Snowshoeing in Vitosha & Rila Mountains

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  • Vitosha&Rila Ranges, Bulgaria
  • 5 days/4 nights
  • ⛰2700m 🕑2-6hrs ↝3-10km
  • ↑150-750m ↓150-750m
  • Cost for 2 pax: 690EUR/person
  • Transfers included: Yes√
  • Luggage Transport: Yes√
  • Bed&Meals: Yes√
  • Accommodation: Family hotels
  • Best season: January to April

Overview

Vitosha&Rila for 5 days – Guided Snowshoeing Trip

This is a 5-day snowshoeing trek that covers the most interesting parts of the Rila Mountains, as well as the highest peak of Vitosha Mountains near Sofia. We will trace our tracks through the covered in snow trails of the Rila National Park and Vitosha Nature Park. At the end we will visit the world famous Rila Monastery.

The accommodation is in comfortable family hotels in Govedartsi and Sapareva Banya villages in the foot of Rila where we will try the local cuisine of the region. Sapareva Banya gives some options for spa-treatments at the end of the tour.

We rate this tour as moderate to difficult, suitable for novices in snowshoeing in average physical condition, but possessing the right equipment for such weather conditions.

Trip Price

Trip price

Snowshoeing Rila&Vitosha 5 daysPrice per person:
1 pax
1160 EUR
2 pax690 EUR
3 pax530 EUR
4 pax515 EUR
5 pax455 EUR
6 pax415 EUR
7 pax385 EUR

Price includes:

  • Mountain guide – driver and all his expenses;
  • All the transfers including pick up and drop off from Sofia;
  • 4 overnight accommodations in family run hotels with breakfast and dinner included;
  • Snowsnoes and poles rental;
  • Insurance;
  • Lift tickets;
  • Local taxes.

Not included:

  • Packed lunches;
  • Other personal expenses;
  • Drinks;
  • Tips..

Detailed Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Sofia – Vitosha – Govedartsi

⛰2290m 🕑4:30hrs ↑500m ↓500m

Transfer from Sofia to Vitosha Mountains – around 45 minutes. Hike to Black Peak – 2290m or loop hike around Konyarnica area. Transfer to Govedartsi village 1:45 hours. Accommodation in Govedartsi for 3 nights.

 

Day 2: Govedartsi – Wild Boar Lake – Govedartsi

⛰2300m 🕑5:30hrs ↑600m ↓600m

Short transfer 20 minutes from Govedartsi to Malyovitsa area – 1760 m and a loop walk into the remote area of Razdavitsa Ridge. We visit the isolated Wild Boar Lake, located at the foot of the highest peaks of the area – Kupenite, Lovnitsa. Return to the car and transfer to Govedartsi. Accommodation in Govedartsi.

 

Day 3: Govedartsi – Musala area – Govedartsi

⛰2700m 🕑6:00hrs ↑750m ↓750m

Transfer to Borovets ski resort – 30 minutes. We take the gondola lift up to about 2370 m, from where a couple of hours trek takes us to Ledenoto Ezero Chalet (Icy Lake Hut) with stunning views towards Musala Peak – 2925m, the highest on the Balkan Peninsula. We will retrace our way back. Accommodation in Govedartsi.

 

Day 4: Govedartsi – The Seven Rila lakes – Sapareva Banya

⛰2300m 🕑4:30hrs ↑400m ↓400m

Transfer to Panichishte ski resort – 1:15h. Chair lift up to 2140 m. Loop snowshoeing walk around 5 of the lakes in this famous range. Descent back to the transport. Transfer to the village of Sapareva Banya 30 minutes. Possibility to relax at the outdoor hot mineral pools. Accommodation in a family hotel in Sapareva Banya. Option to extend the snowshoeing walk on that day.

 

Day 5: Sapareva Banya – Rila Monastery – Sofia

Transfer to Rila Monastery – 1:15h. Visit of the monastery. Short walk around the monastery to the cave of St John of Rila. Transfer to Sofia – 2 hours.

Walking time: 1-2h, +150/-150 m. Please note: the last day can be added another snowshoeing walk and skip the Rila Monastery.

Tour Info

General Tour Info

Required equipment:

  • hiking boots – waterproof and warm, to cover the ankle, with stiff sole, compatible with your crampons;

  • water and windproof jacket with hood;

  • water and windproof pants;

  • rucksack;

  • warm hat, thin pair of gloves and a pair of warm mittens;

  • thermal underwear, light down jacket or a warm fleece;

  • sun protection – sun cream, sun glasses, sun hat;

  • snowshoes and trekking poles – we can organize hire;

  • water bottle or, preferably, flask – 1l;

  • snacks.