PIRIN MOUNTAINS (CENTRE-BASED TOUR)

Day 1: Sofia – Bansko
Mostly popular as the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria, this small town is proud of its glorious past from the Revival Period. If your time flight permits, you may have time to stroll around the small cosy streets of the Old town.
Day 2: Bansko – Vihren Hut – Banderishki Lakes – Demyanitsa Hut – Bansko (6-7hrs; 16km; +615m/-1215m)
The day will start with a short transfer (approx 30 mins) to the nearby Vihren hut. The trail is not circular so we will end up at another place. The first stage of our walking trek will lead us through a magical dense forest. Soon we will start winding around a Cirque of 16 glacier lakes all of them surrounded by marble or granite peaks. Surely, a short break closer to the shores of a lake will be recharging for your spirit and will boost your energy for more hiking adventures! At the end of our walk, we will enter a thick spruce forest and our path will be accompanied by the purling waters of Demyanitsa River. The transfer back to our base will be approximately 20 mins.
Day 3: Bansko – Mount Polezhan – Bansko (5hrs; 7km; +770m/-770m)
After yesterday’s warm-up hike, today our mission is to climb one of the highest summits in Pirin – the granite figure of Polezhan summit (2851m).
A short transfer to a nearby hut (30 mins driving time) and we board on the chairlift to Bezbog hut from where we will start our hiking. When we circle behind the hut we will find ourselves standing to another crystal-clear lake. From it, we start gently gaining elevation between dwarf pine trees until we reach a top hill from where on our left side stands Bezbog Peak and from right side stretches the trail towards Polezhan Peak. We will be pleased with splendid views towards many jagged peaks and green valleys dotted with blue lakes. The last section from our trail is a bit challenging with a steep ascend but undoubtedly the panorama will leave you speechless!
Going back down the same way, using the chairlift facilities. We can celebrate today’s mission accomplishment in a local tavern with a delicious local dish!
Day 4: Bansko – Vihren Hut – Mount Vihren – Vihren Hut – Bansko (6-7hrs; 8km; +960m/-960m)
The biggest challenge from our itinerary will happen today! Our target is the highest summit of Pirin mountain and the second highest in Bulgaria – Vihren (2914m.) Seen from Bansko, the peak looks like a truncated pyramid. Its karst topography explains the lack of springs and lakes around it but its majestic marble figure will truly impress you! There are several options to conquer the peak but we will choose the one passing through Golem Kazan (The Giant Cauldron). On the opposite hills, we may be honoured with a rare view – scurring Balkan Chamois. The biggest treasure that could be found between the stones – the endangered Edelweiss flower. Our efforts will be rewarded with truly marvellous vistas from the top!
Day 5: Bansko – Sofia
Every journey has its end so it is time to bid farewell to Bansko and Pirin mountain. Transfer to Sofia Airport or city centre (approx. 3 hrs driving time).

Hiking time: This program is flexible and could meet the interests and the needs of each group according to the difficulty and lengths of the treks the client requires. However, when booking it you may have in mind that most of the trails are rather arduous. If your schedule permits, this trip could be extended with one or more nights in Bansko or Sofia which will allow you to explore more of Bulgarian must-see sites (Rila Monastery, Plovdiv, Bachkovo Monastery, Melnik).