Explore the Beauty of Rila – 4 Days Hiking Tour

Explore the highlights of Rila mountain with this hiking tour which will take you up to the most beautiful mountain in the Balkans. You can choose this hiking tour to Rila mountain to be Guided (with personal mountain guide) or Self-guided (then I’ll send you detailed instructions about the route and you will be tour guide yourself.) Bellow the gallery you will find detailed program for this hiking tour in Rila and the different route options. Don’t forget to send me quote if you have any questions about the itinerary, price, transportation or anything else related to the tour.

At a Glance

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours/day
Hiking Tour Duration: 3 Days
Best period: May – October
Hiking level: Intermediate/ Advanced
Price: Depends on your personal needs and preferences

Highlights

Visit the most stunning mountain landscapes of Bulgaria – Musala peak, Seven Rila Lakes, Malyovitsa and the top Bulgarian landmark – the Rila monastery.
Hike the beautiful Skakavitsa waterfall
Explore the rich flora and fauna in Rila and get closer to the nature
Hike the highest peak in the Balkans – Musala (2925m)

Detailed Program

Day 1
Meet you at your location (hotel, airport or wherever) in Bulgaria and transfer you to the starting point of out hiking trip to Rila mountain – Borovets. On the way I’ll give you all the detailed information and paper print of the entire itinerary. Overnight in Borovets.

Day 2
On the second day we’ll start the real hiking tour to the highest peak in Bulgaria – Musala. This route is usually divided into four stages, starting from Borovets:

Stage 1: ascent with the chairlift from Borovets to Yastrebets Hut – 30 min
Stage 2: Hiking from from Yastrebetz to Musala hut – 1 hour
Stage 3: Hiking from hut Musala to the Glacial lake shelter – 1 hour 10 min
Stage 4: Climb from the Glacial lake shelter to the Musala peak – 30 min.

The total hiking time for this day is about 6 – 7 hours with the breaks on the way
Overnight in the same hotel in Borovets.

*There are two options for the days 3rd and 4th

Option 1: Seven Rila Lakes – Ivan Vazov Hut – Malyavitsa

Day 3

We must wake up early this morning, because we need to take a ride before start hiking to the Seven Rila Lakes. Around 9 we’ll reach the starting hiking point – Panichishte (the lift station) where we’ll take the chairlift for 45 min. lift ride to the upper lift station. From there we’ll go hiking the Seven Rila Lakes on the way to the Ivan Vasov hut, where we’ll spend the night. The hiking time this day is about 4-5 hours.

Day 4

After breakfast and meeting the first sun we will start our last day of hiking in Rila mountain. The itinerary this day includes hiking from Ivan Vazov hut to Malyovitsa peak and then descent through Elenini Lakes to the picturesque Malyovitsa valley. After a short rest I will drive you back to any place in the country.

Option 2: Malyovitsa – Seven Rila Lakes – Rila Monastery

Day 3

Again wake up early in the morning and take the car, but this time not to Rila lakes, but the start hiking point of Malyovitsa valley. We’ll start hiking the Rila mountain around 9:00. On our way we’ll pass the Elenini Lakes, Malyovitsa peak and hut and hike to the Seven Rila Lakes and the same name hut, where we’ll spend the night. This day the hiking time can reach 10 hours, depending on the breaks.

Day 4

After breakfast and we have a rest in the hut we’ll start our last day of hiking in Rila mountain. The itinerary this day includes hiking from Seven Rila lakes to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bulgaria – Skakavitsa. The hiking time this day is about 5-6 hours and if we depart early in the morning we’ll have time to spend around the waterfall. After a short rest I will drive you back to wherever you like.

If you have any questions about the route, the equipment you need during the hiking tour, information or pictures of the huts or anything else do not hesitate to ask me.

The price of the 4 day hiking tour in Rila mountain depends on your personal preferences for accommodation and pick up/drop off location. Please, send me your inquiries for the price and I’ll calculate the price which will suit your needs.

Benefits

This tour is private! No other tourists will come with you
Itinerary built around you and your hiking level
Pick-up/ Drop off from any location
No rush, you choose the pace
You decide when to do photo stops and breaks
Guided tour – Professional mountain guide
Self-guided tour – Detailed itinerary and instructions

Includes

Transfer with mini van
Two chair lift tickets (to Musala and Seven Rila Lakes)
All transportation costs along the route, fuel, VAT and parking fees
Guided tour – Professional mountain guide
Self-guided tour – Detailed itinerary and instructions
Pickup and drop off from your hotel

Excludes

Food and drinks
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses