Prices
Is this tour for me?
Get In Touch
Highlights
Discover remote trails, alpine lakes, and peaks in Bulgaria’s wilderness.
Explore the highest and most imposing mountain ranges in Bulgaria, with breathtaking views across Rila and Pirin.
Trek through stunning and less-visited areas, including the iconic Ribni Lakes and the legendary Marble Ridge.
Experience local culture in Southwestern Rila with homemade food, folklore music, and traditional hospitality.
Conclude with a scenic hike through Pirin, passing lakes and peaks, followed by a memorable evening at Begovitsa.
This tour takes you through Bulgaria's highest and most beautiful mountain ranges. The itinerary offers a mix of stunning treks, including the renowned Ribni Lakes and the challenging Marble Ridge. You'll experience spectacular views, from the peaks of Rila to the magnificent landscapes of Pirin, making it ideal for avid hikers and nature lovers. The tour also includes time to relax and immerse in local culture, such as visiting a village in Southwestern Rila where you can enjoy homemade food and traditional folklore music.
This self-guided adventure is perfect for those seeking both challenging hikes and moments of cultural immersion. Highlights include staying in remote huts and guesthouses, trekking through less-visited areas, and reaching impressive summits like Vodni Chal and Vihren. The tour is designed to offer a balance of outdoor exploration, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes, providing an unforgettable journey through Bulgaria’s natural beauty.
This tour takes you through Bulgaria's highest and most beautiful mountain ranges. The itinerary offers a mix of stunning treks, including the renowned Ribni Lakes and the challenging Marble Ridge. You'll experience spectacular views, from the peaks of Rila to the magnificent landscapes of Pirin, making it ideal for avid hikers and nature lovers. The tour also includes time to relax and immerse in local culture, such as visiting a village in Southwestern Rila where you can enjoy homemade food and traditional folklore music.
This self-guided adventure is perfect for those seeking both challenging hikes and moments of cultural immersion. Highlights include staying in remote huts and guesthouses, trekking through less-visited areas, and reaching impressive summits like Vodni Chal and Vihren. The tour is designed to offer a balance of outdoor exploration, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes, providing an unforgettable journey through Bulgaria’s natural beauty.
Read more
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
Self-Guided Rila & Pirin Hiking Tour Price and Dates
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:Accommodation on the Self-Guided Rila & Pirin Hiking Tour
This tour is based in guesthouses and mountain huts, offering a blend of rustic charm and local hospitality. These accommodations provide a peaceful atmosphere to rest and recharge after each day’s hike, ensuring a relaxing end to your adventure. You’ll also have the chance to experience local culture while staying in family-run guesthouses.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
What’s Included in the Self-Guided Rila & Pirin Hiking Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts and 9 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transfers are included as mentioned in the daily itinerary, including transfers to and from the airport.
Also included
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees where applicable
- All transfers
- Tickets to chairlifts
Not included
- Flights to and from Sofia
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- The services of a local Mountain guide
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- How hard is the Self-Guided Rila & Pirin Hiking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Bulgaria?
- Are meals included on the Self-Guided Rila & Pirin Hiking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Sofia to start this tour?
- Is the Self-Guided Rila & Pirin Hiking Tour in English?
- Where does the Self-Guided Rila & Pirin Hiking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Bulgaria?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Bulgaria?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour is rated moderate, offering a good balance of challenge and enjoyment. While there are some longer hikes and ascents, the pace is manageable for hikers with average fitness levels. The trails are well-established, and the overall difficulty is suitable for those who are comfortable with moderate trekking.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
9 breakfasts and 9 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover trekking. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Sofia Airport (SOF), where you'll meet a representative upon arrival. From there, a transfer will take you to the starting point of the tour, such as the Rila Monastery.
This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided; however, you will be provided all the tour material in English.
The tour ends with a transfer back to Sofia on the final day for your departure.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Adventure Trails is a boutique tour operator specializing in all kinds of outdoor-based tours in Bulgaria.
Adventure Trails creates innovative tours that capture the most special parts of Bulgaria. Clients looking for an adventurous and active trip can choose from trekking, biking, climbing, and cultural tours.
The accommodations and transportation during the tours are always carefully selected for their quality.
