natural conditions for acquiring top-notch skills are combined with the excellent tradition and reputation of Bulgaria's mountaineering schools. The expertise of these Bulgarian climbing instructors guarantees excellent results and complete safety to course participants.
The Rila mountains form the highest range in the Balkans, with the highest peak Mousala standing at 2,925 m. At present around 120 trekking and climbing routes exist within the Rila mountains, 106 of which are concentrated on the Maliovitsa ridge (known as "Granite Paradise"). For this reason, the Alpine & Mountaineering School is located in the same spot – some 90 km from the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. It is fully equipped for courses, and includes an indoor climbing wall. Its instructors are all professionals, with most of them working as lecturers at the Sport's Academy in Sofia. The rock-climbing course takes place over six full days; four hours per day. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the climbing sites from the hotel.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Rila Mountains are the highest mountains in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala - 2925 m a.s.l.
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. Founded seven thousand years ago, Sofia is the second oldest city in Europe.
Maliovitsa resort is a famous place of the Bulgarian alpinism and mountaineering.
Rila Monastery (1147 m a.s.l.) is the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history.
ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv airport and transfer to Maliovitsa resort in Rila Mountains (1,30 hours from Sofia; 2 hours from Plovdiv).
The time till the end of the day will be spent on aclimatisation walks (self-guided) and in the area.
Day 2-5. For the next five days you will receive tuition and instructor-guided rock climbing exercise. The programe will concentrate on the important knowledge and skills you need to master for rock-climbing and mountaineering. This includes basic climbing techniques as: knots & knot tying; belay methods (mass belay, simultaneous belay, belay in sequence, self belay, top-roping); belay techniques (shoulder belay, belay with climbing gear/hardware etc.); climbing techniques (climbing glacis, edge, open book, crack-ups, overhang climbing, roof climbing); how to rappel; placement of belay – cams, nuts friends and so on; piton placement; equipment types and how to take care of your gear; setting rappel and rope management; an introduction to climbing multi-pitch routes; fixing ropes; styles of climbing (alpine, sport etc.); first aid in the mountains; camps and camping in the mountains; the dangers of the mountains, connected to weather, relief and more; orientation etc.
Depending on the weather conditions, the rest of your time (outside the course) could be spent on treks to some neighbouring areas of interest in the region of Maliovitsa. These include the Svinskoto Lake ("The pig's lake") a 1.5-hour walk; a two-hour trek to the Yonchevo Lake; the Maliovishki Lakes (three lakes between 72 m and 115 m in length, situated in the circus of Maliovitsa) which are a two-hour walk; the Strashnoto ("The Frightful") Lake refuge, a three-hour trek; Orlovets refuge – 2,5 hrs; Maliovitsa hut – 50 min; to Vada hut; the peak of Maliovitsa. The paths along these routes are clearly signposted.
Day 6. This day you will climb Maliovitsa peak (2729 m a.s.l.) on the northeast edge, using the simultaneous belay method. There you may learn too how to fix rope railing. After a sightseeing brake on the summit you will have about 3,30 hrs downhill walk to the hotel. On your way back you will pass Elenino Lake, the second and first ledges etc.
Day 7. The lessons learned will be applied practically when climbing more difficult routes than those of the days before .You will be expected to competently make the most of belay in sequence techique . Of course your security will be guaranteed with top-rope system.
Day 8. After breakfast you will have transfer to Sofia Airport for departure.
EXTENSIONS
Yes, Black Sea
This is a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay in Bulgaria for one week more at the incredibly low price! We can offer a great variety of means of accommodation - from home stays (no meals) to 2, 3 and 4-star hotels (BB or HB) on the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast:
- Sunny Beach - a big modern resort with hundreds of hotels, cafes, pubs, casinos, water-sports facilities etc.
- Nessebar, Sozopol - small towns (founded by the ancient Greeks) with picturesque Old Quarters and a specific atmosphere.
- Lozenets - a peaceful small village with a beautiful beach. Only 4-5 km from the forests of the Strandzha Mountains where you can go walking, biking or riding horses.
Difficulty grade: B, C (days 2-6) & D (day 7)
Accommodation:
We stay in 3-stars hotel with en-suite facilities on FB (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
(* For advanced climbers we recommend 2 overnights at Orlovets or Strashnoto Lake refuges - very close to Rila's best climbing sites. Sleeping bag is necessary.)
Group size: Min. 2 persons.
Single room supplement: 80 €
The price includes: accommodation and boarding as mentioned above, transfer to/from Sofia airport to Maliovitsa resort; 4 days instructor-guided lessons, 4 hours/day (in English); 1 day practical activities; climb of Maliovitsa peak; all necessary equipment (except climbing shoes); VAT and all local taxes.
The price does not include: map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), guidance for the rest time outside the program; tips; entrance fees; alcohol drinks; cigarettes and other personal expenses.
Reservation System Code: BGMLV
