In the Heart of Rila Mountain

  • Season: Summer

  • When: 2 days, 1 night

  • Adventure: 2 Adventurer

  • Difficulty: 2 Moderate

122 EUR Full Price
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In the Heart of Rila Mountain

15 – 16 july 2023

A fascinating circular route in the heart of Rila mountain. The biggest and many other glacier lakes, peaks and old pristine pine forests. Come with us end enjoy this unpopular part of the mountain.

Central Rila is one of the 4 main parts of the highest mountain in Bulgaria and in the Balkans. The fact that it remains a bit away from the crowds makes it interesting for us. This range is rich of glacier lakes having the biggest one in Bulgaria here – Smradlivoto. Apart from it we will go also to Ribnite (Fish) lakes, Suhoto (Dry) lake and few other high-mountain cirques. The steep deep valleys make this part of the mountain hardly accessible which is the reason to have the nature in its most virgin, natural appearance. And this is the reason why we want to bring you here. Part of the route passes through the territory of Natural park Rila Monastery famous with its old pine trees. Another accent in our tour is the ridge that divides both deep valleys of Rilska and Iliina rivers with fabulous panoramic views.
Our base for the weekend is Ribni Ezera hut placed between the same called lakes, right in the heart of the mountain (2230 m asl.). Although its basic amenities, there is a bathroom with hot water and hot cooked food. We may extend our program with climbing some of the peaks around it depending on your enthusiasm.
This program is suitable for people in good physical condition. If you are not sure whether it fits to you, we advise you to call us in advance and we will help you to make a decision. We know well that any great mountain adventure starts with a proper route choice.
The program will take place with a minimum of 5 participants.

Photos from previous adventures

Price Includes

Mountain guide

local mountain guide

Accommodation

1 night in mountain hut

Price Does Not Include

Food

you may buy it from the huts or bring it with you

Insurance

travel and mountain insurance

Transport & Personal expenses

transport and any personal expenses

Important! You should have valid mountain insurance for this trip. You can purchase one on preferential price here: Parana. Use promo code basecamp for 5% discount.

Day 1 (Saturday)
Gathering a Kirilova polyana, above RIla Monastery (about 1.5 hours). It is located in the Rilska river’s valley just beneath the giant climbing walls of Dvuglav peak. We start from here toward Suhoto (Dry) lake. The path is going through the old pine trees of Rila Monastery Natural park. Suhoto lake stays a bit away from the tourists’ eyes but it is really beautiful calm place nestled in the mountain. For 30 more minutes we reach a small shelter –Kobilino Branishte placed at the same called settle that connects North-western and Central Rila. From here we continue our way up reaching Vodniya peak that provides panoramic view towards the whole Central Rila and all the places we will visit on the next day. Crossing Shishkovitsa river’s meanders we finally reach the hut, placed between both Ribni lakes. Accommodation and spare time. At sun set, we may climb some of the peaks around the hut depending on your enthusiasm and weather conditions. Duration: 6 hours
Altitude gain for the day: 1300 m. Highest point for the day: 2683 m asl.

Day 2 (Sunday)
Another scenic day is ahead of us. After breakfast we will go to the biggest glacier lake in Bulgaria – Smradlivoto. From here we are going to climb Rilets peak – one of the emblematic and the second highest peaks in this area. Our further way is following the Bricheborski ridge to west reaching another peak – Teodosievi karauli. This past is rarely visited but provide fantastic views towards majestic rocky peaks in Malyovitsa area. Our way down is passing through another glacier cirque and some pretty pristine forests before reaching Rilska river and Kirilova Polyana. It is now time for relax and cold beer. Returning back to Sofia. Duration: 8 hours. Altitude gain for the day: 700 m
Highest point for the day: 2713 m asl.

* We reserve the right to make changes to the program in case of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. The guide has the right to change the route according to the weather conditions and the condition of the people in the group for maximum safety.

* We will send a list of the necessary equipment to everyone who enrolled in the program. If you are missing something from it, we can help. What we care about the most are the comfortable hiking boots.
* Booking takes place no later than 10 days before the departure date or until there is availability. The reservation is considered for confirmed upon payment within 3 days after booking.

Guide

Stanislav Radkov
Languages: English and Bulgarian


Ever since he was young he has been wandering the mountains, summer or winter. In the last 10 years he has been very actively engaging in back-country/ski mountaineering.
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122 EUR Full Price
See what's included?

Pay in advance -

122

7 in stock