One day hike to Musala Peak from Plovdiv

Highlights

• The largest of all national parks in Bulgaria - Rila National Park
• Bulgaria’s oldest ski resort Borovets
• Gondola lift to get to Yastrebets peak
• Stunning views of nature and mountains

All about the trip

Rila Mountains with their highest peak Musala (2925 m) are the highest in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula. They represent the 6th highest mountain range in Europe as well. The name of the mountains has a Thracian origin and means “plenty of water”. The numerous cirques, well-formed glacial valleys, alpine mounts, and more than 180 glacial lakes are certain proof of that. The tall coniferous trees of 50 – 60 meters and the rich animal realm of bears, wolfs, imperial eagles, wild goats and many more are a pure treasure.

Rila National Park is the largest of the three national parks in Bulgaria. Founded in 1993 the park contains rare and endangered wildlife species and communities, self-regulating ecosystems of biological diversity, as well as historic sites of global cultural and scientific significance. Some of the largest rivers in the Balkan Peninsula originate here.

In the morning we head towards Borovets (1350 m) which is Bulgaria’s oldest ski resort, established at the end of the 19th century. The famous ski center is surrounded by ancient pine forests, enjoys a scenic location and one of the healthiest climate conditions in the country. In Borovets, we board the gondola lift to get to Yastrebets peak (2369 m) where the trekking begins. The track goes almost even until the Musala hut (2389 m). We continue uphill along the gorgeous Musala Lakes until we reach the coldest and highest lake in Rila Mountains – the Icy Lake (2710 m). Short but steep ascent follows all the way to the mighty Musala Peak (2925 m) – the highest peak in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula. One can easily see other large Bulgarian mountains like the alpine Pirin Mountains, Vitosha Mountain, Sredna Gora Mountains with the majestic Balkan Range behind and the green Rhodope Mountains. After lunch at the peak, we walk down following the same trail to the gondola lift and back to Borovets. Then we drive back to Plovdiv.

What is included in the price

• English speaking tour guide
• Transfers from and to your hotel in Plovdiv

What is not included in the price

• Cabin lift return ticket (6 €)
• Lunch and drinks
• Insurance

Instructions

Please show up at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time.