Snowshoeing in Bulgaria
The mountains of Rila and Vitosha are one of the highest on the Balkan Peninsula. With their Alpine type of landscape, impressive landscapes, long slopes and thick forests, they offer perfect conditions for the winter adventure sports fans.
Due to its geographical situation and climate characteristics Bulgaria has a long, but mild winter, with periods of strong snowfalls and others with stable sunshine.
Almost 30% of the country is occupied by high mountains (above 1500m), which favors the development of winter outdoor activities and the snowshoeing-tourism.
BASIC INFORMATION
The National park of Vitosha – or in other words, as it is famous among the Sofia citizens “our home mountain”. Located approx. 40 min. by car from the capital city. It is one of the highest mountains in Bulgaria, with its Cherni vrah peak (2290m), from which an amazing views towards Rila and Stara planina mountains is being revealed. 
The National park of Rila – one of the very few regions in Europe where still the human influence doesn’t feel so strongly and you could spend days without seeing anybody who will disturb your personal experience. Here we will ski on some of the highest spots of the Balkan Peninsula – Musala peak 2925 m.
The Rila monastery – it’s the „Pearl” in the crown of the Christian Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria. For ages it has kept the Christian spirit of the Bulgarians, while their lands were under the occupation of the Ottoman Empire. This place, towards which the Bulgarians refer with the biggest love and respect, give us an extraordinary point of view towards the Medieval culture and traditions.
The capital of Bulgaria – Sofia – is one of the oldest towns in Europe. After conquering the high peaks, we indulge into the contemporary life of Bulgaria. We save some time to visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Russian church, the modern city-center, time for shopping or just a calm wandering along the green streets of Sofia.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Flight to Sofia. Transfer and accommodation at the hotel and introduction of the guides and the program.
Accommodation – hotel ****/ *****
Day 2
Transfer around 45 min. to “Zlatnite mostove” recreation center. Trek along the ridge of Vitosha mountain to “Aleko“ ski-center (1800m). Variant: Ascent to “Cherni vrah” peak (2290m).
Transfer with a mini-bus to the Alpine center of Malyovitza, located in Rila mountain.
Denivilation: 840 m /with the peak/. Duration of the trek: Approx. 6 hours /with the ascent of Cherni vrah peak/
Accommodation – hotel **
Day 3
We start the day with not heavy ascent about 1 hour to Malyovitza hut (1960m). Drink a tea and with well warmed muscles continue with a heavier ascent towards the “Strashnoto ezero” backstop (2575 m).
Going back to the hotel. Dinner.
During this day our way will pass along the paths of the National park of Rila, revealing gorgeous views towards some of the highest peaks of the mountain.
Denivilation: 680m. Duration between 5 and 6 hours.
Accommodation – hotel **
Day 4
Transfer around 30 min. to Borovets ski-resort. A day, dedicated to the ascent of Musala peak (2925m).
We will take the lift from Borovets, which will take us for 25 min. to the upper station of the lift, located at 2369 m. From there we have a short descent, after which we start the attack (the ascent) of the the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula.
Positive denivilation: 700m. Duration between 6 and 7 hours. Going back to the hotel. Dinner.
Accommodation – hotel **
Day 5
Trek to Rilski ezera hut (2100m). 
“Rilski ezera” hut is built in the region of the seven Rila lakes, which has got the fame for highly energetic zone, visited by followers of mystic studies.
Duration between 5 and 6 hours.
Accommodation – hut
Day 6
A round-trip of the wonderful area of seven Rila lakes. Denivilation 200 m. Duration about 2 hours. From the region of the seven Rila lakes we will head off toward Panichishte resort center, passing by “Skakavitza“ hut (1860m) and visiting Skakavitza waterfall with height of 82m.
Denivilation downwards: 550m. Duration 4-5 hours.
Accommodation – hotel** /in the region of Panichishte resort center /
Day 7
Leaving behind the Rila peaks we continue with the mini-bus towards the Rila monastery. On our way to it there is a variant to visit the mineral baths of Separeva banya village, where one of the hottest springs in Europe is located – 110C˚ Visit of the monastery.
Lunch on our way to Sofia. Arrival at Sofia. Dinner.
The Rila monastery “St.Ivan Rilski“ is the most honored and famous monastery around Bulgaria. The contemporary architectural complex is an especially important religious and historical center.
Accommodation – hotel ****/***** in Sofia
Day 8
The whole day is dedicated to a round-trip of the capital city. We could visit the National historical museum, the famous Boyana church “St.Nikola”, built within the foothills of Vitosha mountain, the historical center of the city, the National Art Gallery, the Archeological museum, etc.
Of course, the tourists could choose to have a free program: shopping or other activities on demand.
Free time for “last minute” visits and shopping. Transfer to the airport. Goodbye and going back home.
