Hiking to the Rila Lakes and Monastery

About

A two-day guided hike to the three most famous sights Rila Mountains – the Skakavitsa Waterfall, the Seven Rila Lakes and the Rila Monastery. All three destinations will be reached on foot, on a route that will take us across a high mountain ridge, with an overnight stay in a hut along the way.

This hiking trail is suitable for those who like a challenge and wish to stray off the beaten track and avoid the more mainstream tourist routes. This tour offers the chance to bypass the notorious chair lift and coach rides for a much more rewarding and memorable trip.  

Highlights

• Two days of hiking through spectacular landscapes and an overnight stay in a hut high up in the mountain

• Visit the the Skakavitsa Waterfall, the Seven Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery on foot

• Explore the beauty of the Rila National Park and the Rila Monastery Nature Park

Description

Day 1

Sofia – Zeleni Preslop – Skakavitsa Hut – Skakvitsa Waterfall – The Seven Rila Lakes – Ivan Vazov Hut – 9 hours, +1200 m/-500 m

We’ll get an early start in Sofia. The starting point is 1.5 hours away from there by car and is also accessible by bus. To trekkers who wish to stay in the village of Separeva Banya, located 30 minutes away from the starting point and famous for its hot springs, we can suggest places to spend the night and pick them up in the morning. The hike to Skakavitsa hut takes one hour. From there we will take a detour to the Skakavitsa Waterfall – the highest waterfall in Rila Mountain.

Our hike continues along the Dry Ridge, offering a great view of the lower-situated of the Seven Rila Lakes. We reach the Kidney, Eye and Teardrop Lakes. The final section of our ascent takes us up to a ridge at an altitude of 2600m at Razdela Pass. Few hikers reach this point above all seven of the lakes. From here we make our descent westward for another hour, to the Ivan Vazov hut, located at an altitude of 2300 m. Overnight in the Hut, which offers dormitories, shared bathroom facilities, no shower, beer for sale, and a beautiful view of the night sky (for free). The hut provides bedsheets and food.

Day 2

Ivan Vazov Hut – Rila Monastery – Sofia – 6 hours, +200/-1350 m

This day begins with a gentle ascent along the Pazardere Valley. We will reach the Baucher Ridge in about 1.5 hours. Over the course of 4.5 hours we will reach the bottom of the valley, at an altitude of 1350 m. We will make our descent towards the monastery through the picturesque landscape, on foot, as it has been done throughout the centuries before the development of infrastructure in these parts.

The price includes

• The services of a qualified and experienced mountain guide

• 1 overnight in the Ivan Vazov hut

The price does not include

• Transfers to the meeting point (available on request)

• Hiking equipment

Notes

This challenging trek is suitable for well-equipped and experienced hikers in good physical condition.

Intended for groups of 6-12 people and available from June to October.

Required equipment: hiking
boots, rucksack (35-45 l), trekking poles, water and windproof jacket,
rain cover, sun hat, sun lotion, sunglasses, warm hat and gloves, water
bottle (1,5 litres), travel liner (optional), torch, personal first aid
kit.