Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin Climb Musala-the highest peak in the Balkans The wild and majestic marbled Pirin Mountains

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1 Bulgaria Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin Climb Musala-the highest peak in the Balkans The wild and majestic marbled Pirin Mountains Ornate Rila Monastery Guided Group Departures Tour Grade C Tour Code - TRPS For dates and prices visit: Group Size:- Min 4 Max 16

2 Introduction Bulgaria lies at the cusp between Asia Minor and Europe. A fascinating country where eastern and western influences have become entwined and hospitality is engrained. Bulgaria also contains some of the most dramatic and breathtaking mountain scenery to be found anywhere in Europe and this is especially true in the Rila and Pirin ranges, the highest in the country and the entire Balkan region. We include an ascent of the Rila giant, Musala (2925m), not only the highest mountain in Bulgaria, but the highest in the entire Balkan region. Intelligent use of short vehicle transfers means there s no need to stay in crude mountain huts, but can return to the comfort and hospitality each night of welcoming family run hotels. In the company of a friendly, professional, English speaking Bulgarian Mountain guide you ll be following an almost infinite series of waymarked trails, with the odd short scramble to alpine meadows, remote glacial lakes and onto spectacular ridges and summits. The walking is both exciting and challenging with significant amounts of ascent and descent each day and a good level of physical fitness and previous mountain walking experience is essential. This amazing holiday will definitely appeal to those seeking a real mountain walking adventure. Of course having vehicle support and staying in hotels also means you can always take a day off if you like, but the walking is that good that any self respecting mountain walking enthusiast won t be able to resist the mouthwatering selection of treks on offer. Before transferring from the Rila Mountains to the marbled peaks of the Pirin range you ll pay a visit to Bulgaria s most famous landmark, the beautiful Rila Monastery and enjoy a short walk to the hermitage of St.Ivan Rilski. Our Pirin adventures will be based from the resort town of Bansko. Here there s the exciting and challenging ascent of imposing Vihren (2914m), the second highest mountain in Bulgaria where clear days present jaw dropping views across to the Rila Mountains, the entire Pirin range, south to the Rodopi Mountains on the Greek border and west over to Macedonia. In our opinion the ascent and views from Vihren are even better than Musala. Your final foray into the mountains makes use of a chairlift to take you high into the Pirin and a stunning trek to Popovo Lake upwards and onwards to the saddle of Djengalska Porta for a magnificent panoramic view. Returning to Bankso there s sure to be a celebration on the town tonight to mark the end of an amazing week of walking the Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin. The Holiday Routine You ll be walking between 5-8 hours each day in the two most dramatic mountain ranges in Bulgaria. To reach the trailhead for each walk there will be a short transfer by private mini-bus, as well as at the end of each walking day to your overnight accommodation. During the walking day you will carry only your usual daypack. Lunches will usually be picnic style (obtainable from your overnight accommodation), which will you will carry with you in your day pack and taken in a suitable, scenic location. Most of the walks also pass by remote mountain huts where light refreshments are usually available. A full explanation of the trip grading can be found online at You should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level of grading and are physically prepared for the trip. Walking Staff You will be accompanied throughout by an English-speaking Bulgarian Mountain guide, as well as a driver providing trail transfers in a private mini-bus. What you need to provide Your personal equipment as detailed in the clothing and equipment list later in this trip dossier. Walking conditions You ll be walking on waymarked mountain trails with mostly good conditions underfoot. Even in July and August it is possible to encounter patches of late lying snow in protected gullies. Each day you will be walking between 5-8 hours. The walks are often quite challenging in mountainous terrain and involve both ascent and descent, which at times will be steep and fairly sustained. This is not a trip for beginners to mountain walking, but regular mountain walkers will find both the Rila and Pirin Mountains afford excellent and exhilarating mountain walking opportunities and rank amongst some of the best in Europe. Bulgaria-Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin 2

3 Itinerary IMPORTANT-Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day to day itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other matters entirely out of our control etc can also lead to enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossier will be made available on our website. We will also send you the most up to date trip dossier with your Final Joining Instructions approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should carefully check this for any changes that may affect your plans. Before booking you should read our Types of Trip and Essential and Useful information sections on including our Important Warning.. Outline Itinerary Meal Day Your 'at-a-glance' Itinerary Overnight Accn. plan 1Rendezvous at Sofia Airport and transfer to Govedartsi Govedartsi Hotel D 2Circuit trek to Seven Rila Lakes Hut Govedartsi Hotel BD 3Circuit trek to Strashoto Lake Govedartsi Hotel BD Gondola to Yastrenbets Peka and then climb Musala, highest peak in 4the Balkans (2925m) Govedartsi Hotel BD 5Visit the famous Rila Monastery and transfer to Bansko Bansko Hotel BD 6Climb Vihren (2914m) Bansko Hotel BD Take chairlift to Gotse Delchev Hut to Popovo lake and down to 7Todorova Ornitsa Bansko Hotel BD 8Transfer from Bansko to Sofia Airport B B breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner. You may be joined by clients from other Tour Operators on this group holiday Bulgaria-Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin 3

4 Day 1 Rendezvous at Sofia International Airport (See Joining Arrangements and Transfers section later in this trip dossier). A single, timed group transfer will be provided from Sofia International Airport for the 90 minute journey to the group hotel in Govedartsi (1150m), which will our base for the next four nights and ideally situated to explore the amazing Rila Mountains. Hotel, Govedartsi Day 2 Today we ll make our first foray into the Rila Mountains and follow a circuit trek to the Seven Rila Lakes, a series of deep blue, high mountain, small glacial lakes. Initially we ll transfer to the Vada Hut (1410m) and ascend for around 3 hours to the Seven Rila Lakes Mountain Hut (2190m). The trail follows a summit ridge between the rivers of Dzherman and Cherni Iskar, and affords classic mountain views, especially the peaks of Vitosha and Verila. We ll take lunch by the Seven lakes Hut and then take a short walk around the seven jeweled lakes and then begin to descend to the Lovna Hut (1654m) and back down to the Vada Hut where we ll be transferred back to Govedartsi. Approx. 1200m ascent, 850m descent. Walking time approx. 6-7 hours. Hotel, Govedartsi Day 3 A short transfer brings us to the mountain resort of Maliovitsa (1720m) from where we will make our next excursion into the mountains. A steady walk along the valley follows the course of the Maliovitsa river up to a mountain hut of the same name (1950m). We then begin to climb steeply along the Razhdavitsa ridge to Kamilata Peak (2621m) to reach the dramatically located Prekorechi lakes surrounded by the rock buttresses of the Kapa, Kupenite, Iglite and Lovnitsa peaks, all in excess of 2700+m. Continuing for a couple more hours we reach the scenic Strashoto Lake where we ll take our picnic lunch on a delightful meadow by the lake. We will then begin to descend steeply down a rocky slope to Yonchevo Lake and continue downwards to Maliovitsa. Transfer to Govedartsi. Approx. 900m ascent, 900m descent. Walking time approx. 6-7 hours. Hotel, Govedartsi Day 4 Today we ll make the ascent of Musala (2925m), the highest summit in the Balkans. After a transfer to the ski resort of Borovets (1350m) where we subsequently save ourselves 1000m of ascent by taking the gondola cable car to the Yastrebets ski area (2369m) and commence trekking from there. Bulgaria- Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin 4

5 Initially following a 4WD drive track the first hour or so is very steady, as we pass through lots of dwarf pine. Rounding a bend we ll get our first glimpse of Musala and then begin to climb steadily to reach the Musala Mountain Hut close to Musalenki lake. From the hut we then have a fairly steep climb of around 2hrs 30 mins to reach the summit, passing Icy Lake along the way, which can remain frozen well into July. Reaching the summit of Musala our efforts are rewarded (weather permitting) with a truly magnificent 360º mountain panorama. The entire Rila range unfolds, as well as across to the marble ridges of the Pirin, the long body of the central Balkan Mountains and in the far distance the Rodopi Mountains bordering Greece. After absorbing the summit views we descend back to Yasterbets and take the Gondola down to Borovets. Transfer to Govedartsi. Approx. 650m of ascent and descent. Walking time approx. 7 hours. Hotel, Govedartsi we ll make one final halt in order to see the Stob Pyramids, a wacky natural phenomenon of erosion carved sandstone rock formations not unlike Hoodoo s found in North America. Reaching Bansko we check into our Hotel and can spend the rest of the day relaxing, or exploring the interesting old part of Bansko, which is fast becoming Bulgaria s premier ski resort. Approx. 150m of ascent and descent, walking time approx. 2-3 hours. Hotel, Bansko Day 5 It s now time to leave the Rila Mountains and head to Bansko, our base for exploring the equally dramatic marbled mountains of the Pirin range. On the way we ll make a stop at the Rila Monastery, the most important and best known of all the monasteries in Bulgaria. We ll explore this fascinating monastery and also take a walking excursion up through Beech forests to visit the isolated hermitage of St.Ivan Rilski too. Before reaching Bankso Day 6 Perhaps the most challenging and certainly one of the best days of mountain walking awaits us today. At 2914m, the peak of Vihren is the highest summit in the Pirin range and although slightly lower than Musala, it involves more ascent and descent (no Gondola) and most find this a far more stimulating and rewarding summit. Leaving Bansko we ll drive up a narrow mountain road to the Vihren Hut (1950m). From the hut, it is up, up, up all the way on a clearly defined trail that climbs steeply through dwarf pine to reach a saddle with a tiny lake. Above us towers the rocky route to the summit of Vihren, which involves short sections of easy scrambling. Our efforts may be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views of the entire holiday. We ll be able to look back at the Rila Mountains, closer views of the more rolling Rodopi, as well as over into the FYR of Macedonia, and of course the very impressive summits of the Bulgaria- Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin 5

6 Pirin Mountains including a vista of the infamous and impressive Marble Ridge, a precipitous knife edge ridge. We then descend back to the Vihren Hut and transfer back to Bansko. Approx. 1000m of ascent and descent, around 8 hours walking time. Hotel, Bansko 700m of ascent and descent, walking time approx.6 hours. Hotel, Bansko Day 7 Our final day of walking in the magnificent Pirin Mountains is definitely one to look forward to. First we transfer to the Delchev Hut (1450m) and take the chairlift up to the Bezbog Hut (2236m) to the start of today s trek. Our objective for today is the summit of Polezhan (2851m). It s an exhilarating walk from the chairlift as we ascend ever upwards with enticing views along the way that just get better and better the further we ascend. Reaching the top of Polezhan we can hope to be treated to a panorama to rival (some say better) than that of Vihren. If the weather is in our favour we should be able to count at least 17 glacial lakes, including Popovo the largest of the Pirin Mountain lakes and back across to Vihren, as well as down the valley to Bansko. Descending back to Bezbog, we head down to the Delchev Hut using the chairlift and transfer back to Bansko. With our adventures in the amazing Rila and Pirin Mountains complete we re sure to have a celebratory Zagorka beer or two to mark the end of this exhilarating and challenging trek in wonderful Bulgaria. Approx. Day 8 After breakfast a single timed group transfer is provided for the 2 hrs 30 mins journey back to Sofia International Airport. Practical Information Joining Arrangements and Transfers The joining point for this trip is Sofia International Airport. You should join this trip at Sofia International Airport on day 1 of the trip itinerary in time for the single timed group transfer to Govedartsi. A single, timed, group transfer is provided from Sofia International Airport on day 1 to the group hotel in Govedartsi. This transfer usually departs from Sofia International Airport at 1700hrs. At the end of the trip, a single, timed group transfer is provided on day 8 from Bansko back to Sofia International Airport. This transfer will usually arrive at Sofia International Airport around noon. Bulgaria- Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin 6

7 International Travel The joining pint for this trip is Sofia International Airport. For total flexibility and choice, the price of our holidays often excludes flights. However, as an ATOL bonded agent we are able to arrange competitively priced tickets with the majority of international airlines. Where low cost airlines offer a better option, we are also able to arrange these, subject to a small booking fee. Only by arranging your flights with us can we offer you the peace of mind and 100% financial protection that booking with a licensed tour operator brings. Contact us to discuss your flight options for this holiday. If you would prefer to make your own International travel arrangements you can book this holiday as Land Only. You will need to book flights that enable you to rendezvous with the group at Sofia International Airport no later 1700hrs on Day 1 of the trip itinerary. Return flights should be booked to depart no sooner than 1400hrs on Day 8 of the trip itinerary. If your flights (whether booked through Walks Worldwide or Land Only) do not coincide with the transfer time you will need to make your own private transfer arrangements. IMPORTANT- MAKE SURE YOUR CHOSEN HOLIDAY IS GUARANTEED TO RUN BEFORE YOU PURCHASE AIR TICKETS AND MAKING ANY OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. Please contact the Walks Worldwide office to check the status of your chosen holiday BEFORE purchasing your International Air ticket. You should not book your International flight tickets or other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. If you are purchasing your own air ticket, you should be aware that most of the cheaper airline tickets available for sale on the Internet or from low cost carriers are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket when you make a flight booking, and check the limitations of any cancellation insurance policy you have. We cannot be held liable, for losses incurred relating to any flight bookings or subsequent travel arrangements you have made yourself. Travel by Train If you would prefer to travel by train provides an online booking service for European rail services, including Eurostar. You should not book your International rail tickets or make any other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. Baggage Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the labels get detached. As your main baggage will be transported by vehicle a normal suitcase can be used for your main baggage. Local transport Airport and all trail transfers will be by private mini-bus. Passports and Visas British passport holders (and other EU passport holders) do not require a visa to visit Bulgaria for stays up to three months (please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity). Accommodation Accommodation will be reserved for you on a twin share basis unless you have already requested a single room. Throughout the trip you will stay in 3* Hotels with en-suite facilities. Food Meals included in the Land Only trip price are indicated in the trip itinerary. You ll take breakfasts and dinners at your overnight accommodation where you can look forward to tasty Bulgarian dishes, which are usually prepared from Pork, Chicken or Fish along with fresh, crispy salads etc. Please note that Vegetarian options may be very limited. You will be able to obtain picnic lunches from your overnight accommodation (cost approx. 5-7), which you can carry with you each day in your backpack. Most of the walks start from mountain huts, or pass mountain huts en route where it is also possible to purchase light snacks and refreshments. Climate It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather conditions you will encounter during the course of your holiday. However, we do schedule our holidays to coincide with what should be the most suitable weather periods for walking. Dependent upon when you travel daytime temperatures may be between 18ºC- 27ºC+. Mountains are notorious for creating their own, localised weather conditions, so you Bulgaria- Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin 7

8 should always be prepared for inclement weather conditions. For climate statistics visit Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by approx. 1ºC for every 200 metre increase in altitude. Altitude The altitudes on this trip are moderate and you should not anticipate any problems. Vaccinations and medical precautions We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check up before travelling. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. In general, no vaccinations are necessary for Bulgaria. A useful travel health online resource is Please make sure that you obtain form EHIC either online or from your local post office you will need to produce this if you have to see a doctor. First Aid You should always carry your own small, personal first aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (band-aids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium). Currency. The Bulgarian currency is the Lev (BGN). Please refer to for up to date rates. There is an ATM machine in the arrivals hall of Sofia International Airport and in Bansko. Language In Bulgaria the language is Bulgarian. Although you are accompanied by an English-speaking guide, we recommend you take along a phrase book and also try to learn some simple Bulgarian phrases and greetings. The local people will of course especially appreciate any attempt to speak their language and is all part of the fun. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your to responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and personal accident risks for the part of the world you intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are non-refundable. You may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance through Walks Worldwide. Please call us on or us- sales@walksworldwide.com for a quotation. Inclusions Meals as shown in the trip itinerary All accommodation Single, timed, group Airport transfers in each direction as detailed in the Joining Arrangements and Transfers section All trail transfers in the itinerary English-speaking Mountain Guide Gondola and chairlift tickets in the itinerary. Exclusions Drinks Souvenirs and personal items Insurance Meals not indicated in the trip itinerary International Flights Entry fees where applicable Tipping It is customary to give your Guide and Driver a tip if you have received good service. The amount is entirely at your discretion, although an amount of 15 for your Guide and 5 for your driver per person is reasonable. Bulgaria- Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin 8

9 Clothing and Equipment Lists At least one set of casual / non-walking clothes will be useful for wearing in hotels on this holiday. Whilst walking you must not worry about how you look: comfort and protection against bad weather are of prime importance. Because mountain weather is so very variable, we recommend a number of thin layers rather than a few thick ones. The following list is our suggested guide to help you with your packing based upon our many years of travelling/walking. Using your own judgment for packing is of course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about packing for your holiday, or are uncertain as to the suitability of your clothing and equipment. CLOTHING Walking boots and spare laces Trainers/approach shoes Socks 3+ pairs (Walking and Casual) Underwear 3+ T-shirts 3+ Trekking Pants Short trousers 1+ Light fleece 1+ Thick fleece 1+ Thermal Baselayer shirt 1+ Waterproof jacket with hood Waterproof trousers Warm Gloves Sun Hat Warm Hat EQUIPMENT Daypack/rucksack (size approx. 35 litre capacity) 2 Large water bottles (1 litre each) Towel quick drying pack towel is recommended Torch (and spare bulb and batteries) Camera & accessories Binoculars A variety of dry bag/plastic bags Sunglasses Trekking poles (highly recommended) Reading material (optional) Washing/Shaving kit Insect Repellent Small personal First Aid kit (see section above) Anti-Bacterial Handwash Water purifying tablets Sun Cream & lip salve Blister plasters i.e. Compeed Tickets/E tickets Passport Money Bulgaria- Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin Printed on 09/06/2011

10 The following items should also considered as being useful on a walking holiday Penknife/small scissors (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Moisturising cream Baby wipes Snacks/Energy bars Safety pins (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Padlock for your kitbag Small sewing/repair kit (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Small mirror Nail clippers (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Spare glasses/contact lenses Earplugs (against snorers) Cold water Travel Wash (preferably biodegradable) Travel adaptor Bulgaria- Summits and Ridges of the Rila and Pirin 10