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RILA-PIRIN MOUNTAINS TREK
Guaranteed departures for 2010:
10 July, 24 July, 31 July, 28 August, 04 September, 02 October (other dates also possible upon request)
SUMMARY
A unique mountain hike, during which we will visit the highest peaks 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.
This trip is the perfect combination of the highest mountains in Bulgaria and designed to satisfy the trekking possibilities of any hiker with average experience in alpine walking. The trek is made with 2 centers – one for Rila and one for Pirin Mountains. The daily walks are loop-like, passing through the best walking areas of the mountains, easily made with only a daypack on the back (30 l). Depending on the weather conditions the program for some of the days can be twisted in order to avoid mountain storms. Hikers fallen in a bad physical conditions can skip some of the walks if necessary, without impreding the itinerary of the rest group.
 
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Rila Mountains are the highest mountains in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala - 2925 m a.s.l.
Pirin Mountains are the second highest in Bulgaria after Rila Mountains and the third in the Balkan Peninsula (Mount Vihren 2914 m a.s.l.).
Bansko (925 m a.s.l.) is situated at the northeastern foot of Pirin Mountains beneath the highest and the most beautiful Karst part of the mountain. If you add to this its architectural and historical value, Bansko is the pearl in the Bulgarian necklace.
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 airport and transfer to the mountain village of Govedartsi (1150 m a.s.l.), where we stay overnight (1hr drive). This is our base for the hikes in Rila Mountains for the next 4 nights. All starting points of the walks for the next days are within 30min transfers.
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. Eventually we make a hike among the famous glacial lakes. (6 hrs; uphill walk/downhill walk: 900m)
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. We visit The Scary Lake before walking downhill on a steep rocky slope to the west coast of Yonchevo Lake (more than 200m long). (7 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 900m)
Day 4. Today we climb the highest peak in Bulgaria and on the Balkans – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.). Short transfer brings us to Borovets ski resort, where we take the lift to Yastrebets Peak (2369 m a.s.l.). Enjoyable walk along Dwarf Pine massifs with the jagged form of Mount Musala at the background leads us to Musalenski Lakes, lying at the foots of the peak. 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. (6 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 750m)
 Day 5. Transfer to the most famous landmark of Bulgaria – Rila Monastery. Sightseeing and leisure hike to the hermitage of St. Ivan Rilski. The next stop nearby are the amazing sand forms near Stob village – The Stob Pyramids. Then we continue on to the foots of Pirin Mountains and the town of Bansko, which is the starting point for the hiking in Pirin Mountains and overnight location for the next 3 nights. (3 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 400m)
Day 6. A fairly difficult ascent to highest peak in Pirin Mountains - Mount Vihren (2914m a.s.l.), awaits us. Short transfer brings us to Vihren hut. 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. If the weather is good we have lunch on the peak itself, enjoying the amazing scenery. (7-8 hrs; uphill/downhill walk 1000m)
Day 7. Transfer to Gotse Delchev hut, where we take the chair lift to Bezbog hut (2236m a.s.l.). From the hut 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. (6-7 hrs; uphill walk: 750m; downhill walk: 1000m)
Day 8. Transfer to Sofia airport for departure (2,30hrs drive).
 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: A (day 5) / B(days 2, 4 & 7) / C (days 3, 6)
Accommodation:
We stay overnight in 3-star hotels with rooms with en-suite facilities on HB (breakfast and dinner included). Luggage is taken care of throughout the whole trip.
Group size: Min. 4 persons.
Single room supplement: 75 €
 The price includes: accommodation and boarding as mentioned above; transfer to/from Sofia airport; English-speaking guide and private transfers throughout the tour; VAT and all local taxes.
The price does not include: maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), entrance fees, tips, alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses.
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