Rila, Pirin and Rodhope Trekking Tour
Your adventure begins with a departure from Sofia, heading toward the stunning Malyovitza Peak, a favorite among Bulgarian alpinists. The trek offers breathtaking views of lakes and alpine peaks, but if you prefer an easier option, you can take a Gondola lift (ticket not included) to Moussala Peak, the highest in the Balkans. Afterward, you’ll relax overnight in either Govedartzi Village or Borovets Ski Resort.
The next day, you’ll travel through picturesque mountain villages on your way to Trigrad Village, with a scenic stop in Devin for lunch. You’ll have the opportunity to unwind in a mineral pool or enjoy a scenic walk along a river path. Later, a visit to the mesmerizing Devil’s Throat Cave will add to the adventure before heading to Trigrad for dinner and a cozy overnight stay in a local house.
Continuing your journey, you’ll hike to the Eagle’s Eye viewpoint for panoramic views. Time permitting, you can explore Yagodian Cave before a leisurely lunch. Then, it’s off to the Pirin Mountains, with stops in Leshten—famous for its clay houses—and the architectural gem of Kovatchevitsa. The day concludes with dinner and an evening of traditional songs, dances, and homemade food in the Bansko area.
Next, you’ll embark on a challenging hike to Vihren Peak (or the more difficult Bunderitsa Hut), where you’ll experience some of Bulgaria’s most stunning landscapes. Afterward, return to your guesthouse for a well-earned rest and overnight stay.
Finally, the journey culminates with a trip to the Rila Lakes Hut, where you’ll hike to the iconic Seven Rila Lakes. This breathtaking landscape is the perfect finale to your exploration of Bulgaria’s wild and beautiful mountains. Afterward, you’ll head back to Sofia, arriving in the evening, your adventure complete.
Quick information
Duration:
- Days: 5 days
- Nights: 4 nights
Accessibility
- Yes, fairly accessible
Driving time:
- 5 h approximately
Important:
- Comfortable shoes
Overview
Your 5 days in Rila, Pirin and Rodhope Mountains
Day 1
Departure from your accommodation in Sofia at 7:30. At 9:30 you will start a hiking trek to Malyovitza peak – the favorite place of Bulgarian alpinists. This beautiful trail is medium-difficult and will grant you its beautiful views over lakes and alpine peaks. An easier alternative is to trek to the highest peak on the Balkans (Moussala peak 2925m) which is as beautiful as Maliovitsa peak along the way, however a Gondola lift (Gondolа ticket not included) makes your trek easier. Overnight in Govedartzi village or Borovets ski resort.
Day 2
An early departure at 8:30 from Govedartzi village to Trigrad village. The road is very scenic, winding through mountains, along lakes and mountain villages. You can enjoy rural life and stops for pictures. 12:00-13:00h arrival in Devin for lunch. Today we have the chance to stop by a mineral pool in Devin or make a beautiful walk along a river path with bridges and scenic places and in the afternoon we will visit the Devil’s Throat cave before getting to Trigrad village. Dinner and overnight in local house.
Day 3
Departure from Trigrad village at 8:30 h for a visit of the area Eagle’s Eye 2h – 2h 30min hike. If time allows you can also visit Yagodian cave, followed by a lunch break. Departure by car to Pirin Mountains. The road is winding through scenic and stunning mountain views and places. On the way you can visit Leshten (famous for its clay house) and Kovatchevitsa (architectural reserve) villages. Arrival in Bansko area. Dinner and overnight stay in local nearby village house and experience an unforgettable evening with songs, dances and home-made food (included in the offer).
Day 4
Departure from Bansko to Vihren (easier) or Bunderitsa (more difficult) hut (depending on which trail you choose to hike Vihren peak) from where you start your full day hike to the second highest peak in Bulgaria and one of the most beautiful landscapes in Bulgaria. After the day hike you come back to the same house for a deserved rest. Accommodation in local guest house.
Day 5
In the morning you make an early 2-hour drive to get to a chair lift to Rila lakes hut and from there you start your hike to the Seven Rila lakes, a well deserved “crème de la crème” for your 5 day tour around the wild and beautiful Bulgarian mountains. Departure by vehicle to Sofia and return in Sofia around 19:00h.
Rila, Pirin and Rodhope Mountains Overview overview
Rila is a mountain range in southwestern Bulgaria and the highest mountain range of Bulgaria and the Balkans, with its highest peak being Musala at 2 925 m. The massif is also the sixth highest mountain in Europe (when each mountain is represented by its highest peak only). The larger part of the mountain is occupied by the Rila National Park. The name Rila is believed to be of Thracian origin and is thought to mean “well-watered mountain”, owing to Rila’s abundance of glacial lakes (about 200) and hot springs in fault areas at the base of the mountain. Some of the Balkans’ longest and deepest rivers originate from Rila, including the Maritsa, the Iskar and the Mesta.
Pirin is the second highest mountain range in southwest Bulgaria. The ski resort Bansko is located in its Northern part and it is formed mainly from massive granite and is covered with ancient metamorphous rocks. It has some tiny glaciers that almost melt in summer. The mountain is also abundant with water and beautiful high-altitude lakes. Its flora and fauna is so rich that Pirin Natural Park has been under the protection of UNESCO World Heritage since 1983. Pirin is the most alpine-looking mountain in Bulgaria and it is a wonderful nature park to visit.
The Rodopi Mountains is the largest mountain in Bulgaria and takes about 1/7 from the territory of the country. For some people this is the most scenic mountain in Bulgaria! The Rodopi mountains are located some 200kms south-east of Sofia.
- Departure point Our travel agent will advise your pick up time from your hotel, 2 days before departure.
Prices:
The group tour is available.
1 person
699 €
2 persons
399 € Per person
3 persons
299 € Per person
4 – 8 persons
249 € Per person
9 – 18 persons
199 € Per person
Included:
- Return door to door transfer from your hotel in Sofia to Rila and Pirin mountains
- English-speaking mountain guide for the whole time
- Parking fees
- Entrance fees for the mentioned sights
- Overnight and breakfast in 2*-3* hotel or guest house
- 1 dinner and local show
Not included:
- Personal expenses
- Meals
Gallery
Highlights
Explore 3 different Bulgarian mountains in 5 days
Visits of unique Bulgarian villages with beautifull houses
A night in a traditional Bulgarian Home to experience the hospitality of the Bulgarians and try homemade dishes
Climbing some of the highest Bulgarian peaks and visiting the 7- Rila Lakes
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