Hut-to-hut trek in Rila and Pirin Mountains

Overview: A guided trip for experienced hikers familiar with more technical trails and long ascends and descends +1000 meters. This is a challenging trek for those who are not afraid of heights, are in very good physical condition, have some hiking experience and proper equipment.

Rila Mountains are the biggest in Bulgaria, here are the highest summit on the Balkans – Mount Musala (2925 metres), the alpine area of Mount Malyovitsa, many glacial blue lakes (2729 metres) and not to be missed, the Rila Monastery (UNESCO site).

Pirin Mountains are located south of Rila and separated to them by a saddle. Pirin National Park protects centuries old conifers, rare flora and fauna species. It guards the second highest summit in Bulgaria (Mount Vihren (2914 metres) and the famous marble ridge and the narrow and challenging foal.

Best period: July – September

Difficulty level: strenuous

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Hike to Yonchevo Lake and Scary Lake

Transfer from Sofia to Malyovitsa area in Rila Mountains around 2 hours.

Today’s hike starts from the emblematic for the Bulgarian mountaineering and climbing: Malyovitsa Alpine Base. Next we head to the glacial Yonchevo Lake and Scary Lake (Strashno ezero) and the hike ends with a descent to Malyovitsa Hut. Overnight in Malyovitsa hut.

Hiking time 6 – 6:30 hours; +800/-650 meters

Day 2: Malyovitsa Hut – Mount Malyovitsa (2729m) – Ivan Vazov Hut

You will climb Malyovitsa Peak the symbol of the Bulgarian alpinism and follow the main ridge towards Ivan Vazov Hut. Overnight in Vazov hut (no hot water)

Hiking time 6 – 7 hours; +1100/-650 meters

Day 3: Ivan Vazov Hut – Green ridge/Urdina valley – Malyovitsa

Hike to Razdela crosspoint with views towards 7 Rila Lakes. Descend on the panoramic Green ridge or along Urdina valley towards Malyovitsa area. Transfer to Govedartsi village 30 minutes. Overnight in a family run hotel (double room with shower)

Hiking time 7 – 8 hours; +550/-1200 meters

Day 4: Transfer from Rila Mountains to Pirin Mountains

Transfer from Govedartsi to Predela Pass between Pirin and Rila Mountains – 2 hours.

Option A: Hike to Yavorov Hut – 1740 m. You will explore the northern part of the mountain walking in Bayuvi Dupki–Dzhindzhiritsa with century old forest. Overnight in Yavorov Hut

Hiking time 6 – 6:30 hours; +1000/-550 meters

Option B: There is shorter hike to Yavorov hut in case you want to have an easier day. You may visit Rila Monastery (additional transfer 1:15 hour).

Hiking time 3 – 3:30 hours; + 600 meters

Day 5: The Marble Ridge of Pirin and The Foal

This is the most spectacular traverse in the marble part of Pirin mountain. You will walk via the Foal (a narrow ridge with metal cable) to Kutelo Peak – 2908m. Then descend to Vihren hut. It is a challenging but rewarding day. Overnight at Vihren Hut – 2950 m.

Hiking time 9:30 – 10 hours; +1400/-1200 meters

Day 6: Vihren Hut – Tevno ezero Hut

The day starts with ascend along Banderishka valley with Ribnoto and Dalgoto glacier lakes and continues on the main ridge towards Tevno ezero Hut. This is the most panoramic ridge of the granite part with views towards many lakes and different valleys.

Hiking time 7:30 – 8 hours; +1000/-500 meters

Day 7: Tevno ezero Hut – Bezbog Hut – Sofia

You will see the biggest lake in the mountain – Popovo lake and some of the emblematic peaks of the granite part. The end is Bezbog Hut – 2200m. Descend with Bezbog chair lift to Gotse Delchev Hut (1400m). Transfer to Sofia – 3:30 hours.

Hiking time 4:30 – 6 hours (depending on the option); +800/-700 meters

Prices *2020

Price includes: accommodation for 5 nights in mountain huts (dorms shared toilets, no hot water at Vazov hut and Tevno ezero hut); 1 night in family-run hotel; FB-full board (breakfast, dinner, packed lunch) for 6 days; certified mountain guide and all guide’s expenses for food, accommodation and transport; all transfers according to the itinerary; lift tickets for Bezbog lift on day 7.

Not included: international flights and taxes; entrance fees for museums and places of interest; drinks; travel/mountain insurance; other personal expenses; tips.

Required equipment:

– high hiking boots that support the ankle

– rucksack (35-45 l)

– trekking poles

– quick dry type long sleeve pants

– thin pair of fleece gloves

– warm thin fleece hat

– a thin down jacket or a fleece layer

– water and windproof jacket with a hood and trousers

– rain protection: rucksack cover and raincoat

– sun protection: sun hat, sun lotion, sunglasses

– mosquito repellent

– water bottle (1-1,5 liter)

– torch/headlight

– personal first aid kit – any medicines you take, etc.