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This centre based, self-guided walking tour in the Rila and Pirin Mountains offers a flexible trekking option in these famous mountain ranges for independent walkers.

  • Varied & demanding trails
  • Opportunity to summit Vihren Peak
  • See the Bunderishka Lakes

This self-guided hiking adventure allows you to discover Rila and Pirin National Parks. With their clear glacial lakes, rugged peaks, large alpine meadows and breathtaking panoramic views, you will discover a variety of landscapes from the comfort of your single, centre based hotel in Bansko.

During this itinerary, you will walk on a variety of trails with ups and downs, and have the chance to conquer Vihren Peak, Bulgaria’s second highest peak and widely considered the country's most beautiful.

This trip is not for the faint hearted as it follows demanding trails - but don’t worry, you will be fully supported by our local agent and receive comfortable transfers to the start and from the end of your daily walks whereever needed.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Fly to Sofia & transfer to Bansko

    On arrival at Sofia, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Bansko.

  2. Day 2: Bunderishki Circus

    After a short transfer to Vihren Hut, today's walk will start. Trekking in the Bunderishki circus, you will travel along the Bunderishki Lakes. There will be a short but steep ascent to reach Bashlijska Ports, where you can enjoy the fantastic panoramic view over Bunderishki Circus and its many lakes.

    Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m

  3. Day 3: Walk to Yavorov Hut & Stapalata

    Trek up to Yavorov Hut and enjoy the rock phenomenon Stapalata (The stairs). These are 7 marble peaks which follow one after the other shaped as stairs. Arrive at the Betelovo area and transfer back to Bansko.

    Walking distance: 17 km | Ascent: 1,080 m | Descent: 1,080 m

  4. Day 4: Popovo & Bezbog Lakes

    Starting at Gotse Delchev Hut, take the chair lift to Bezbog Hut, located along the beautiful Bezbog Lake, where your walk will start. Follow an undulating path, weaving amid mountain pine shrubs until you reach Popovo Lake. You can also choose to walk a little further south west to reach the three lakes of Samodeivski.

    Walking distance: 7 km | Ascent: 650 m | Descent: 650 m

  5. Day 5: Damianitsa Hut and Valyavishkia Lakes

    Your walk starts in the area of Karierata where you will follow the banks of Damianitsa river. You will pass by Ylenski Skok and take a short break at Damianitsa Hut before you make your way to Valyavishki Lakes. A group of more then 10 lakes amphitheatrically situated in the cirque.

    Walking distance: 24 km | Ascent: 1,100 m | Descent: 1,200 m

  6. Day 6: Conquer Vihren Peak

    Today you will conquer Vihren Peak, the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains and the second highest in Bulgaria. Today will be the most challenging of the tour but should be very rewarding. The steep climb starts from Vihren Hut and continues through the circus Kazanite, before finally reaching the peak where you can enjoy fabulous vistas all around.

    Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent:1217 1,000 m | Descent: 1,000 m

  7. Day 7: Rila Monastery & surrounding trails

    After breakfast you will be transferred to Rila Monastery which was founded in the 10th century by Ivan Rilski. The monastery was built as it stands today between 1816 and 1847 with incredible skill, from a combination of stone and wood. You will find frescoes painted on the walls and the decoration on the exterior ceilings are incredibly detailed and well preserved. Ringed by walls, the monastery gives the outward appearance of a fortress. 

    After your visit you have the chance to walk to St. Ian Rilski's grave, approximately one hour and 30 minutes. 

    Walking distance: 4 km | Ascent: 250 m | Descent: 250 m

    This afternoon you will be transferred to Sofia for your final evening, visiting Stob Pyramids en route for a short walk.

    Walking distance: 2 km | Ascent: 150 m | Descent: 150 m

  8. Day 8: Morning city tour; fly back to the UK

    This morning you will have the chance to explore the capital and largest city in Bulgaria, visiting the Roman Serdika Fortifications, the 4th Century AD St. George's Rotunda, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Ivan Vazov National Theatre, The National Assembly and the Church of St. Sophia. This afternoon you will be transferred to Sofia airport in time for your flight back to the UK.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £629 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £859 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £119
  • Walking grade: Demanding
  • Guiding: Self-Guided
  • Max alt: 2,914m
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • Route map:
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  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 7
    • 7 breakfasts
    • Airport transfers

Next Steps

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Self-Guided Dates and Prices
Year Daily Departures Price From (Exc. Flights) Options
All prices are per person. Daily departures subject to availability.
2024 From 1 May to 30 Sep £629 Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.