SNOWSHOEING IN RILA AND VITOSHA MOUNTAINS
Guaranteed departures for 2009:
Every day from January to March (other dates also possible upon request)
SUMMARY
Snowshoeing is another way of exploring the mountains – and offers spectacular views. It gives you the freedom of exploring nature from a different angle – vast fields with virgin snow powder coverage, majestic frozen peaks, quiet century-old forests, hidden below the snow paths…There is no better way to discover the beauty and tranquility of the mountain in winter, walking even outside the marked trails. This tour takes you off-the beaten tracks, combining spectacular views of two of the most beautiful mountains in Bulgaria – Vitosha and Rila. We spend the evenings in cozy places, where you will have the chance to share a glass of red wine with the locals and meet in close with their way of living.
The trip could be easily shortened to 3-5 days (please ask for quotation). Walking with snowshoes is rather adventurous and although not technically difficult it could be a bt strenuous over mountain slopes. Reasonable physical condition is required.
ITINERARY
Day 1. Meeting at Sofia airport and transfer to the city centre for overnight.
Day 2. After a short transfer to the foots of Vitosha Mountains we head towards Boianski Waterfall – the biggest and most beautiful in Vitosha Mountains, which is frozen in winter and very famous among ice-climbers. On the way down we will visit Boyana Church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. (4 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 400m)
Day 3. Transfer to Kumata hut, which is a starting point for the snowshoeing towards the highest peak of Vitosha Mountain – Cherni Vrah (2290m). After a cup of warm tea at the top we start descending to Aleko Mountain Base where the bus waits to transfer us to Govedartsi village in Rila Mountain. (6-7 hrs; uphill walk: 600m; downhill walk 500m)
Day 4. Short transfer to Maliovitsa Mountain Base. We make a circle, first heading to “Ovnarsko” region, then to Yonchevo Lake and then descending back to Maliovitsa Mountain Base. Transfer back to Govedartsi. (5 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 400m)
Day 5. Another day on snow shoes in the region of Maliovitsa Mountain Base, this time to Maliovitsa hut (1950m) and further on to Maliovitsa Peak (2729m). Then we descend back to Maliovitsa Mountain Base and transfer back to the hotel. (*Reaching the top is only possible in good weather and stable snow. Otherwise we will stick to the lower parts of the mountain). (7 hrs, uphill/downhill walk: 1000m)
Day 6. Today we explore another area of the mountains starting from Skakavitsa hut (1876m). We will visit the famous Skakavita Waterfalls and continue to Rila Lakes hut (2150m) where we stay overnight.
(4 hrs; uphill walk: 600m)
Day 7. A nice walk awaits us along the renowned Seven Rila Lakes – probably the most famous area in Rila Mountains. After that we descend to Pionerska hut, where the bus waits to transfer us to the famous Rila Monastery. We make a guided tour here and then head back to Sofia for overnight.
(5 hrs; uphill walk: 150m, downhill walk: 700m)
Day 8. Transfer to the airport for departure.
EXTENSIONS
Yes, ski holiday in a mountain ski resort
This is a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay in Bulgaria for one week more! 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) in Rodopi, Rila and Pirin mountains.
- Bansko - Bansko is no ordinary resort but a beautiful unspoilt, traditional Bulgarian town situated in the south- west corner of Bulgaria. Bansko is a real discovery for skiers, its enviable snow record, great skiing and great value for money and apr?s-ski make it a perfect setting for skiing holiday without the hustle and bustle of some other resorts (highest ski point: 2560 m).
- Pamporovo - Nestling in the pne forests of the Rhodope Mountains, Pamporovo enjoys the reputation of being Europe's sunniest ski resort (with about 120 sunny days during the skiing period). The highest ski point here is 1928 m.
- Borovets - Borovets is a long established ski resort situated in the pine forests of the Rila Mountains. The resort has become very popular with skiers, who appreciate the good value, the lively entertainment and of course the good skiing (highest ski point: 2 560m).
For more detailed information, please visit www.ski-bg.com
Difficulty grade: C
Accommodation and luggage transportation:
Guesthouse (days 1, 2, 7) and a family-run hotel (days 3, 4, 5) with rooms with private facilities and a mountain hut (day 6) with shared facilities on halfboard (breakfast and dinner included). Luggage is taken care of throughout the whole trip.
Group size: Min. 2 persons.
Single room supplement: 90 €
The price includes: transfers from/to Sofia airport; snowshoes and ski poles; accommodation and boarding as mentioned above; English-speaking guide and private transfers throughout the tour; entrance for Boyana Church, VAT and all local taxes.
The price does not include: map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour); tips; alcohol drinks; cigarettes and other personal expenses.
Note that offering only a part of this trip (but not less than 3 days) is also possible when you are already on a ski holiday and you would like to vary your (or your family) stay with something different and exciting as snowshoeing trek!
