Rila, Vitosha, Bulgaria 7 Day Guided Snowshoe Tour

You will arrive at the airport of Sofia. After a 1:30 hours transfer, you will get to the Govedartsi Village (1200m). It’s located in a beautiful valley at the foot of Rila Mountains. Our accommodation of the day will be in a 3-star family hotel. Free afternoon.

We will be transferred to Malyovitsa area at 1730 meters of height. Then, I will teach you the basis of the use of the equipment. After that, we’ll start ascending the mountain towards the Wild Boars Lake (it’s a remote area of the Northwestern Rila range). If weather helps, we can enjoy the great views of the Kupenite peaks, the highest peaks around. Finally, we’ll descend to the valley of Malyovitsa, resting and having a hot cup of tea at the hut of the same name.

Then, we will descend to our starting point. It is a circular walk that will take us about 5 hours in total, with + 550 meters of elevation. Accommodation in the same hotel than the day before.

Today we’ll cross the mountain to the area of the Rila Seven Lakes. After a short transfer we’ll start the hike following an easy path through the forest that leads us to Vada Hut. The next aim is the Lovna Hut, but on the way we’ll do a short detour to the hidden mount of Zekiritsa (1730 m.). The mountain offers a unique view of the top parts of Northwestern Rila. After a short stop at Lovna Hut, we will finally descend to Pionerska Hut. From there, a 10-minute transfer will take us to our next accommodation. It is a 3-star hotel in Panichishte at 1400 meters of height. The total walking time for today will be about 5 hours, ascending 450 meters.

We will head up to the Seven Lakes area early in the morning in order to start a 2-day circular walk. A short ride will take us to Zeleni Preslop area at 1600 meters. Then, we’ll enter to the Skakavitsa Reserve in order to continue our way to the Skakavitsa Hut, the oldest one in these mountains. After about 1 hour we’ll reach the hut. From here, we’ll do a 40 minutes detour to get to the foot of Skakavitsa Waterfall, which is usually covered by thick ice during this time of the year. Back to the hut, we will continue ascending the Dry Ridge mountain that separates the Skakvitsa valley from the Seven Lakes cirque. We’ll go out of the forest and continue following the large ridge, enjoying a great view on both sides, until we reach a big lake (the Kidney Lake). Final descent close to the other lakes that will take us to Rila Lakes Mountain Hut. Overnight staying in the hut, where good food and accommodation facilities are waiting us.

We will descend from the hut and then, we’ll be transferred to our hotel, where we take our swimming stuff and head to the village of Sapareva Banya. It is the hottest thermal spring of Europe (103 degrees). We’ll lunch in a local restaurant and have a walk around the village. Accommodation in the hotel of Panichishte.

In the morning of our 6th day, we’ll set off to the highest parts of Vitosha Mountain. Our aim for today will be to climb Mount Cherni Vruh (2290m). We’ll hike its highest parts enjoying great views both of Sofia and Rila mountains. Finally, we’ll descend to Aleko Hut. A 40-minute transfer will take us to the center of Sofia. Accommodation in a 3-star hotel. Upon the flight schedules there might be time for a short sightseeing walk in Sofia. The total walking time for the day will be about 5 hours, with an elevation gained of +500 meters.

Departure. After a week of great snowshoeing experiences it’s time to say goodbye. End of the program!