The sixth highest mountain range in Europe – Rila mountain, has a lot to show for its brave visitors! If you enjoy being on the top, then we would be happy if you join us on a trek towards the Rooftop of the Balkans. Rising over 2925 m/9596 ft. Musala Summits gives the feeling that you are floating over a sea of jagged peaks and deep alpine valleys. Everywhere in the distance, you will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Rila mountain itself, the marble crest of Pirin, rounded hills of Rhodope, and the long chain of Balkan mountains.
GUIDED & SELF-GUIDED hiking options are available to choose from (check the “Prices, Dates & Remarks” tab for details)
We will start your hiking journey pretty early in the morning with a transfer towards the famous ski resort Borovets (1 hr and 15 mins). Accompanied by a licensed mountain guide we board the cabin lift which will take us to the starting point of our trekking. Even though Musala is the highest summit at the Peninsula this does not mean it will be the most challenging one! In fact, the first stage of our hike will be on a flat pathway, crossing green slopes that are very popular among skiers and snowboarders during winter. We will pass through two mountain huts and several glacier lakes, among which is the highest located lake at the Balkan Peninsula – the Icy Lake 2709m/8887 ft. From here will start the final stage, a bit demanding but absolutely rewarding when you reach the top! We will spend our time at the peak with a cup of fragrant herbal tea which will warm not only our hands but also our souls! Going back the same way will have the second chance to encounter the divine beauty of Rila mountain.
Total transfers time: 2,45hrs (+50min lift ride)
Hiking specifics: Appr. 5,30hrs (without breaks); 14,50km; +690m/-690m;
Tour difficulty: the trek is arduous with some steep stages on rocky terrain. We strongly recommend you come prepared with comfortable walking boots, poles may be helpful too. Flip-flops and sandals are not acceptable. Be prepared with-/waterproofs, and some warmer clothes as a middle layer.
Price (for guided tour): 1 pers: 250 Euro; 2 pers: 140 Euro pp; 3 pers: 100 Euro pp; 4 pers: 80 Euro pp; 5+ pers: 75 Euro
Price (for self-guided tour): 200 Euro/car (group of 1-4 persons); 250 Euro/bus (group of 5-8 persons)
* The rates above are per person based on the number of people in one reservation (guided tour) or per group (self-guided tour).
** The tour is not private and the group may comprise customers booked under several reservations, each with a different number of people (incl. guided and self-guided option). We aim to keep the total group size for the guided tour not exceeding 12 passengers (normally 2-6).
*** Promo rates may occur for some of the dates; scroll the Book Online tab to check if such are present around your travel dates.
Price includes: Transfer from Sofia to Borovets resort and back; English-speaking guide (guided option); Detailed route notes, GPS tracks in English and maps (self-guided option; 1 set of route notes and 1 map per reservation)
Price does not include: Gondola lift tickets
Food: basic food is required inside the two huts we will pass by; however, due to time restrictions, you’d better plan for a sandwich, prepared at home (time permitting we can stop for a tea in the huts). 1,5l water bottle is also necessary.
Best period: mid-June – mid- September (from Wednesday to Sunday only)
Customers’ reviews for this particular tour you can check >>> HERE <<<
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