Snowshoeing tour in Rila and Pirin National Parks

Day 1: Flight to Sofia

Arrival in Sofia, assistance at the airport and transfer to the city. Walking tour (2-3 hours) of the main points of interest: the churches “Sveta Nedelia”, “La Rotonda” and “Alexander Nevski”, the Mosque of the Baths, the Palace, the National Theatre, etc. Accommodation in a central hotel. Dinner in the centre.

Day 2: Govedartsi region

Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning we move to the village of Govedartsi (1:30h). From there we walk to the Mechit hut. The area offers views of the Govedartsi valley and the higher parts of the mountain. Picnic lunch. We return by another route. We stay in a family hotel,where we sleep 2 nights.

Distance 7km Ascent 500m Descent 500m

Day 3: Yonchevo Lake

Breakfast in the hotel. After a half-hour drive we arrive at the Maliovitsa winter resort situated in the valley of the same name, crowned by the Maliovitsa peak (2729 m). Circular route to Lake Yonchevo or Boar Lake with views towards the main Rila ridge. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon transfer to Govedartsi. Accommodation and dinner.

Distance 11km Ascent 600m Descent 600m

Day 4: 7 Rila Lakes

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Pionerska hut. From there we take the chairlift to the new Rila Lakes hut and take a circular walk along the shores of 5 lakes. The 7 Rila Lakes are considered a magical and spiritual center that holds and reflects a lot of spatial energy. It is the most famous and most visited mountaineering spot in all of Bulgaria. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon we can take advantage of the open-air thermal pools of Sapareva Bania in the foothills of the Rila. Then we move south towards the Pirin massif (2:15h). For the next 3 nights we stay in the village of Bansko. the largest ski resort in Bulgaria. Accommodation and dinner.

Distance 7km Ascent 350m Descent 350m

Day 5: The ancient forests of Semkovo

In the morning we move to the tourist centre of Semkovo (50 min). Today we explore the southern slopes of the Rila. Circular route through magnificent coniferous forests. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon we can take advantage of the thermal pools around Bansko. Overnight in Bania. Folklore dinner in a cottage in the village of Gorno Dráglishte.

Distance 9km Ascent 500m Descent 500m

Day 6: Bezbog region

Short transfer to Gotse Delchev hut (50 min). Chairlift to Bezbog hut (2200 m). Continue to climb to Bezbog peak (2645 m) which offers panoramic views of 3 different mountains: Pirin, Rila and the Rhodopes. Picnic lunch. Return by the same route to Bezbog hut. Descent by chairlift. In the afternoon there is the possibility of taking a walk through the town of Bansko. Dinner in a traditional tavern in Bansko. Accommodation in Bansko.

Distance 8km Ascent 450m Descent 450m

Day 7: Rila Monastery – Sofia

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the Rila Monastery (1:45h): the jewel of Bulgarian art and culture, a monument declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The monastery was founded in the 10th century by the holy hermit St. John of Rila. 1:30h walk through the centuries-old beech forests owned by the monastery. We reach the cave where St. John lived. Visit of the monastery. Lunch in a restaurant located on the banks of the Rilska River. In the afternoon transfer to Sofia (1:45h). Accommodation in a central hotel and farewell dinner.

Distance 5km Ascent 150m Descent 150m

Day 8: Return flight

Free time until the transfer to the airport. Flight to the city of origin.