Rila Mountains walking break
Rila Mountains walking break
Rila Mountains walking break
5 Days Starting in Sofia, Bulgaria and ending in Sofia
Visiting: Sofia, Govedartsi, Musala, Malyovitsa, Seven Rila Lakes
Tour operator:
Tour code:
737
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
This five day self-guided Rila Mountains walking holiday is a deep dive into the dramatic peaks of the highest range on the Balkan Peninsula. On your trek to its highest peak, Mount Musala (2,925m) you can even see across the border into Greece. Although this is a short break, because you are centre-based, you have plenty of time each day to take on different walks, such as to the region’s spectacular Seven Rila Lakes, Zeleni Rid ridge and through the glacial wonders and pine forests of the Malyovitsa Valley. As well as to Mount Malyovitsa at 2,729m
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival And Transfer To Govedartsi
Location: Sofia, Govedartsi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Once you arrive in Sofia, a transfer will pick you up from the airport and take you to the village of Govedartsi (approx. 1.5h), located in the foothills of the Rila Mountains, where you will be based for the next three days.
Day 2 : Mount Musala (2,925M)
Location: Govedartsi, Musala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
An early morning transfer will take you to Borovets, the oldest mountain resort in Bulgaria, from where you will get on a gondola to the Yastrebets area (the drive to Borovets takes about 30mins, and the gondola ride 30-40mins). Once you get off, you will be already above the treeline at an altitude of 2,369m, and you will see your goal for the day: Mount Musala 2,925m). Initially, you walk on a flat dirt road leading to Musala hut, located next to the Musala Lakes. After the hut, you start hiking on a rocky trail which passes by a couple of glacial lakes only to reach the most famous one, Ledeno Ezero. From the top of the mountain, in good weather, you can see as far as Greece to the south and the Danube River to the north. The way back is on the same trail. Take the gondola down to Borovets. A transfer will take you back to your guesthouse in Govedartsi.
Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓ 700m, 6h
Day 3 : Mount Malyovitsa (2729M)
Location: Malyovitsa, Govedartsi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A short transfer (30mins) will take you to the start of your walk, Malyovitsa ski and mountaineering centre. Initially, you follow a river which will take you to the Malyovitsa Valley. You walk for about one hour through coniferous forest to reach Malyovitsa hut. Having passed the treeline, you head to the peak, ascending gradually. In 20-30mins you reach the main ridge of Rila Mountain and, looking south you will be able to spot the famous Rila Monastery (which you will visit on day five of your holiday). Continue on the main ridge, and very soon you reach Mount Malyovitsa. The way back is on the same trail. When you reach the ski resort, you will be picked up and transferred to Govedartsi village.
Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓ 1,000m, 7-8h
Day 4 : Seven Rila Lakes (2600M)
Location: Seven Rila Lakes, Govedartsi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Krusharskata House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, a transfer (1h 15mins) will take you to the Panichishte area. From here, you get on a chairlift which takes you to 2100m and the Seven Rila Lakes hut. Your circular walk around the glacial lakes starts from here. Each of the lakes is named after its own shape and characteristics: Lower, Fish, Trefoil, Twin, Kidney, Eye and Tear, the highest one being at an elevation of almost 2,600m. The trail will lead you past at least five of them, with the last two being a steeper trek if you choose to add them to your itinerary. From Vada hut, a transfer will take you back to your guesthouse.
Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓ 1,000m, 7-8h
Day 5 : Departure
Location: Sofia
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, a transfer will take you back to Sofia airport or the city centre, and your Rila Mountain walking break will come to an end.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
4 overnights in a small family hotel/guesthouse
-
Meals
(4 breakfasts, 4 dinners
-
All transportation as described in the itinerary
-
Transfer Sofia Airport/city centre – Govedartsi
-
Transfer Govedartsi – Sofia Airport/city centre
-
Detailed route notes and maps (a digital copy, provided before the tour)
-
GPS tracks
-
24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
-
Insurance
-
Airfare and connecting land transfers
-
Meals not listed in the itinerary
-
Tickets for the gondola in Borovets on day two (BGN15/ €8 person)
-
Tickets for the chairlift to the Rila Lakes on day four (BGN12 / €6 per person)
-
Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
-
Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme
Check out our Q&As
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This tour is appropriate for experienced walkers in good physical shape. The walks take an average of 7-8h per day with approximately 800-1,000m ascent/descent (read more about difficulty grades). None of the routes involves scrambling, and there are no sheer drops; still, most of the paths are steep and rocky, requiring sure-footedness. Most of the routes can be shortened in case you find them too difficult.
Most of the trails on the tour are well-marked and signposted, and we will provide you with detailed road notes, maps and GPX tracks and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack. -
When to go?
Our Rila Mountains walking break is available from late June until the end of September. The best time to go walking in Bulgaria is July and August. The trip departs each Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, although departures on other days are also possible (upon request), with some itinerary amendments.
The climate in Bulgaria is temperate continental, with an average of 200 days of sunshine a year. It is influenced both by the colder air coming from the north and the warmer breeze from the Mediterranean. Depending on location and altitude, temperatures vary but between June-September, the daily averages are 15-25C. Spring and autumn are pleasant, with cold nights and occasional rain and thunderstorms. High summer daytime temperatures are rarely too hot as even though temperatures can occasionally reach 30C, the mountains and forests remain cooler, dropping at night to 5-15C. -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they aren't
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No they aren't
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No they aren't
-
Are flights included in this tour?
No they aren't
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Thursday
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Monday - Friday
Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 24, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Monday - Friday
Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Monday - Friday
Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Monday - Friday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Monday - Friday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025Monday - Friday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 27, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Monday - Friday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Monday - Friday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Monday - Friday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Monday - Friday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Monday - Friday
Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.