Winter hiking trip in Rila National Park, Bulgaria with SNP Natuurreizen
Tour type:
group
Tour operator:
Park:
Highlights of the holiday
Get to know the Bulgarian PAN Park on snowshoes and walking in deep snow. Immerse in the winter scenery of majestic mountains and marvel at the rich Bulgarian culture.
The tour is organised by the Dutch tour operator SNP Natuurreizen.
Holiday type
- 8 days
- winter trip
- day walks
Duration of holiday
8 days
Activities by days
Day 1 - Arrival near Rila National Park
Transfer from Sofia Airport to Govedartsi (1.30 h). Overnight in a family guesthouse in Govedartsi for 7 nights.
Day 2 – The first snowshoe tour
After breakfast we have a short introduction and adjustment of the snowshoe equipment. There is no technical difficulty and after a few steps everyone can do it! Afterwards we walk up the valley to Giolechitsa area and return to our base in the afternoon. Hike: + 450 m; - 350 m; duration: 4-5 hours.
Day 3 – Snow hike to enjoy great mountain scenery
Transfer to ski resort Borovets where we take the gondola lift up to Yastrebets hut. There we start our second hike and reach the Mussala hut (2390m). We enjoy views to jagged peaks and also see the highest peak in Southeast Europe – Mussala (2925m). We make a break at the hut. Then we climb further up and closer to the peaks, which rise at 2800-2900m. Our final destination is the shelter hut Ledeno Ezero at 2700m. From there we turn back and walk down to the gondola station and ride to Borovets. Drive back to our guesthouse. Hike: + 450 m; - 450 m; duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 4 – Combining snowshoeing and walking
Transfer to Panichishte resort at 1500m. From there snowshoeing to the area of the Seven Rila Lakes. Through the pine forest we ascend steady and soon leave the snow-covered woods behind us. We reach the Rila hut (2150m) and make a break for lunch. Then we walk down with good views to high peaks. Walk back to Panichishte area pass the frozen Skakavitsa waterfall and Skakavitsa hut. Transfer back to Govedartsi. Hike: + 800 m; - 800 m; duration: 7 hours.
Day 5 – Snow hiking above tree line
After a short transfer we reach mountain resort Malyovitsa. We walk from there; pass the ski runs and further up to the frozen lake Yonchevo at 2150m. We have marvellous views to high peaks in Rila because we are above the tree line. From there we walk down to Ovnarsko area and back to the main road where our bus will pick us and drive us back to Govedartsi. Hike: + 450 m; - 800 m; duration: 5 hours.
Day 6 – Visiting the Rila Monastery
Today it will be an easy day. We transfer to the great Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century and now with more than 1000 years of history. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before our visit we make a hike above the monastery and walk down. We visit the monastery, which in winter is covered with snow because it lies in the Rila Mountains at 1150m, surrounded by old pine forests. In the afternoon we return back to Govedartsi. Hike: - 200 m; duration 1.30 hours
Day 7 – A rewarding walking and snowshoe hike
Transfer to ski resort Borovets where we take a chair lift up to Sitniakovo area. From there we walk to Chakar Voivoda hut at 1950m. Along the hut we go to the flat and snowy meadow from where we start a climb to the peak Shatur at 2495m. The ascend is steady but not that steep and we have snowshoes, which means that we can make our own path. On the last hiking day this peak and the panorama from above are rewarding. In good weather we can see most of the high peaks in Rila Mountains. Descend from north and walk towards the chair lift at Sitniakovo. Ride back to Borovets and drive back to our guesthouse. Farewell dinner in Govedartsi. Hike: + 750 m; - 750 m; hiking time 5 hours.
Day 8 - Transfer to Sofia Airport and flight to Amsterdam
In the morning transfer to Sofia (1.30 h.). We take a sightseeing tour of the capital city and see the main cultural monuments such as the great Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Roman ruins of the ancient city, the building of the former Royal Palace, the government buildings, etc.
Supporting wilderness conservation
By participating in this trip you support the PAN Parks Foundation and thus financially contribute to the protection of Europe’s wilderness, the continent’s most undisturbed areas of nature.
More on what the PAN Parks Foundation does
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