Winter snowshoeing Adventure in Rila and Pirin mountain
Tour schedule:
Start date:
End date:
From 960 EUR
Price for Adult: 1,060 EUR with VAT.
Price for Group over 4 people: 960 EUR with VAT.
Tour Details
The tour could be tailor made or Privately design.
Eight days among Bulgaria’s most spectacular winter landscapes. This winter adventure on snowshoes, taking us to some of the most iconic peaks and natural landmarks in the Rila and Pirin Mountains. The intenar combines beautiful winter trails, high-mountain landscapes and challenging ascents, with
each day revealing a different side of Bulgaria’s magnificent mountain scenery.
∗ Rila Mountain: Trek through deep, powdery snow to reach the frozen glacial Seven Rila Lakes or climb Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans.
∗ Pirin Mountain: Explore the jagged marble ridges of Vihren and ancient Macedonian pine forests inside a UNESCO World Heritage site.
∗ Expert Guides: Led by certified local mountain guides who ensure safety and share deep knowledge of the alpine wildlife and history.
∗ All Levels Welcome: Custom routes available for both beginners taking their first steps on snowshoes and experienced hikers seeking steep winter terrain.
Highlights:
Day 1: Sofia - Borovets Rezort in National park Rila
∗ From Sofia – our team will be waiting to greet you at the Sofia Airport or you can arrange your pick up point in advance with a member of our booking team.
∗ From Plovdiv – Our team will be waiting to greet you at the Plovdiv Airport, or you can arrange your pick up point in advance with member of our booking team.
∗ Transfer to the Borovets resort in a National Park Rila.
∗ Check in at the hotel and free time.
∗ Welcome tea/fresh juice and home-made cakes (introductions and team building games)
∗ Introduction in the Itinerary for a next days. A detailed briefing will cover movement and safety in winter mountain terrain, ensuring that everything is
ready for the upcoming adventure.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 2: Village of Govedartsi – Malyovitsa summit – Village of Govedartsi
Difficulty: Strenuous (4 from 6),
Elevation: 1006 m (1723 m – 2729 m) – 3300 ft (5652 ft to 8953 ft)
Length: 6.5 km – 4 ml
Duration: 8,00 h (hiking time only)
∗ After breakfast we will start our adventure in the area, we will depart towards the region of Malyovitsa.
∗ We set off on snowshoes through the snow-covered forests of the Malyovitsa area. As we gain altitude, we gradually enter the high mountain terrain, with impressive views opening towards the surrounding peaks and ridges.
∗ Our objective is Malyovitsa Peak – one of the symbols of Bulgaria’s alpine heritage and one of the most recognizable places in the Rila Mountains.
∗ Return to the hotel in a village of Govedartsi.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 3: Village of Govedartsi – Musala summit – Village of Govedartsi
Hiking Difficulty: Moderate (3 from 6)
Elevation: 571 m (2354 m – 2925 m);1873ft (7723 ft – 9596 ft)
Length: 13,70 km (8.512 mi),
Duration: 6,00 h (hiking time only)
∗ Today after breakfast we depart towrads Yastrebets chairlift, leading to the Yastrebets Hut (2369 m/7772 ft).
∗ From there we will start trekking to Musala Hut. [1 hour]
∗ A picnic amidst the captivating tranquillity in the area of the beautiful Rila Mountains.
∗ After the break we will continue hiking to the Ice Lake (2709 m/8887ft ). [1.5 hours]
∗ From there we will start the last hike to Musala Peak (2925 m/9596ft). [30 minutes]
∗ After a stay on the peak we will head back to Yastrebets Hut. [3 hours]
∗ Return to the hotel in a village of Govedartsi.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 4: Village of Govedartsi – Seven Rila Lakes – Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel)
Difficulty: Moderate(3 from 6)
Elevation: 469 m (from 2081 m to 2550 m)–1538 ft (6827 ft to 8316 ft)
Length: 8 km–4.971 ml
Duration: 5,00 h (hiking time only)
∗ Today after breakfast we check out from the hotel and depart towards Panichishte resort.
∗ From there we will take the chairlift, which will lead us to the Rila Lakes mountain hut at an altitude of 2081 m / 6827 ft. Hiking trek to the “Lake Peak” (2535 m / 8316 ft) from where a panoramic view of all seven lakes is revealed.[2 hours]
∗ A pleasant picnic amidst the captivating tranquillity in the area of the Seven Rila Lakes.
∗ Enjoyable afternoon at the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque.
∗ Trekking back to ‘Rila Lakes’ hut and the chairlift.
∗ Departure towards Bansko, Hotel Orbel SPA.
∗ Check in at the hotel, free time.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 5: Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel) – Polezhan Summit – Small Polezhan Summit - Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel).
Difficulty: Moderate (3 from 6)
Elevation: 582 m (from 2269m–2851m) / 1909 ft (from 7444 ft–9353 ft)
Length: 8 km–5 ml
Duration: 6,00 h (hiking time only)
∗ After breakfast we depart towards Gotse Delchev Hut (1412 m/4632 ft above sea level).
∗ From there we will take the chairlift, which will lead us to Bezbog Hut (2269 m/7335 ft above sea level).
∗ Later on we will start trekking to the next stop. [2 hour]
∗ A pleasant picnic amidst the captivating tranquility in the area of the beautiful Pirin Mountains.
∗ After a lunch break, we will continue hiking towards Polezhan Peak. [1 hour]
∗ Inspiring break on the Polezhan peak and then we continue to small Polezhan peak at (2851m – 9353 ft).
∗ Return to the hotel to enjoy some hot thermal mineral water.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 6: Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel) – Vihren Summit – Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel)
Difficulty: Strenuous (4 from 6)
Elevation: 964 m (from 1950 m–2914 m) / 3162 ft (from 6397 ft–9560 ft)
Length: 6 km–4 ml
Duration: 6,00 h (hiking time only)
∗ After breakfast we will continue our adventure in the area, we will depart towards Vihren summit (2,914 m/ 9,560 ft above sea level) – this is Bulgaria’s second and Balkans’ third highest summit after Musala and Mount Olympus.
∗ Short transfer to Vihren Hut (1950 m/6397ft above sea level).
∗ From Vihren Hut we will start trekking to the next stop. [1 hour]
∗ A pleasant picnic amidst the captivating tranquillity in the area of the beautiful Pirin Mountains.
∗ After a lunch break we will continue hiking to Vihren summit (2,914 m /9,560 ft above sea level). [1 hour]
∗ Inspiring break on the peak and then we will return to the trek to Vihren Hut and will board the coach.
∗ Return to the hotel to enjoy some hot thermal mineral water.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 7: Free Day - Optional activities
∗ Today after breakfast we having free days.
∗ Spa day at mineral pool and massage, optional activities (bicycle, riding, climbing – optional), yoga, art and meditation workshops.
∗ Tea/fresh juice & home-made cakes (introductions and team building games).
∗ Free time.
∗ 20:00: Dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 8: Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel) – Transfer to the Airport.
∗ Today after breakfast, check out from the hotel.
∗ Optionaly time for shoping in Sofia.
∗ Transfer to the Airoport or you can arranged your Drop off point in advance with member of our booking team.
We are glad that we spent memorable moments together and we will be happy to meet you soon!
Places You’ll See
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Sofia - Borovets Rezort in National park Rila
∗ From Sofia – our team will be waiting to greet you at the Sofia Airport or you can arrange your pick up point in advance with a member of our booking team.
∗ From Plovdiv – Our team will be waiting to greet you at the Plovdiv Airport, or you can arrange your pick up point in advance with member of our booking team.
∗ Transfer to the Borovets resort in a National Park Rila.
∗ Check in at the hotel and free time.
∗ Welcome tea/fresh juice and home-made cakes (introductions and team building games)
∗ Introduction in the Itinerary for a next days. A detailed briefing will cover movement and safety in winter mountain terrain, ensuring that everything is
ready for the upcoming adventure.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 2: Village of Govedartsi – Malyovitsa summit – Village of Govedartsi
Difficulty: Strenuous (4 from 6),
Elevation: 1006 m (1723 m – 2729 m) – 3300 ft (5652 ft to 8953 ft)
Length: 6.5 km – 4 ml
Duration: 8,00 h (hiking time only)
∗ After breakfast we will start our adventure in the area, we will depart towards the region of Malyovitsa.
∗ We set off on snowshoes through the snow-covered forests of the Malyovitsa area. As we gain altitude, we gradually enter the high mountain terrain, with impressive views opening towards the surrounding peaks and ridges.
∗ Our objective is Malyovitsa Peak – one of the symbols of Bulgaria’s alpine heritage and one of the most recognizable places in the Rila Mountains.
∗ Return to the hotel in a village of Govedartsi.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 3: Village of Govedartsi – Musala summit – Village of Govedartsi
Hiking Difficulty: Moderate (3 from 6)
Elevation: 571 m (2354 m – 2925 m);1873ft (7723 ft – 9596 ft)
Length: 13,70 km (8.512 mi),
Duration: 6,00 h (hiking time only)
∗ Today after breakfast we depart towrads Yastrebets chairlift, leading to the Yastrebets Hut (2369 m/7772 ft).
∗ From there we will start trekking to Musala Hut. [1 hour]
∗ A picnic amidst the captivating tranquillity in the area of the beautiful Rila Mountains.
∗ After the break we will continue hiking to the Ice Lake (2709 m/8887ft ). [1.5 hours]
∗ From there we will start the last hike to Musala Peak (2925 m/9596ft). [30 minutes]
∗ After a stay on the peak we will head back to Yastrebets Hut. [3 hours]
∗ Return to the hotel in a village of Govedartsi.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 4: Village of Govedartsi – Seven Rila Lakes – Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel)
Difficulty: Moderate(3 from 6)
Elevation: 469 m (from 2081 m to 2550 m)–1538 ft (6827 ft to 8316 ft)
Length: 8 km–4.971 ml
Duration: 5,00 h (hiking time only)
∗ Today after breakfast we check out from the hotel and depart towards Panichishte resort.
∗ From there we will take the chairlift, which will lead us to the Rila Lakes mountain hut at an altitude of 2081 m / 6827 ft. Hiking trek to the “Lake Peak” (2535 m / 8316 ft) from where a panoramic view of all seven lakes is revealed.[2 hours]
∗ A pleasant picnic amidst the captivating tranquillity in the area of the Seven Rila Lakes.
∗ Enjoyable afternoon at the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque.
∗ Trekking back to ‘Rila Lakes’ hut and the chairlift.
∗ Departure towards Bansko, Hotel Orbel SPA.
∗ Check in at the hotel, free time.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 5: Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel) – Polezhan Summit – Small Polezhan Summit - Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel).
Difficulty: Moderate (3 from 6)
Elevation: 582 m (from 2269m–2851m) / 1909 ft (from 7444 ft–9353 ft)
Length: 8 km–5 ml
Duration: 6,00 h (hiking time only)
∗ After breakfast we depart towards Gotse Delchev Hut (1412 m/4632 ft above sea level).
∗ From there we will take the chairlift, which will lead us to Bezbog Hut (2269 m/7335 ft above sea level).
∗ Later on we will start trekking to the next stop. [2 hour]
∗ A pleasant picnic amidst the captivating tranquility in the area of the beautiful Pirin Mountains.
∗ After a lunch break, we will continue hiking towards Polezhan Peak. [1 hour]
∗ Inspiring break on the Polezhan peak and then we continue to small Polezhan peak at (2851m – 9353 ft).
∗ Return to the hotel to enjoy some hot thermal mineral water.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 6: Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel) – Vihren Summit – Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel)
Difficulty: Strenuous (4 from 6)
Elevation: 964 m (from 1950 m–2914 m) / 3162 ft (from 6397 ft–9560 ft)
Length: 6 km–4 ml
Duration: 6,00 h (hiking time only)
∗ After breakfast we will continue our adventure in the area, we will depart towards Vihren summit (2,914 m/ 9,560 ft above sea level) – this is Bulgaria’s second and Balkans’ third highest summit after Musala and Mount Olympus.
∗ Short transfer to Vihren Hut (1950 m/6397ft above sea level).
∗ From Vihren Hut we will start trekking to the next stop. [1 hour]
∗ A pleasant picnic amidst the captivating tranquillity in the area of the beautiful Pirin Mountains.
∗ After a lunch break we will continue hiking to Vihren summit (2,914 m /9,560 ft above sea level). [1 hour]
∗ Inspiring break on the peak and then we will return to the trek to Vihren Hut and will board the coach.
∗ Return to the hotel to enjoy some hot thermal mineral water.
∗ Hotel dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 7: Free Day - Optional activities
∗ Today after breakfast we having free days.
∗ Spa day at mineral pool and massage, optional activities (bicycle, riding, climbing – optional), yoga, art and meditation workshops.
∗ Tea/fresh juice & home-made cakes (introductions and team building games).
∗ Free time.
∗ 20:00: Dinner and relaxation time at the charming atmosphere to get ready for the next day.
Day 8: Bansko Rezort (SPA hotel) – Transfer to the Airport.
∗ Today after breakfast, check out from the hotel.
∗ Optionaly time for shoping in Sofia.
∗ Transfer to the Airoport or you can arranged your Drop off point in advance with member of our booking team.
We are glad that we spent memorable moments together and we will be happy to meet you soon!
Pick up/ Drop off points:
From Sofia - Our team will be waiting to greet you at the Sofia Airport or at, or you can arrange your pick up point in advance with member of our booking team.
From Plovdiv - Our team will be waiting to greet you at the Plovdiv Airport, or you can arrange your pick up point in advance with member of our booking team.
Experience one of Bulgaria’s most striking mountain landscapes. Leisurely pace and hike all the way up to the highest of the seven lakes in the largest national park in Bulgaria (National park Rila). The park is located about (100 km – 62 ml) south of Sofia.
In addition, the Park contains rare and endangered wildlife species and communities. Self-regulating ecosystems of biological diversity, as well as historic sites of global cultural and scientific significance. Some of the largest rivers in the Balkan Peninsula originate here.
In fact the name Rila is derived from the Thracian word roula – which means a lots of water.
In a Rila Mountain is the highest peak not only in Bulgaria but also in the Balkans. Musala peak with its 2925.4 m. – 9596ft., it is also the seventh highest among European leaders.
The Malyovitsa region is the cradle of Bulgarian mountaineering. In fact the region is one of the most popular tourist regions in the Rila mountain.
Malyovitsa is a peak in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountain in southwestern Bulgaria. It is (2,729 m – 8 ft above sea level) and is one of the most popular tourist regions in the mountain. Its northern and eastern slopes are steep and almost inaccessible while the southern and south-western slopes are more oblique.
The main starting point for treks in the region of Malyovitsa at an altitude of (1,700 m – 5652 ft).
Vihren summit is the highest peak of the Pirin Mountains. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage – Pirin National Park.
The altitude is 2,914 m – 9,560 ft above sea level. In fact this is Bulgaria’s second and the Balkans’ third highest, after Musala and Mount Olympus.
It is located in the northern part of Pirin and more precisely on the main ridge between Hvoynati peak and Kutelo peak, between the rivers Vlahinska and Banderitsa.
Also it is one of the most impressive places for tourism in the Pirin Mountains.
Food:
Our guests can choose from different diets, including vegetarian, Jain or non-vegetarian (Halal will not always be available) meals. Passengers should advise the tour representative of their preferred diet on day one. The meals are pre-set buffet, and a choice of menu is not available.
Dinners are usually provided within the hotel or restaurant. You should always consult member of our staff if you have any alergy to the ingredients of the dishs or you not sure of what ingredients a dish contains.
Why to choose us:
(pre arrangement required)
(pre arrangement required)
Winter snowshoeing Adventure in Rila and Pirin mountain
Tour schedule:
Start date:
End date:
From 960 EUR
Price for Adult: 1,060 EUR with VAT,
Price for Group over 4 people: 960 EUR with VAT.
Price included:
Price per person: 1060 € per person in a Shared Double room (two people in the room).
Price per person: 1460 € in a Private Single room.
∗ Returning transport will be by coach from pick up point and drop off point.
∗ 4 x night in a 4 stars HOTEL ORPHEY in Bansko, National park rila: https://orphey.eu/
∗ 3 x Nights in National park Rila, vallage Govedartsi Hotel Iskar: https://hotel-iskar.com/
∗ Breakfast.
∗ Dinner.
∗ National Park Rila.
- Visit to the Musala peak (The highest peak in the Balkanian peninsula).
- Visit to the Malyovitsa peak.
- Visit to the Seven Rila lakes.
∗ Pirin National Park (UNESCO World Heritage).
- Visit to the Vihren peak.
- Visit to the Polezhan peak.
∗ Snowshoes if required.
∗ Professional mountain guide.
∗ Insurance.
Price excluded:
∗ Excl. Flights.
∗ Personal expenses.
∗ Winter Wear suit.
∗ Warm Gloves.
∗ Glasses
∗ Warm hat.
∗ Variety of optional activities: SPA day, horse riding, mountain biking,art workshops, rock climbing lessons.
