Trekking Bulgaria’s Rila and Pirin mountains

Trek: Trekking Bulgaria’s Rila and Pirin mountains

Updates from a private group trekking in Bulgaria’s Rila mountains. Report supplied by Stoyan, our local leader.

Day one
Arriving in the Rila massive – the highest mountain of Southeast Europe. Here we saw our goal for the next day, the imposing mount Malyovitsa 2729 m. (8954 ft.) – one of the alpine beauties of Bulgaria and a favorite climbing spot. It’s thousand feet tall north wall glows in red and purple in the evening – tomorrow we will explore the amazing rivers, meadows, glacial lakes and wildlife of the Malyovitsa valley.

Day two
On our way up to the summit of mount Malyovitsa we admire one of the “blue eyes of the mountain” – Elenino glacial lake, where the surrounding alpine scenario is reflected. This is an area of meadows and thousands of flowers.

Following the main ridge we will reach the Razdela pass, from where one of the natural wonders of Bulgaria is seen – the Seven Rila lakes: the Tear, the Eye, the Kidney, the Twin, the Clover, the Fish lake and the Low lake are truly a breath taking scenery.

Day three
Crossing the main ridge of the mountain we saw the rocky Kalin peaks, reaching up to 2668 m. (8753 ft.). It is one of the most picturesque areas of Rila – ridges, lakes and creeks. Further on, we descended to the pine forests of the Rilska valley.

In the afternoon we visited one of the cultural-historical highlights of the country – the Rila monastery. The oldest and biggest in Bulgaria, this 10th century monastery is an amazing place of arts, architecture and history – an education center and keeper of the Bulgarian spirit and Christian fate during the centuries.

Day four
Today we hiked through the less popular Southwestern Rila: climbing several summits with an altitude above 2600 m. (8500 ft.) and will trek through some of the wildest and untouched pine forests of Europe.

Day five
The most difficult, yet rewarding hike of the tour – the climb of Mt. Vihren 2914 m. (9560 ft.) – the highest summit of the Pirin mountains and the highest point of our program. It is situated in the northern part of the mountain, which is only of white, sparkling marble. The absolutely stunning views from the summit towards the hundreds of pointed peaks, glacial lakes and narrow ridges leave emotions in everyone’s hearts.

Pirin mountains is the rockiest and most alpine massive in Bulgaria. But what makes this place even more amazing is the biodiversity – Pirin Natural Park is rated the second most diverse protected area in Europe in therms of the wildlife and is part of the UNESCO list of the global natural heritage objects.

Day six
As we follow the Pirin central ridge towards our next accommodation we will have the best views of the tour – literally all of the mountain is at our feet, much like a map. In the background we can still see the beauty Vihren – our yesterday’s goal. Further more summits, lakes and forests await.

In the late afternoon we will reach our accommodation at the Tevno Ezero (Dark Lake) hut. Our hosts here will make us feel really comfortable: warm bed, nice meals and great atmosphere – this is what a mountaineer’s soul needs in the crystal clear air here at 2515 m. (8251 ft.). …And you can’t really stay here long enough to stop enjoying the beauty of the place: the glacial Dark lake, the picturesque meadows and the imposing Mt. Kamenitsa across.

Day seven

Descending from the mountain during our last hike, we will have a look from a distance once again to the giant Mt Vihren. Many great views and stunning landscapes await this day, as we cross the Kamenitsa valley towards the Pirin pine forests.

Melnik, where we will have our last overnight is the smallest town in Bulgaria. A place of traditions, classic Bulgarian architecture, and center of the wine producing, Melnik is a charming old settlement, situated in the feet of imposing 500 ft tall sand pyramides and towers.