One day hike to Seven Rila Lakes from Plovdiv

Highlights

• Rila Mountains with their highest peak Musala
• The Seven Rila Lakes is the most popular trekking destination in Rila Mountains
• Chair lift to reach the Rila Lakes Hut
• Stunning view of all lakes and nature around

All about the trip

Rila Mountains with their highest peak Musala (2925 m) are the highest in Bulgaria and on 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 the pure treasure of this breathtaking area.

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 in the park.

In the morning we drive to Pionerska hut situated at 1520 m in Rila Mountains. We get on the chair lift to reach the Rila Lakes hut (2135 m) at the top. Then we do a loop hike in the Cirque of The Seven Rila Lakes in the boundaries of Rila National Park to discover the fascinating beauty of the glacial lakes and the towering peaks around. The first lake on the way is The Kidney followed by The Eye (the deepest cirque lake in Bulgaria – 37, 5 m) and the highest one – The Tear. From the nearby Lake Peak, one can enjoy the incredible panorama over all of the lakes, the Vitosha Mountain and the Balkan Range in the distant background. After lunch at the top, we continue exploring the rest of these mountain pearls by walking only downhill. The next one is the largest lake – The Twins, followed by The Trefoil, The Fish Lake and The Lower Lake which is the lowest and collects the waters from the other six lakes. The trek ends at the Rila Lakes hut again. Then we board the chair lift to Pionerska hut and drive back to Plovdiv.

What is included in the price

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

What is not included in the price

• Chair lift return ticket (9 €)
• Lunch and drinks
• Insurance

Instructions

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