2-day hike from Seven Rila Lakes to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria
Join Nikolay, a UIMLA-certified guide on this hike through the Balkan Peninsula! You will see everything from crystal-clear rivers to ancient monasteries.
Balkan Mountains
2 Days
Jun - Oct
Intermediate
Intermediate
Description
Calling all lakeside hikers for an unforgettable 2 days in the Balkan Peninsula! Here, we will be able to see all of the magic that nature has to offer.
The Rila Mountains are arguably the most boasted-about mountain range in the Balkan Peninsula. And the word,”Rila” meaning “Water Mountain” in old Slavic, might give you a good reason as to why. The Rila Mountains’ highest summit is located at 2,925 meters above sea level and the mountain range still manages to house deep gorges, a UNESCO world heritage site (the Rila Monastery) and over 150 lakes, 7 of which we will get to go out and explore. These lakes include: the Eye, the Tear, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake and the Lower Lake.
We will begin our trip in the capital city of Sofia before being transported to Panichishte resort area where a chairlift will carry us to the base of our hike. From there, we will hike about 5-6 hours to see all of the 7 lakes up close, and even enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Eventually, after passing the Razdela, we will descend to the Ivan Vazov hut (2300m) and for dinner and our accommodation. After enjoying breakfast the following morning we will begin our descent of 6-7 hours to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Rila Monastery. The day will be filled with many panoramic views of the forest and mountains, and once the hike concludes, we will transport everyone back to Sofia.
This 2-day trip is intermediate in terms of its difficulty, as we will be hiking about 6 hours on average per day. This trip covers meals, accommodation and transportation, as well, and there is also a discount for people in groups of 2 or more.
So, if you have ever wanted to ogle at the crystal-clear lakes nestled within the Balkan Peninsula, this is the trip for you! And if you are interested in exploring more of the Bulgarian mountainside, be sure to check out my trip trekking to Musala Peak!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Mountain guide expenses
- Lifts tickets
Price details
- The food included in the price is a small energy pack. The price excludes: food and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, insurance, museum entry fees
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1
After meeting in the capital city of Sofia, transportation will be provided to the Panichishte resort area, where we take a chairlift to the Rila Lakes mountain hut. Once we arrive there, we will start our hike to explore all the lakes (the Eye, the Tear, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake and the Lower Lake) on the way to Ivan Vazov hut, where we will stay the night.
Day 2: Day 2
After breakfast we will start our descent to Rila monastery. This day is full with beautiful mountain panoramas and forest trails. After visiting the monastery, transportation will be provided back to Sofia.
FAQs
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About the guide
Nikolay
4.8
(40)
Mountain Leader
I started snowboarding when only a few people were doing it. At the time, it was just an emerging sport. We used to experiment modifying our equipment by hand. We didn't know about first lines or powder days, we were simply having fun and enjoying amazing snow.
As things got more serious, I gained experience and learned more about the mountains. I found so many new possibilities!
From the mountains, I learned how to enjoy with just the essentials, to travel lightly and to cherish the company of a friend on the snow. But I also learned responsibility and learned from my mistakes.
This passion led me in 1994 to the Himalayas, where the beauty of the scenery and the amazing peaks were almost overwhelming. In summer, I started exploring the mountain and in this way I discovered climbing.
All of this inspired me to become a professional. Now I have a Ski Instructor Qualification Class C, a Professional Mountain Leader UIMLA Qualification and in 2009 I became the first Bulgarian snowboard guide. Since 2017, I'm a snowboard Instructor qualification Level “3” and international ISIA.
Languages
Russian | English | Bulgarian
Certificates
UIMLA
What people are saying about Nikolay
JOSEP
Fantastic guide and amazing terrain for freeriding and splitboarding, not crowded.
Akseli
Guide was professional and safe. The trip we made was pretty much all I hoped. Everything (planning, guidance for rentals and the trip) worked out like a charm.
Tomer
we approached Explore - Share to find a guide for the Via Ferrata Malyovitsa in Bulgaria. Nikolay Pavlov responded and from this moment remain in ongoing communication to make sure we receive a great service. he was very responsive and was kind enough to assist us in planning additional hiking days. on the July 31st we met one of his guides - Stoimaen (AKA - Bambita) and another guide - Elena which led my partner and myself through the Via Ferrata with a lot of good spirit and patience (and passion).they made the introduction to Bulgarian outdoors much enjoyable. The additional tips we received from this great team enhanced the quality of our Bulgarian adventure. much recommended. Regards Natasha & Tomer
Leanne
Nikolay was brilliant, really accommodating to our date changes. Extremely friendly and helpful, has great knowledge of the area. We felt very comfortable and confident even though the weather wasn't great. Overall really enjoyed our 2 day split boarding course. Would highly recommend for anyone that wants a challenge.
Red
Did a trip in Feb 2019 with Nikolay. This is the second year we have been with him. Brilliant day out with hiking and riding off the beaten track. I would highly reccomend this if you're looking for an experience off the slopes!!!
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