Bansko to Rila Monastery

The Bansko to Rila Monastery route gives a great chance to spend two days mountain biking in the alpine Rila Mountains and to finally visit arguably the main cultural and historical site in Bulgaria. Part of the adventure is to spend the night in a high mountain hut at nearly 2200 m above the sea. Despite the isolated location the hut offers a good food menu and even bed sheets, so we don’t need to carry extra luggage with us.

Highlights:

• Mountain biking the highest mountain range on the Balkans

• Visit to the Rila National Park on a bike, overnight in a mountain hut

• The biggest Bulgarian historical and cultural treasure – Rila Monastery

Difficulty level: we grade this trip as Difficult – we follow only forest/macadam/dirt roads with medium steepness and there is no any technical descents but we’ll do between 24-35 km/day and at day one we climb 1200 m of elevation. A very good physical condition and basic skills in off-road downhill are important to enjoy the route.

The best period for this route is June to October.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Dobursko – Macedonia Hut – 35 km, + 1200 m

A 15 min transfer will take us from Bansko to the small village of Dobursko, located on the southern slopes of Rila Mountains. We follow a macadam road that goes up Semkovo holiday area and further to Karaalanitsa locality at 1900 and than, cutting the peaks of the main ridge, reaches a saddle between the Bear Peaks – the Small Bear and the Big Bear, where Macedonia Hut is located at an altitude of 2166 m. Accommodation at the hut.

Day 4: Macedonia Hut – Rila Monastery – 24 km, + 300 m

A quick descent from the hut and we start a short climb to another saddle at 2200 m. That’s our gate towards the long descent along Radovitchka River Valley. This long valley will take us down to Iliyna River Valley and finally to the Britchebor locality, a little bit below the famous Rila Monastery. A final 4 km asphalt ascent to the monastery. Visit to the famous cultural sight. Afternoon drive to Sofia or Bansko (2 hrs).

Contact us for any questions and prices.

The Rila Monastery