The Rila Traverse

A five day hiking tour from a hut to another – except for the first night after Musala, when the accommodation is at the foot of the Rila Lakes. Visit of the main highlights of the Rila National Park – the highest peak of Rila – Mount Musala, the UNESCO site Rila Monastery, the beautiful Seven Rila Lakes and the Malyovitsa peak and valley. The route is well balanced between popular and less popular tracks which allows to see the famous sights and still enjoy the solitude and quietness of the massive Rila range, crossing the mountains on foot from the north to the south.

The route is doable from experienced hikers in good form, with basic experience in navigation and with the proper equipment. The accommodation is up the mountains, in private rooms with private or shared facilities, exception is Malyovitsa hut where only shared dorms are available.

You can check the self-guided version of the route here: The 5-day Rila Traverse

Itinerary:

Day 1: Sofia – Borovets – Mount Musala – Sapareva Banya: ⛰2925m 🕑6:30h

Day 2: Sapareva Banya – Zeleni Preslap – Skakavitsa Waterfall – The Seven Rila Lakes – Vazov Hut ⛰2600m 🕑8:30h

Day 3: Vazov Hut – Malyovitsa Peak – Malyovitsa Hut – Malyovitsa Ski Area: ⛰2729m 🕑7:30h

Day 4: Malyovitsa Hut – The Scary Lake – Kobilino Branishte – The Dry Lake – Kirilova Polyana locality: ⛰2500m 🕑8:30h

Day 5: Kirilova Polyana – Ivan Rilski`s Grave – The Rila Monastery – Sofia 🕑2:30h