The Pirin Mountains named after Perun, the god of Thunder, are Bulgaria’s wildest peaks, comprising numerous protected areas and no less than 60 mountains over 2,500 m, or 8,202 ft, high. Generally speaking, the terrain is alpine, meaning that most of the trekking is done above the tree zone. This tour features stupendous views of crystal-clear mountain lakes, green dales, extraordinary rock formations and rich wildlife. During the rest of the trek there will be opportunities to explore the mountains either alone or as part of an impromptu trek organised with the local guide.
Bansko is a three-hour drive from Sofia and Plovdiv and is located on the outskirts of the Pirin National Park the largest protected area in Bulgaria. It will be your base camp on this walking holiday. With its special architecture of Ottoman and Greek origin, Bansko offers visitors a wealth of experience. The stone houses, many of which look like miniature monasteries, exist side by side with the modern structures of this little town, which boasts only 12,000 inhabitants. Bansko boasts a multitude of restaurants and local eateries as well as a lively cafe scene.
Special highlights:
Pirin Mountains
are the second highest in Bulgaria after Rila Mountains and the third in the Balkan Peninsula (Mount Vihren 2914 m a.s.l.). Bansko (925 m a.s.l.) is one of the biggest winter resorts in the country.
Ognianovo (540 m a.s.l.) is a SPA resort close to the Greek border with average temperature of the water + 43oC.
Melnik (380 m a.s.l.) is the smallest and one of the most fascinating towns-museums in Bulgaria famous for its sandy pyramids and local brand of red wine.
Kovachevitsa (1050 m a.s.l.) If you wish to be overwhelmed by long-forgotten feelings, or to be immersed in the enchanting glamour of bygone days, this is a must-visit place
Rila Monastery (1147 m a.s.l.) is the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrive at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and transfer to Bansko for overnight accommodation (about 3 hrs).
/dinner/
Day 2-7. Three trekking days (the first three) with a local guide are included in the program. These are:
1. In June, July and August it is well worth going on an Edelweiss tour. You will find this excursion on our schedule because we believe the chance to see these unique flowers in their natural environment is not to be missed! After breakfast we transfer to the Bunderitsa hut (20 min; 1,810 m, or 5,938 ft). This is a starting point for the next walk to the region of Kazanite. This area is located into the marble region of the Pirin Mountains. It may lack rivers or lakes, but it is home to the Edelweiss and many other flowers, which trail across the steep gorges and
rocky cliffs. The track itself is quite short, but it covers steep ground all the way that takes time to be walked. After completing the trek, we head back to the Bunderitsa hut and transfer by bus to the hotel in Bansko. In the afternoon after short rest in the hotel we will make a short stroll along the streets of Bansko. Although Bansko is quite small, there are several places of interest to visit: the old part of the town; the Holy Trinity Church; the Neofit Rilski museum; the monument dedicated to Father Paisii, the author of Istoria Slavyanobulgarska (the first written history of Bulgaria); the crafts and folk style exhibition and many more.
Uphill walk: 600 m (1,938 ft); downhill walk: 600 m (1,938 ft); walking time: 6 hrs.
2. In the morning we have a transfer to the area called Todorova Ornitsa. The walk follows the Demyanitsa River, which affords a view of the Julenski Skokove waterfalls. The path crosses through meadows, which display beautiful flowers throughout June and the first half of July. The tour continues through the old Mura forests and fragrant alpine meadows towards the circus of Vasilashki Lakes above Demianitsa hut itself, finishing at a place called Karantiyata. The bus will then take us back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Uphill walk: 650 m (2,132 ft); downhill walk: 850 m (2,788 ft); walking time: appr. 6-7 hrs.
3. A fairly difficult ascent to Mount Vihren (2,914 m, or 9,560 ft) awaits us. In the morning we go by bus to the Guaranteed departure dates for 2008: Every Saturday from June to September
Vihren hut (30 minutes; 1,950 m, or 6,397 ft). En route there will be various opportunities to enjoy most of the Pirin’s peaks and also the Vlahini and Bunderishki lakes. If the weather is good we have lunch on the peak itself, enjoying the amazing scenery. After that we return to the Vihren hut, and by bus, to the hotel in Bansko for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Uphill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); downhill walk: 1,000 m (3,280 ft); walking time: 7-8 hours.
(Please note: This route involves negotiating a steep path all the way up and down, with many sections passing over rocks. It is only recommended for tourists in good physical condition. Otherwise, please consider the alternative programme for Day 3, which includes walk in the circus of Bunderishki Lakes: There we visit Muratovo, Ribnoto (The Fish), Dulgoto (The Long), Zhabeshkoto (The Frog) and Okoto (The Eye) lakes. On the way we enjoy beautiful breathtaking panoramic views, flowers and the crystal waters of the rivers and the lakes. It takes about 4-5 hrs to complete this tour, which returns to the Vihren hut before heading back to the hotel in Bansko by bus.
Uphill walk: 400 m (1,312 ft); downhill walk: 400 m (1,312 ft); walking time: appr. 4 hrs)
/breakfast, dinner/
* There are several options for spending the rest days of your stay (please note that guidance and arranged program is not included for them in the package price and they are to be paid additionally in advance or to the guide on the spot depending on the services requested):
- Additional hiking tours in the mountains (to be desided on the spot; payable to the guide)
- Sightseeing Sofia or excursion to Rila Monastery, Melnik or Kovachevitsa (to be desided on the spot; payable to the guide)
- Birding tour around Melnik & Rupite area (for Levant Sparrowhawk, Short-toed Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Rock Sparrow, Red-rumped Swallow, Woodchat Shrike, Black-headed Bunting, Calandra Lark, Alpine Warbler etc.) (to be purchased at least 2 weeks in advance; payable in advance prior departure). During the daily tours you will be able to spot Nutcrackers, Ring Ouzels, Alpine Accentors, Alpine Chough, Pallid Swifts etc.
Provisional prices (subject of negotiation with the guides): excursion to Melnik or Rila Monastery (incl. transfer & guide; no entrance fees included) 80 Euro/car (price for up to 3 pax); swimming in the mineral pools of Ognianovo (incl. transfer & guide; no entrance fees included) 80 Euro/car (price for up to 3 pax); visit to Sofia (incl. transfer & guide) 110 Euro/car (price for up to 3 pax); birdwatching around Melnik & Rupite 150 Euro/car (up to 3 pax); excursion to Rila Monastery 100 Euro/car (price for up to 3 pax)
Day 8. Early transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv Airport for departure.
/breakfast/
Accommodation:
You will stay 7 nights in a family run hotel (3 stars), with rooms with private bath/toilet on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included). In case you decide to stay in a mountain hut as a part of a customized tour, which can be requested directly through your guide, please note that you may have to stay in a dorm where shower/toilet are shared with few other rooms. Blankets and linen are provided in the huts no need to bring such with you.
Tour type: IT+
Difficulty grade (trekking days only): B (stages 1, 2), C (stage 3)
Best period: June September
Weather:
Temperatures expected for this period are between +10 and +25oC. Temperatures above 2000 m a.s.l. may drop to -5C after the end of August. Rainfalls or short but heavy showers are possible, being a bit prolonged during spring and late autumn.
Equipment and clothing:
Necessary items: daypack (35 l) or larger one (60 l) if you deside to stay overnight in a mountain hut; 3-season walking waterproof boots with suitable ankle support; waterproof outer shell garment (breathable if possible!); sunglasses with UV protection; sunscreen lotion; trekking sticks.
For the full list with recommended items see General.
Group size: Min. 2 persons
The price includes: accommodation and boarding as mentioned above, transfers to/from Sofia and Plovdiv airport; English-speaking guide for 3 trekking days; transfers for the 3 trekking days; VAT and all local taxes.
The price does not include: map (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), guidance and transfers for the rest days outside the program; tips, entrance fees, lunches/lunchpacks, alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses.
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