Snowshoeing in Vitosha & Rila Mountains

Name: Snowshoeing in Vitosha & Rila Mountains | Top Guides Bulgaria
Price: 650.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

from €650

        This is a 5-day snowshoeing tour that covers the most interesting parts of the Rila Mountains, as well as the highest peak of Vitosha Mountains near Sofia.    

Overview

This is a 5-day snowshoeing trek that covers the most interesting parts of the Rila Mountains, as well as the highest peak of Vitosha Mountains near Sofia. We will trace our tracks through the covered in snow trails of the Rila National Park and Vitosha Nature Park. At the end we will visit the world famous Rila Monastery. The accommodation is in comfortable family hotels in Govedartsi and Sapareva Banya villages in the foot of Rila where we will try the local cuisine of the region. Sapareva Banya gives some options for spa-treatments at the end of the tour.

Price

Vitosha and Rila mountains	Price per Person
6 pax	650 EUR
5 pax	725 EUR
4 pax	745 EUR
3 pax	865 EUR
2 pax	1100 EUR
1 pax	1820 EUR

Price includes

Mountain guide – driver and all his expenses;
All the transfers including pick up and drop off from Sofia;
4 overnight accommodations in family run hotels with breakfast and dinner included;
Snowshoes and poles rental;
Insurance;
Local taxes.

Not included

Packed lunches;
Other personal expenses;
Drinks;
Tips.

Register

Description

Day 1: Sofia - Vitosha - Govedartsi

Transfer from Sofia to Vitosha Mountains – around 45 minutes. Hike to Black Peak - 2290m or loop hike around Konyarnica area. Transfer to Govedartsi village 1:45 hours. Accommodation in Govedartsi for 3 nights.
Walking time: 4.30 hours

Ascent 500m Descent 500m

Day 2: Govedartsi - Wild Boar Lake - Govedartsi

Short transfer 20 minutes from Govedartsi to Malyovitsa area - 1760 m and a loop walk into the remote area of Razdavitsa Ridge. We visit the isolated Wild Boar Lake, located at the foot of the highest peaks of the area – Kupenite, Lovnitsa. Return to the car and transfer to Govedartsi. Accommodation in Govedartsi.
Walking time: 5.30 hours

Ascent 600m Descent 600m

Day 3: Govedartsi - Musala area - Govedartsi

Transfer to Borovets ski resort - 30 minutes. We take the gondola lift up to about 2370 m, from where a couple of hours trek takes us to Ledenoto Ezero Chalet (Icy Lake Hut) with stunning views towards Musala Peak – 2925m, the highest on the Balkan Peninsula. We will retrace our way back. Accommodation in Govedartsi.
Walking time: 6.00 hours

Ascent 750m Descent 750m

Day 4: Govedartsi – The Seven Rila lakes - Sapareva Banya

Transfer to Panichishte ski resort - 1:15h. Chair lift up to 2140 m. Loop snowshoeing walk around 5 of the lakes in this famous range. Descent back to the transport. Transfer to the village of Sapareva Banya 30 minutes. Possibility to relax at the outdoor hot mineral pools. Accommodation in a family hotel in Sapareva Banya. Option to extend the snowshoeing walk on that day.
Walking time: 4.30 hours

Ascent 400m Descent 400m

Day 5: Sapareva Banya - Rila Monastery - Sofia

Transfer to Rila Monastery - 1:15h. Visit of the monastery. Short walk around the monastery to the cave of St John of Rila. Transfer to Sofia - 2 hours.

Ascent 150m Descent 150m

Info

Required equipment

hiking boots - waterproof and warm, to cover the ankle, with stiff sole, compatible with your crampons;
water and windproof jacket with hood;
water and windproof pants;
rucksack;
warm hat, thin pair of gloves and a pair of warm mittens;
thermal underwear, light down jacket or a warm fleece;
sun protection - sun cream, sun glasses, sun hat;
snowshoes and trekking poles - we can organize hire;
water bottle or, preferably, flask - 1l;
snacks, lunch pack;
avalanche equipment.

Level of the tour We rate this tour as moderate to difficult, suitable for novices in snowshoeing in average physical condition, but possessing the right equipment for such weather conditions.