Winter in the Bulgarian mountains with snowshoes - away from the tourist tracks and ski slopes, you will discover the tranquility of our wild mountain ranges. Century old forests covered with powder snow, shining sun over the frozen peaks - enjoy our programs, leaded by experienced mountain guides in the gorgeous mountains ranges of Rila and Pirin.
Taste the hospitality of small family hotels and visit some of the famous Bulgarian monasteries - combine an active holiday with cultural visits...

Program Snowshoes – 8 days (7 nights)
LAND ONLY Price per person: 490 euro per person

Dates for 2008: 23 till 30 January 2010, 13 till 20 February 2010

Day 1: Sofia – Maliovitza (Rila Mountain)

Arriving in Sofia and transfer about 1.30h to the northern slopes of Rila Mountain. Accommodation in mountain hotel at 1600m at Guletchitza area.

Rila National Park -The most majestic Bulgarian Mountain, Rila Mountain is highest one on the Balkan Peninsula. It is situated in the southwest part of Bulgaria. The name Rila descending from the Slavic word Rula means "Full of Water Mountain". This name corresponds to the character of the Rila Mountain. There are more than 200 lakes, which give source of many rivers. This mountain has wide zone of coniferous and broad-leafed natural woods and it is National Park. There are over 2000 plant varieties and a rich animal world. There are many huts and chalets for overnights and marked tourist paths. But to taste the real spirit of the Rila Mountain it is necessary to get out of the paths.

The highest peak of Rila Mountain (and of the Balkan Peninsula) is Musala (2925m). The Musala Region is catchments area for many rivers. Another interest part of Rila Mountain is the region of Peak Maliovitza. It is famous with the alpine relief, picturesque traverses and the special charm of the wild valleys. It is the natural setting for Bulgaria's most famous monastery - Rila Monastery.

Day 2: Rila Mountain – Maliovitza area

Short morning transfer 10 minutes.

A day for adaptation – about 4-5 h. walk. Depart in the morning and easy walk about 1h. to Maliovitza chalet. Climb direction “Strashnoto Lake” and descent to 1700m – the Maliovitza center. Lunch – picnic. Same accommodation as Day 1.

Day 3: Maliovitza area – Mt. Maliovitza

Same morning transfer – 10 min. Difficult day with about 1000m climb. Start point at 1700m to climb the summit, symbol of the Bulgarian alpinism – Mt. Maliovitza at 2729m. Lunch – pick-nick. Descent and same accommodation as Day 1. 

Day 4: Maliovitza area - Seven Lakes area

Depart from the hotel and descent about 150 meters in the forest – wild walk. After 1h. easy walk we reach the mountain chalet “Vada”, at 1200m. About 2.30h. via the mountain chalets of Lovna famous Seven Lake area. Descent 1h. to a mountain hotel at Panichishte. Overnight at 1600.

Day 5: Panichishte – village of Sapareva bania

Day for relax – short walk in the morning in one of the most remote area of Rila mountain (3.30-4h). Without big climb we reach the “Obesen kamak” and descent to the village of Saparevo.

Lunch with a local family.

Short transfer to Sapareva bania village – 5km. Visit the so called geyser “a hot mineral water spring”. Time for the public thermal bath in the village. Transfer back to Panichishte area by bus and same accommodation.

Day 6: Seven Lakes area – Skakavitza - Panichishte

Walk to the circ of the famous “Seven Lakes” and descent via Skakavitza waterfall. Total walk for the day – 4-5h. Accommodation in hotel in Panichishte.

Day 7: Panichishte – Rila monastery - Sofia 

Transfer 1.30 to Rila monastery.

Visit of Rila monastery – Situated high in the picturesque Rila Mountain the monastery was founded by John of Rila in the 10th century, as a colony of hermits. Later it became one of the centers of early mediaeval culture. During the ages it has been destroyed by fire, abandoned by the monks and pillaged on several times. Nowadays the oldest building in the complex is the defend-tower 1335 built by the protosebast Dragovol Hrelyo.

Option: walk in the surrounding area

Transfer 120 km to Sofia, accommodation in 3* hotel in downtown area. Visit of Sofia 

Day 8: Depart

Free time. Transfer to the Airport!

Price per person: 490 euro per person

The price is valid for a group of minimum 6 participants and includes all the transfers, accommodation and food according to the program. The program can be redesigned for family trips.

Included: all the transfers, 6 full boards and the breakfast in Sofia, guide, equipment (snow shoes and sticks)

Not included: dinner in Sofia, lunch in Sofia, drinks, entry fees, insurance.

Necessary equipment:

• Avalanche beacon – 1 per person
• Avalanche probe – 1 per person
• Avalanche shovel – 1 for 2 persons