Self-Guided Rila & Pirin Hiking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Sofia

Upon arrival in Sofia, meet at the airport and transfer to the Rila Monastery (2 hours). Explore the holy convent and spend the night at a nearby hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel near Rila Monastery
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Trek to Ribni Lakes Hut

After breakfast, transfer early in the morning (20 minutes) to Kirilova Polyana, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful locations. From here, begin the trek with a 1.5-hour walk through the forest to the rarely visited Dry Lake. Continue for another 2 hours to reach the Kobilino Branishte shelter, which marks the border between Central and Northwestern Rila. Next, ascend to the Vodni Chal summit at 2,683 meters above sea level, followed by a descent to the Ribni (Fish) Lakes. Overnight stay in the hut of the same name, located in the heart of Central Rila, about 5 hours away from civilization.
Overnight Location: Rilski Ezera Hut
Distance: 7.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Ridge Trek to Macedonia Hut

It’s time for one of Bulgaria’s most exciting and scenic treks: Ribni Lakes to Macedonia Hut. Spend the day following the central ridge of the Rila range, ascending to the highest peak in the area, Cherna Polyana (2,716 m). Stunning views will accompany you throughout the trek, before descending to Macedonia Hut in Southwestern Rila.
Overnight Location: Macedonia hut
Distance: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Southwestern Rila Trek & Village Stay

Today’s trek covers the entire Southwestern Rila. Begin with an ascent to Little Bear Peak, then follow the international E4 trail, with breathtaking views of the Pirin range accompanying you throughout the day. The route passes through Parangalitsa, the oldest nature reserve in the Balkan Peninsula. After descending to the Predela Pass, transfer to the village of Gorno Draglishte, where you’ll stay with a local family. Enjoy homemade food, taste traditional rakia, dance to folklore music, and experience authentic village life.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Gorno Draglishte
Distance: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 Scenic Ascent in Northwestern Pirin

After breakfast, take a 40-minute drive to Pirin Golf (also known as the Dead City), where the trail to Yavorov Hut begins. Hike up to the hut, the gateway to the Marble Ridge, and settle in for the night. Enjoy a free afternoon in the scenic surroundings of Northwestern Pirin.
Overnight Location: Yavorov Hut
Distance: 2.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 The Marble Ridge Trek

It’s time for the legendary trek in the Pirin Mountains: the Marble Ridge. Begin with an ascent to Razlojki Suhodol Peak (2,640 m), then follow the narrow white ridge, passing Kamenititsa (2,721 m), Bayuvi Dupki (2,820 m), Koteshki Chal (2,855 m), Banski Suhodol (2,884 m), Kutelo 2 (2,907 m), Kutelo 1 (2,908 m), and finally reaching Vihren (2,914 m). This challenging trek is for experienced hikers and offers some of the most spectacular views in the region. You’ll then descend to Vihren Hut.
Overnight Location: Vihren Hut
Distance: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Ascent through Bunderishki Cirque

After breakfast, transfer back to Vihren Hut to begin today’s trek. Ascend through the picturesque Bunderishki Cirque toward Hvoynati Preval, where you’ll pass several stunning lakes. Reach the highest point and continue towards Sinanitsa Hut, nestled in one of Pirin’s most beautiful locations. Enjoy breathtaking views of the west face of Gergiytsa Peak along the way. The day ends with an overnight stay at the hut, with the option to summit Sinanitsa Peak (2,516 m.) for an even more spectacular panorama.
Overnight Location: Sinanitsa Hut
Distance: 4.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Trek through Bashliyski and Spano Pole Cirques

Start the day with breakfast at sunrise. Today, you’ll follow a gentler trail to Begovitsa Hut, passing through the less-visited Bashliyski Cirque and Spano Pole Cirque. Along the way, reach a shelter with stunning views of the central part of high Pirin. Afterward, descend through pine forests until you arrive at Begovitsa Hut, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening with excellent Melnik wine and delicious local meals.
Overnight Location: Begovitsa Hut
Distance: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 A Trek Through the High Peaks

After breakfast, begin the trek through the heart of the Pirin range, starting with an ascent up the Begovitsa Valley towards Kozi Preval (Goat’s Pass) – a 2.5-hour hike. From there, you’ll pass beneath the towering Kamenishka Kukla peak, eventually reaching Tevno Ezero Hut, situated near the famous Dark Lake. After a rest, continue towards the Djangalski Lakes, making your way to Bezbog. From here, take the chairlift down to complete the trek. A transfer (45 minutes) will take you back to your hosts in Gorno Draglishte for accommodation and overnight stay.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Gorno Draglishte
Distance: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 Departure Day

After breakfast, transfer to Sofia for departure. Say goodbye to the beautiful Pirin Mountains, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast