Mountain Ranges in Bulgaria General Info | The old separation between the people who live in the mountains and those who inhabit the planes is expressed in a Bulgarian saying – “The field gives birth to pumpkins, the mountain gives birth to humans”. More than 1/3 of country’s territory is covered by mountains, located mainly in the central and the southwestern parts. No matter of its relatively small area, about 111 000 square km, Bulgaria offers a great variety of terrains, landscapes and climate. This is also presented in the mountain ranges – each of them has its specifics, unique combination of relief, landscapes, climate, nature and population. Balkan Mountains (or Stara Planina, The Old Mountains) are stretched as a line throughout the whole country from the west border to the seaside on the east. One of the things this mountains are famous for is that if one start to follow its main ridge he or she will eventually reach the blue sea after a long and difficult trek, crossing the whole country, with great views of the planes on both sides. Although not the highest in Bulgaria, the Balkan Mountains are notorious with the most fierce weather among the mountains in the country.

This is determined of its role of a natural barrier between the cold continental climate of the north and the milder climate of south Bulgaria, affected by the Mediterranean air masses. The result is strong winds, storms and rainfalls in summer and snow blizzards in winter. But when the weather is good everyone can enjoy an amazing views walking along its high ridge. The name of the Balkan Peninsula originates from this mountain chain which highest point (mount Botev, 2376 m.) is named to a famous Bulgarian poet – Hristo Botev. One of the three national parks in Bulgaria, Central Balkan National Park, is placed in the central parts of Balkan mountains. Rila Mountains are the highest not only in Bulgaria but in the whole Balkans. Another poet called it “The great Rila desert” not because of the landscape but the feeling of infinity and loneliness one can experience walking among its endless summits. Rila mountains are the sixth highest in Europe after Caucasus, the Alps, the Pyrinees, Siera Nevada in Spain and Etna in Italy. The highest point is mount Musala (2925 m.).

Rila offers some of the greatest mountain landscapes in Bulgaria, combination of high summits and glacier lakes, and is suitable for a few days long treks and snowshoeing trips in winter. Here is established the biggest national park in Bulgaria – Rila National Park. Rila Monastery – the biggest in Bulgaria – is situated in one of the mountain’s valleys. South from Rila Mountains are situated Pirin Mountains with highest point Mount Vihren (2914 m.). The shape of its ridges is sharper and the colors are different, dominated by the white and grаy shades of the rocks. There is more obvious prints of the work of the glaciers long time ago – deep cirques, valleys and dramatic nature landmarks, like the so called “The Foal” – a very tiny part of the main ridge which tourists cross on their way through the mountain. There are also many deep blue glacier lakes at the bottom of these cirques followed by hundreds-of-years old conifer forests in the lower parts. This range is closer to the Mediterranean sea which determines more sunny and warm days per year comparing to the other high mountains in the country.

Pirin National Park is established to protect the nature in these territories, home of the brown bears, wild boars, chamois and other interesting species. East from Rila and Pirin are Rhodope Mountains – the largest mountain range in the country. With milder slopes, placed closer to the sea, these mountains are more welcoming for the people so they were populated from an old time. First by the Tracians, ancient tribes that inhabited these territories and left lots of remnants, then Romans build their amazing roads to cross the mountains on the way for their conquers. Rhodope Mountains were the traditional shepherds summer pastures for ages, offering plenty of food for the animals and an easy access to the areas with a softer climate near the Mediterranean sea when the snow falls. There is still lots of villages and small towns throughout the area and this gives a great chance to combine hiking and staying in places, where you can get familiar with Bulgarian traditions, try the cuisine and see everyday life of the people from the countryside. The Rhodope Mountains with their huge network of dirt roads and trails are suitable for cross country biking and horse riding trips.

Rila Mountains - history and pictures from Rila Mountains About BgHotelite.com Rila Mountains 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), coming after the Caucasus, the Alps, Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and Mount Etna. The larger part of the mountain is occupied by the Rila National Park. The name Rila is allegedly 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 the faulty areas. Some of the Balkans' longest and deepest rivers originate from Rila, including the Maritsa, the Iskar and the Mesta. Culturally, Rila is famous for the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's largest and most important monastery founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila.

Rila is a dome-shaped horst mountain, part of the Balkans' oldest land, the Macedo-Thracian Massif. It was formed by granite and gneiss rocks and crystal schists during the Paleozoic (250,000,000 years ago), with Rila's alpine relief being formed later, 10-12,000 years ago, after the W?rm glaciation, when the snow line was at 2,100 m above sea level. Above this line glaciers radically changed the existing relief, creating deep cirques, sharp pyramid-shaped peaks, rock pinnacles, various valleys, moraines and other typical glacial formations. Rila has an area of 2,400 km?. The dome of the mountain rises over the surrounding mountain valleys, with the Borovets Saddle (1,305 m) connecting the main Musala Ridge with the Shipchan and Shumnitsa ridges that connect to the Ihtiman Sredna Gora mountains through the Gate of Trajan pass.

The Yundola Saddle (1,375 m) and the Abraham Saddle (1,295 m) link Rila with the Rhodopes to the east, while the connection with Pirin is the Predel Saddle (1,140 m), the one with Verila being the Klisura Saddle (1,025 m). The climate is typically mountain, with 2,000 mm of precipitation on Musala yearly, 80% of which of snow. The lowest average temperature on Musala ever measured in February is пїЅ11.6пїЅC and the absolute minimum is -31.2пїЅC. An average temperature for August is 5.4пїЅC, the maximum being 18.7пїЅC. Rila Mountain in Bulgaria. Infromation on mountains and tourism in Bulgaria.

+359 2 962 22 13 +359 889 73 47 47 Send a request 78, Krichim Str., fl.1, Sofia 1164, Bulgaria Home Borovets Borovets resort info The Rila Mountain The Rila Mountain The Rila Mountain is the highest mountain in Bulgaria and the whole Balkan Peninsula. The highest point of the mountain is Mousala peak (2925 m). The most visited part of the mountain is northwestern Rila, where the circus with the popular seven Rila lakes is situated. The famous Rila monastery is also situated in this part of the mountain. The Rila Mountain Every single mountain in Bulgaria enchants with its own charm and uniqueness, diverse flora and fauna, crystal clear lakes and of course fresh air and thick forests. The mountains in the southern part of the country are generally divided in few massifs: - Rilo-Rodopian Massif, which includes Rila, Pirin, Rodope Mounatin, as well as the less popular Slavyanka and Stargach Mountains. The Rila Mountain is situated in the southwestern part of Bulgaria.

To the south it is divided from the Pirin Mountain through the picturesque saddle “Predela”, to the north it is connected with Verila Mountain with the Klisura saddle. To the east the Rila Mountain reaches the valley of the Struma River and to the northeast it reaches the beautiful valley of the Maritsa river. It also reaches the Rodope Mountains to the southeast. The Rila Mountain is the highest mountain in Bulgaria and the whole Balkan Peninsula. The highest point of the mountain is Mousala peak (2925 m). The most visited part of the mountain is northwestern Rila, where the circus with the popular seven Rila lakes is situated. The famous Rila monastery is also situated in this part of the mountain. The National Park Rila is situated in the Rila Mountain. It comprises a total area of 81 046 hectares and is the biggest of all three National Parks in the country and also one of the biggest in Europe. The park takes the southwestern part of Bulgaria on the territory of four regional centers. These are Blagoevgrad region, Sofia region, Pernik region and Kuystendil region.

Famous tourism resorts in the mountain are: - Borovets – the oldest and most popular mountain resort in Bulgaria. It offers great conditions for winter sports and numerous hiking and rock climbing routes. - Samokov - a wonderful mountain town with mountain spirit and is rich of historical and religious sightseeing right at the foot of the Rila Mountain on the main road to Borovets mountain resort. - Maliovitsa – famous as the best site for tourism and alpinism in Bulgaria. - Govedartsi – the small village of Govedartsi offers great opportunities for relaxing holiday in the mountain amidst crystal clear air and beautiful virgin nature. The resort also offers a small ski slope for beginners and intermediates. - Rila Monastery – a famous tourism site in the heart of the Rila Mountain, offering great opportunities for religious tours and hiking trips. - Kostenets resort - situated just a few kilometres further south from Borovets winter resort. It offers virgin nature, crystal clear air and mineral water. Several small hotels are always ready to pamper visitors. - Dolna Banya – situated just several kilometres away from Borovets mountain resort and offers mild climate and healing mineral water.

- Sapareva Bania - famous with the unique mineral water springs, one of the hottest in Europe. - Panichishte – a great ski and hiking resort right next to the Sapareva Banya resort. - Kovachevtsi – attractive mountain resort in the western part of the Rila Mountain, nearby the Pchelina dam. - Beli Iskar – beautiful village, suitable for relaxing holiday amidst virgin nature, also a starting point to numerous hiking routes to the Musala peak. Rila : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Rila National Park Rila National Park, the largest national park in Bulgaria, is located about 100 km south of Sofia town (capital of Bulgaria), in the central and highest regions of the Rila Mountains, on the north from Pirin National Park and on west-northwest from Rodopi National Park. Mt Rila is with it's highest peak Musala (2925 m) also the highest mountain in East Europe & Balkan Peninsula.

The Park contains large meadows, over 100 peaks above 2000 m, as well as a variety of rock faces, precipices, caves, deep canyons, and waterfalls. Its territory is dotted with about 120 lakes - 70 date back from the Ice Age. Rila massif The highest peaks of Rila massif are Musala (2925 m), Malka Musala (2902 m) and Irecek (2852 m). With it's forests, mountain peaks, lakes, valleys and rivers, Rila is a ideal place for hiking, mountain climbing and skiing. Rila National Park is located in the Rila Mountains, between 41° 53’ and 42° 19’ north latitude and 23° 07’ and 23° 55’ east longitude, in the southwestern region of Bulgaria. It comprises the treeless areas along the mountain ridge and sections of the coniferous forests below it. Its territory occupies 30% of the entire mountain.

The mountain peaks along the main ridges rise to an average height of 2700 m above sea level and includes the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula: Musala (2925 meters). The oldest name of the mountain is "Dounkas", given to it by the Thracians. It means a place with a lot of water. Thracian is it's other name Roula, which was altered by the Slav to Rila. There are claimed to be 140 lakes in the Rila, and have given the mountains their name. "Rila" is an ancient Thracian word meaning "mountain full of water". Few ranges in Europe have so many rugged peaks; 132 peaks over 6500 feet and 78 peaks over 8000 feet. The highest is Musala (2925 m - 9397ft), the highest in south-east Europe. The key constructive element in the mountain is granite. There are also marble, crystalline schists and others here. The twofold glaciating of Rila played an important part in the formation of its relief.

The multitude of cirques, the well outlined trog (glacial) valleys, the Alpine peaks and the glacial lakes are evidence for this. Rila has the following boundaries (clockwise): on the north - the Dzhubrena River, the Klisura Saddle and the Klisurchitsa River separate it from Verila Mountain. The Samokov Plain, the Bistritsa River, the Borovets Saddle, the Malka Slivnitsa, Slivnitsa and Maritsa Rivers (the Maritsa River up to Dolna Banya) separate it from Ihtiman Sredna Gora Mountain. Kostenets-Dolna Banya mountain valley, the Maritsa River up to its overfall with the Yadenitsa River separate Rila from the farthest south-eastern sprouts of Ihtiman Sredna Gora Mountain. On the east it borders on the Rhodopes through the Yadenitsa and Yundolska Rivers, the Yundola Saddle, Lyuta River, Avramov's Saddle, the Dreshenets River and the Mesta River to Razlog mountain valley. On the south - Razlog mountain valley.

It is separated from Pirin through the Rablevska River, Predel Saddle, and the rivers of Kulina, Elovitsa and Gradevska. On the west - the Valley of the Struma River from the overfall with the Gradevska River to the overfall with the Dzherman River. The valley of the Dzherman River from the overfall with the Struma River to the Dupnitsa Plain. Within the so outlined borders Rila occupies the area of 2396 square kilometres. On the basis of its orographic structures and characteristics and morphographic features the mountain is divided into 4 main parts - Eastern, Middle, North-Western and South-Western. The following rivers serve as their borders - Cherni (Black) Iskar, Levi (Left) Iskar, Beli (White) Iskar, Rilska, Iliina, Belishka and Stankova as well as the ridge saddles - Kobilino Branishte, Kadiin Grob and Gorni Kuki. Each of the main parts, on its part, is subdivided into several subparts bearing the names of the highest or central peak. 1.

Eastern Rila is the highest (absolutely) and the most spacious of the 4 main parts and it comprises 37% of the total area of the mountain. Eastern Rila on its part is divided into 7 subparts. Three of them - the Musala, Maritsa and Kovashki are situated on the Moussala gorge and the remaining 4 - Slavov's, Belmeken, Ibur and Mustachal on the Ibur main gorge. The two main gorges cross at the junction Mt. Marishki Chal, situated at the main watershed on the Balkan Peninsula, between the water catchment areas of the Iskar, Maritsa and Mesta Rivers. The 11 highest peaks of the mountain steeper in Eastern Rila headed by Musala (2925.4 m) . The second – Mt. Malka (Little) Musala (2902 m) is situated to the east (they are linked by the narrow rocky edge Trionite (the Saws). The third highest and unique between the altitude of 2800 and 2900 metres – Mt.

Irechek (2852 m) is next to them too. The lake groups of Moussalenski Ezera (“ezera” meaning lakes), Marichini Ezera, Ropalishki Ezera, Yakoruda Ezera and others are in this part as well. The highest lake in Rila is within the Moussala group - the Glacial Lake (2709 m), situated in the immediate proximity on the north under Mount Musala. There are 9 tourist chalets and 2 high-mountain shelters in Eastern Rila. The highest meteorological station in South-Eastern Europe, built in 1932 is situated on the Musala. Eastern Rila winter scenery 2. Middle Rila is the smallest part of the mountain - it occupies only 9% of its area. Its relief, however, is the most Alpine with the average altitude above sea level - 2077.17 m. Middle Rila has two main ridges - Skakavishko and Riletsko separated by the valley of the Rilska River. They are linked by Mt.

Kanarata (The Rock) (2691м), occupying a focal place in the orohydrographic characteristics of the whole mountain, known as the “navel” of Rila. Three subparts are outlined along the Skakavishki Main Ridge - Skakav, Marinkov and Shishkov. There are 3 subparts along the Rilets Ridge, too - Kanara, Rilets and Brichebor, i.e. Middle Rila has 6 subparts. The highest peak is Mt. Karaalanitsa (Black Meadow) - 2716 m (14th highest in Rila). The following peaks are remarkable, too: Mt. Rilets (2713 m), Mt. Yosafitsa (2697 m), Mt. Aladzha Slap (2684 m), Mt. Vodniya Chal (Water Peak) (2683 m). Middle Rila is rich in glacial lakes. Here are: the Fish Lakes, Prekorech Lakes, Mermer Lakes, Karaomerish Lakes, Dzhendem (Hell) Lakes, the Monastery Lakes.

The biggest glacial lake on the Balkan Peninsula - Smradlivoto (Srinking) with the area of 212 decares is also in this part of the mountain. There are 3 chalets in Middle Rila and one high-mountain shelter. 3. North-Western Rila, which is divided into low and high (Alpine) parts, occupies 24% of the total area of the mountain and is the third biggest in relation to the average altitude above sea level, too - 1555.73 m. Its low part comprises the oblong Govedartsi mountain valley and the so-called Lakatish Rila, which is a fore-mountain of the main massif of Rila. The high (Alpine) part is divided into Malyovitsa, Damga, Kalins, Otovish and Kabul subparts. The most prominent Alpine sites of Rila and Bulgaria are located in the Malyovitsa subpart. These are the peaks: Mt. Malyovitsa (2730 m) - the symbol of Bulgarian alpinism and mountaineering), Mt. Kupenite (the highest of them – Mt.

Great Kupen is the highest peak in North-Western Rila - 2731 м), Mt. Elenin, Mt. Orlovets, Mt. Zliya Zub (Evil Tooth), Mt. Dvuglav (Two-headed), Mt. Lovnitsa, Mt. Petlite (Roosters), Mt. Orleto (Little Eagle) and a number of others. Some of the biggest and significant lake groups are situated in this part of the mountain – Urdini Ezera, Malyovshki Ezera, Elenski Ezera, Gradinski Ezera, Popovokapski Ezera, as well as the biggest and most famous lake group on the Balkan Peninsula – Sedemte Rilski Ezera (The 7 Rila Lakes). There are 10 tourist chalets and 2 high-mountain shelters built up in North-Western Rila. 4. South-Western Rila comprises 30% of the mountain - the lowest part with the average altitude above sea level of 1306.63 m.

It is divided into two main ridges - northern, consisting of Mechi Vruh and Tsarev Vruh subpart and southern, divided into Parangal, Kapatnik and Hurs. Mt. Angel is the highest in this subpart (2643 m). Some of the more remarkable peaks here are Mt. Goliam Mechi (Big Bear) (2618 m), Mt. Uzunitsa (2606 m), Mt. Tsarev Vruh (Tsar's Peak) (2378 m), Mt. Kapatnik (2170 m) and others. There are 2 tourist's chalets in South-Western Rila. One of the oldest biosphere reserves in Bulgaria is located on the territory of this part - Parangalitsa, known also for its centuries-old spruces. Some of the most well-known Bulgarian rivers flowing their waters in the direction of both the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea spring from Rila, i.e. the main watershed of the Balkans passes through it.

Solely the Iskar River drains into the Black Sea, but its water catchment area in Rila is big enough including its initial tributaries Cherni (Black), Beli (White) and Levi (Left) Iskar as well as a lot of other smaller ones. The Chanakski Ezera (Chanak Lakes) in North-Western Rila are considered as the origin of the Iskar River near the cirque of the 7 Rila Lakes. The longest Bulgarian river - the Maritsa River as well as the Mesta River empty in the Aegean Sea, beyond the territory of Bulgaria. The first flows out of Marichini Ezera (Maritsa Lakes), south of Mt. Moussala, and the second drains the southern slopes of Eastern Rila. The water catchment area of Struma River (taking its rise from Vitosha Mountain) is spacious, too. It catches the waters of the western and south-western slopes of Rila and also empties into the Aegean Sea, on the territory of Greece.

Among its Rila tributaries of greater importance are the Rila River, the Dzherman River, the Dupnitsa River and the Blagoevgrad Bistritsa River. Rila National Park was established on February 24, 1992 to conserve the natural heritage of the Rila Mountains as well as the local traditions, culture, and livelihoods linked with the area. The National Park Directorate, a regional body reporting to the Ministry of Environment and Waters, manages the Park. The Directorate engages local organizations and volunteers to pursue its goals. Park Statistics: Highest elevation: Musala at 2,925 meters above sea level Lowest elevation: the area above Blagoevgrad, at 800 meters above sea level Wooded area: 53,481 hectares 90% of all ecosystems are natural There are four nature reserves, with a combined area of 16,222.1 hectares Protected Area: Rila National Park is one of the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe—listed as Category 2 by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The Park and all four of its nature reserves are on the UN List of Representative Protected Areas.

The Parangalitsa Reserve and the former Marichini Ezera Reserve (now incorporated in the territory of Central Rila Reserve) are part of the World Biospheric Reserves Network under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program. Central Rila is the largest nature reserve in Bulgaria and covers a total area of 12,393.7 hectares. Parangalitsa, designated in 1933, is one of the oldest Bulgarian nature reserves. Ecosystems: Most of Rila National Park is covered in thick forests—primarily spruce, white fir, and Macedonian pine. The higher plant species identified thus far, within the park, constitute 38.35% of the higher flora of Bulgaria. There exist: - 57 endemic species (of limited geographic range) are local endemic species Untitled Comment Hasn't voted Another popular starting point for Rila is the town of Dupnica - about 2 hours by train south of Sofia . If you want to hike in the Western part of Rila (including "seven rila lakes"), this is where you need to start.

Posted Sep 17, 2003 1:08 pm Untitled Comment Hasn't voted That was a period of 500 years, which started some 700 years AFTER (!) establishment of the Bulgarian Kingdom. So Bulgaria just REGAINED its independency, in the 1800s, unfortunately in way-smaller size than it had been in the 14th century. Posted Sep 25, 2003 9:50 am Govedartsi, Rila Mountains Adventures (Bulgaria), Solowalks Govedartsi, Rila Mountains Adventures (Bulgaria) For bookings or questions, contact us at +359 2 400 10 50 or info@solowalks.com Experience the unique nature of the highest mountain range on the Balkan Peninsula. The Rila Mountains range is not only the tallest on the Balkan Peninsula, but also within southeast Europe. The highest peak is Musala (standing at 2,925 m, or 9,596 ft).

Many of the summits here are close to 3,000 m, or 9,842 ft, high. Rila (an old Slavic word, meaning "Water Mountain") looks like a rough sea of mountain ridges and peaks, and boasts deep gorges with no less than 150 crystal clear lakes. Thanks to mild winds from the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains have an entirely unique vegetation. A big part of the National Park is under the protection of UNESCO. Tour Highlights ♦ Rila Mountains are the highest mountains in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala - 2925 m a.s.l. ♦ The circus of Seven Rila Lakes is the most beautiful one in Bulgaria. ♦ Maliovitsa resort is a famous place of the Bulgarian alpinism and mountaineering. ♦ Rila Monastery is the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history. ♦ Mount Musala (2925m/9,596ft) is the highest peak in Bulgaria and the entire Balkan Peninsula.

Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Govedartsi village in Rila Mountains (1hr drive). Day 2. Govedartsi – The Seven Rila Lakes We walk to The Seven Rila Lakes – probably the most eminent area of Rila Mountains. The path climbs up to the first lake on a ridge through dense dwarf pin, offering fine views of both the Vitosha and Verila mountains. We pass through all the 7 Rila lakes, the highest being at 2500m and descend on the panoramic Green ridge with views to the majestic Malyovitsa range. The trek ends again at Vada hut. Walking time: 6-7 hrs; uphill walk: 1,050 m (3,444 ft); downhill walk: 850 m (2,788 ft); Day 3. Govedartsi – Maliovitsa resort – Prekorechki Lakes Today we walk in Maliovitsa region to the wide circus of Prekorechki Lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m (Popova Kapa, Kupenite, Iglite etc.).

We visit also The Scary Lake before walking downhill on a steep rocky slope to the west coast of Yonchevo Lake (more than 200m long) and further to Maliovitsa resort. Walking time: about 6.30 hrs; uphill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); downhill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); Day 4. Govedartsi – Musala Peak The highest peak on the Balkans – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.) awaits us today. Enjoyable walk along Dwarf Pine massifs with the jagged form of Mount Musala at the background leads us to Musalenski Lakes, lying at the foots of the peak. The view from the top is truly breath-taking – you can make out the remaining peaks of Rila Mountains; the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains; Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains; the green summits of the Rodopi Mountains; and last, but not least, the long body of the Balkan range.Transfer back to Govedartsi.

Walking time: about 6.30 hrs; uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); Day 5. Departure Transfer to Sofia airport for departure. All walks in the original program could be adjusted by the guide on spot depending on the physical condition of the hikers (there is a diversity of hiking trails in the mountains, varying in difficulty grade). The tour provides the opportunity more days to be added to the program if purchased in advance. These could be spent on self-guided walking in the area, more guided walks, guided sightseeing tours to famous places nearby (Sofia, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv etc.), cycling, birdwatching around Sofia at Dragoman Marsh or along Maritsa River and Pazardzhik hills etc. Please ask for quotation for any of these possibilities.

Incuded in the price: ►4 overnights in a 3*** hotel in double rooms with en-suite facilities on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included, lunchpacks could be ordered on spot at the amount of 5-6 EUR)►all ground transfers►lift tickets ►pick up/drop off at Plovdiv or Sofia airport ►English-speaking guide► VAT and all local taxes. Not incuded: ►map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour) ►guidance and transfer for additional days outside the program ►lunches/lunchpacks ►tips ►entrance fees ►alcohol drinks and other personal expenses. Other expences: ►single room supplement: 60 EURO Good to know: All walks in the original program could be adjusted by the guide on spot depending on the physical condition of the hikers (there is a diversity of hiking trails in the mountains, varying in difficulty grade). The tour provides the opportunity more days to be added to the program if purchased in advance.

These could be spent on self-guided walking in the area, more guided walks, guided sightseeing tours to famous places nearby (Sofia, Rila Monastery, Melnik and Rozhen Monastery, Kovachevitsa etc.) etc. Please ask for quotation for any of these possibilities. EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. In summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport. We can arrange for you a bus or train ticket to the starting point of the active tour with transfer to the central bus/railway station in these towns, picking you up at the airport upon arrival or vice versa at the end of your tour (this would only cost you appr. 20-30 Euro per car + the bus/train ticket price itself). For detailed information and prices, please look at the trip dossier.

Govedartsi, Rila Mountains Adventures (Bulgaria) - Guided Walks - Product types - Penguin Travel Govedartsi, Rila Mountains Adventures (Bulgaria) Experience the unique nature of the highest mountain range on the Balkan Peninsula. The Rila Mountains range is not only the tallest on the Balkan Peninsula, but also within southeast Europe. The highest peak is Musala (standing at 2,925 m, or 9,596 ft). Many of the summits here are close to 3,000 m, or 9,842 ft, high. Rila (an old Slavic word, meaning "Water Mountain") looks like a rough sea of mountain ridges and peaks, and boasts deep gorges with no less than 150 crystal clear lakes. Thanks to mild winds from the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains have an entirely unique vegetation. A big part of the National Park is under the protection of UNESCO. Tour Highlights ♦ Rila Mountains are the highest mountains in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala - 2925 m a.s.l. ♦ The circus of Seven Rila Lakes is the most beautiful one in Bulgaria.

♦ Maliovitsa resort is a famous place of the Bulgarian alpinism and mountaineering. ♦ Rila Monastery is the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history. ♦ Mount Musala (2925m/9,596ft) is the highest peak in Bulgaria and the entire Balkan Peninsula. Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Govedartsi village in Rila Mountains (1hr drive). Day 2. Govedartsi – The Seven Rila Lakes We walk to The Seven Rila Lakes – probably the most eminent area of Rila Mountains. The path climbs up to the first lake on a ridge through dense dwarf pin, offering fine views of both the Vitosha and Verila mountains. We pass through all the 7 Rila lakes, the highest being at 2500m and descend on the panoramic Green ridge with views to the majestic Malyovitsa range. The trek ends again at Vada hut.

Walking time: 6-7 hrs; uphill walk: 1,050 m (3,444 ft); downhill walk: 850 m (2,788 ft); Day 3. Govedartsi – Maliovitsa resort – Prekorechki Lakes Today we walk in Maliovitsa region to the wide circus of Prekorechki Lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 2700m (Popova Kapa, Kupenite, Iglite etc.). We visit also The Scary Lake before walking downhill on a steep rocky slope to the west coast of Yonchevo Lake (more than 200m long) and further to Maliovitsa resort. Walking time: about 6.30 hrs; uphill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); downhill walk: 850m (2,788 ft); Day 4. Govedartsi – Musala Peak The highest peak on the Balkans – Musala (2925 m a.s.l.) awaits us today.

Enjoyable walk along Dwarf Pine massifs with the jagged form of Mount Musala at the background leads us to Musalenski Lakes, lying at the foots of the peak. The view from the top is truly breath-taking – you can make out the remaining peaks of Rila Mountains; the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains; Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains; the green summits of the Rodopi Mountains; and last, but not least, the long body of the Balkan range.Transfer back to Govedartsi. Walking time: about 6.30 hrs; uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); Day 5. Departure Transfer to Sofia airport for departure. All walks in the original program could be adjusted by the guide on spot depending on the physical condition of the hikers (there is a diversity of hiking trails in the mountains, varying in difficulty grade). The tour provides the opportunity more days to be added to the program if purchased in advance.

These could be spent on self-guided walking in the area, more guided walks, guided sightseeing tours to famous places nearby (Sofia, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv etc.), cycling, birdwatching around Sofia at Dragoman Marsh or along Maritsa River and Pazardzhik hills etc. Please ask for quotation for any of these possibilities. Incuded in the price: ►4 overnights in a 3*** hotel in double rooms with en-suite facilities on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included, lunchpacks could be ordered on spot at the amount of 5-6 EUR)►all ground transfers►lift tickets ►pick up/drop off at Plovdiv or Sofia airport ►English-speaking guide► VAT and all local taxes. Not incuded: ►map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour) ►guidance and transfer for additional days outside the program ►lunches/lunchpacks ►tips ►entrance fees ►alcohol drinks and other personal expenses.

Other expences: ►single room supplement: 60 EURO Good to know: All walks in the original program could be adjusted by the guide on spot depending on the physical condition of the hikers (there is a diversity of hiking trails in the mountains, varying in difficulty grade). The tour provides the opportunity more days to be added to the program if purchased in advance. These could be spent on self-guided walking in the area, more guided walks, guided sightseeing tours to famous places nearby (Sofia, Rila Monastery, Melnik and Rozhen Monastery, Kovachevitsa etc.) etc. Please ask for quotation for any of these possibilities. EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. In summer time there are loads of opportunities to book a cheap flight to Bourgas or Varna Airport instead of landing at Sofia Airport.

We can arrange for you a bus or train ticket to the starting point of the active tour with transfer to the central bus/railway station in these towns, picking you up at the airport upon arrival or vice versa at the end of your tour (this would only cost you appr. 20-30 Euro per car + the bus/train ticket price itself). For detailed information and prices, please look at the trip dossier. How to get there: For low-cost flights to Bulgaria please check: Wizz Air ; Easy Jet ; Germanwings ; Penguin Travel ; Norwegian Air Shuttle We recommend trip in the period: June - September Gallery The mountains of Bulgaria - trekking, ski touring, mountain biking, snowshoeing Wed, 18 Jan 2017 03:40:54 +0000 en-US Visit Rila National Park in Bulgaria - Here I Hike Home bulgaria europe hiking national parks Visit Rila National Park in Bulgaria Visit Rila National Park in Bulgaria Karina bulgaria , europe , hiking , national parks Do you believe in pure beauty and wanderlust?

Meet one of the most impressive Easter European natural parks with its magnificent mountains that host Balkans's Peninsula greatest peak: Musala - 2925 m. Bulgaria's biggest National Park, Rila is situated 100 km south from Sofia, the state capital. Its name comes from the Thracian tribes and it translates in well irrigated mountains. No surprise since you can find here over 120 lakes and many rivers that do not cease to call for tourists in any moment of the year. View towards Musalenski Jezera from the route to Musala Peak Access For entering in the Rila National Park (from Sofia) the easiest route is to take Sofia's ring road E721 and then head on road number 82 that walks along Iskar artificial lake towards Borovets city. Borovets is a tiny city that functions like a resort all year long, in the warm season for hiking and leisure activities and during the winter for ski.

Borovets is situated at 1300 m altitude and from here you can take the cable car that takes you straight to the park at Yestrebets , 2369 m altitude in about 20 minutes (5 km in a straight line). This is a very cheap help (6 euro tour - re-tour per person) considering that you don't need to carry all the equipment as the cable car is doing this for you. Accommodation The park has numerous accommodations and covers a large palette of preferences. For winter, more comfort or picky tourists, there will always be something suitable in Borovets no matter the budget you have for this. If you go up, to Yestrebets, you can also find here accommodation options, restaurants and bars. The price for one night could go somewhere around 15 € / night / person. Tent We did not stop at a 5 star hotel so we choose to sleep in a million stars accommodation in our tiny tent near Musala Hut. We took the cable car from Borovets to Yestrebets and from here we did a super easy hike for about one hour walk time to Musalenski Jezera (and Musala hut).

Even here, you can choose if you want to sleep indoors, near the lake (free of charge) or near the hut (for the symbolic price of 1 €/night). Bulgarians are relaxed about wild camping so you can pick a favorite spot and camp there, like we did, beside the lake and I tell you the view is amazing, so emotional and tranquil. Musala Hut Musala Hut is at 2389 m altitude, has a full capacity of 60 persons and the price per night is around 8 €/person/night. Here you can also find a small restaurant and bar. Next to Musala, there is a really big cabin, but still under construction, so probably in a few years there will be even more places to choose from. Musalenski Jezera (lake), to the right Musala Hut and to the left the big cabin in construction. Everest Hut At 2709 m, we find another accommodation, Everest Hut with a full capacity of 30 people. It has no restaurant, only a small shop with drinks, sweets and souvenirs but you can also find here fresh spring water. Price per night per person is around 6 €.

Everest Hut In case of emergency, right on Musala Peak, at 2925 m altitude you can find a host in the Meteorological station (2 places) but this should not be an option, this is only in case of danger. But the awesome part is that right there, on the top of the mountain you can have a nice tea with Rum or a beer, as they have a little bar. I never saw this anywhere else, a bar a with such a fantastic view located on the highest peak of the mountain range. Wow! Touristic Attractions Rila National Park is a never ending story of beauty! There are over 100 mountain peaks over 2000 m therefore imagine that there are many options for hiking in the warm period and also a surprisingly nice ski resort for the winter. View towards Musala Peak As a note, over 30% of Bulgaria's territory is covered up with mountains so there are plenty of touristic opportunities including: waterfalls, canyons, gorges, mineral springs (Sapareva Banya) and many other interesting spots to visit. The main attraction remains Musala, the highest mountain peak in the whole Balkan Peninsula.

Even if Musala is the king of the mountains around, with its 2925 m, the route is one of the easiest I ever experienced and there are absolutely no technical skills involved (at least for summer hikes). Musala Peak - 2925 m Another highlight of the area would be the Seven Glacial Lakes Circuit ( GPS Track ), a one day hike that starts from Sapareva Banya , climbing up to Pionerska Hut , from where you can take the cable car to reach 2150 m and then, hike your way to the lakes. Touristic activities This time let's start with skiing! There are around 60 km of slopes with the longest continuous route of about 12 km in Borovets Ski Resort. The ski area is located somewhere at 2000 - 2500 m altitude so we can almost be certain that the snow quality is really good. For Western Europe the Skipass price is kind of cheap but for Eastern Europe it can be a bit expensive, reaching 25 € / day.

Except skiing, tourists have many options here, like: hiking, mountain biking, cultural tourism ( Rila Monastery , Tsarska Bistritsa Palace ), and also it seems the Bulgarians have a special disposition for eco trails ( Krushuna , Eco trail Lago , Rido Park , Friends of the plants botanical trail near Govedartsi) and last but not least, because we are in the Balkans, let’s not forget about food! So my traveler friends, any plans for Bulgaria? :) Walking path from Yestrebets to Musalenski Jezera Visit Rila National Park in Bulgaria Reviewed by Karina on 10:16 Rating: 5 Tags : Rila Mountains Self Guided trek / Bulgaria - Azimut Tours - Azimut Tours ITINERARY: DAY 1. Arrival Arrival at Sofia and transfer to the picturesque mountain village of Govedartsi. Check in at the hotel and short briefing regarding the upcoming trek. You will receive from our representative detailed road book, maps and useful information. DAY 2.

Borovets - Zavrachitsa Breakfast and transfer to Borovets resort (1300 m.a.s.l.), where you take a chairlift to the starting point of the trek (1780 m). Soon, you pass by Saragyol royal residence, a beautiful wooden hunting lodge built by Bulgarian Kniaz Ferdinand I, between 1912 and 1914 in Rila National Park. Later you follow the “Kaiser’s path”, a mountain path built more than a century ago by Fedinand I, going through some of the most picturesque places of the mountain. He wanted to impress the Austrian Kaiser Vilhelm taking him on a chariot trip. In the late afternoon you reach Zavrachitsa mountain hut. DAY 3. Zavrachitsa – Musala (2925 m) – Borovets Breath taking sceneries awaits you on this spectacular route offering some of the best alpine panoramas of the mountain.

Traversing the peaks of Mancho (2771 m a.s.l.), Marishki (2765 m) and Big (2779 m) and Little Twin (2777 m) you reach the top of the entire Balkan Peninsula - Musala (2925 m). From the summit, passing by the turquoise Musala lakes you descent to Yastrebets peak from where via the Gondola you reach back Borovets resort. Short transfer to Govedartsi village where you stay for overnight. DAY 4. Malyovitsa – Vazov hut In the morning you explore the most alpine valley of the mountain, famous for its jagged peaks and granite alpine walls popular for rock climbing. You reach Malyovitsa peak (2729 m) and follow the main ridge for stunning panoramas of Rila mountain and the ancient Rila Monastery hidden down in the Valley of Rila River. At the end of the day you reach Vazov hut, nestled in the fairy Pazar Dere area at 2300 m. DAY 5.

Seven Rila Lakes – Skakavitsa waterfall – Sapareva Bania SPAs After breakfast and a short ascent you reach Razdela mountain pass. A real delight expects you exploring the Seven Rila Lakes nature land mark. Passing by the Teardrop, the Eye and the Kidney lakes you descend in century old forests of Skakavitsa nature reserve famous for its rich biodiversity. You visit the highest waterfall of the mountain (80 m) and walk down to Zeleni Preslap where the car is waiting you for a short transfer to Sapareva Bania SPA resort famous for one of the hottest geothermal springs in Europe (103 C). Deserved relaxation in the hot water pools at the end of the trek. DAY 6. Goritsa waterfall – Rila Monastery – Sofia In the morning you have a short walk to Goritsa waterfall (50 m). Later you visit the Rila Monastery, UNESCO World Heritage site and probably the most famous tourist landmark in Bulgaria. Around noon you have a transfer to Sofia, where you check into a hotel and have time for sightseeing in the capital. DAY 7. Departure

Question: Rila at 2,925 m is the highest mountain range in the Balkans. It stands in which country?
Answer: Bulgaria