This is a fascinating day out towards one of the most popular places for hiking in Bulgaria – the district of the seven Rila lakes. We do have winter and summer option, however the area is amazing all year round. We drive towards Panichiste resort and then we get on the chair lift to the starting point of our adventure – the Seven Rila lakes Hut. Then we start exploring and the lakes appear one after another in their beauty – truly amazing. Our destination is the Lakes’ summit (Ezeren vrah) – this is the summer option. During winter time we only hike to the Kidney lake. The lakes have different shapes and there are many legends about them. It is very difficult to describe them, you have to come and see this wonderful scenery with your own eyes.
In the afternoon we continue towards the highest waterfall in Rila – Skakavitsa. It takes around 1.5 reach the waterfall. It is located in the protected nature reserve Skakavitsa. During summer months June to August it becomes a true botanical paradise, home to different and rare plants. Most of them growing along the river bed on the way to the waterfall. Nearby is also a mountain hut called Skakavitsa, where we could stop for a rest. Then we stroll down through a centuries’ old pine forest, around 1.5 hours hike.
This is definitely the best hiking in Bulgaria, you can discover the lakes’ district and the highest waterfall in Rila.
7:00
This is a magical adventure into the largest National Park in Bulgaria. The Seven Rila Lakes district is one of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria. During the walk we will enjoy magnificent panoramas and the stunning lakes start to appear one after another. Our goal is to reach the Lakes peak from where we could enjoy all 7 glacial lakes in a clear day – it is a wonderful 360 ⁰ panorama. On the way back we could stop at one of the mountain huts for optional lunch or just to relax and have a drink before catching the lift down. Later we walk down towards Skakavitsa waterfall. Suring the different seasons the volume of water varies. During winter it is completely frozen for a few month and we need snowshoes and hiking poles to walk around. We provide the equipment if necessary. (included into the price).
NB: Please note sometimes the lift is not operating due to wind or bad weather and this is beyond our control. In this case the guide may do part of the itinerary or change it with a different itinerary in the interest of safety.
This experience is voted by many travelers as a bestseller, highly recommended tour.
This is a daily tour, starting from Sofia city center. We meet outside Banya Bashi Mosque on Knyagina Maria Luisa Blvd, opposite McDonalds, near Serdika metro station at 7:00.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XzvChXzTV5gvHRU56
We drive approx. 2 hours towards the car park at the low station of the chairlift. On the way we do a short stop for tea or coffee. Then we get on the chairlift (approx. 2o mins ride). Our hike starts from the Rila lakes Hut on the top station of the lift at elevation of 2135m above the sea, around 10:30.
It takes approx. 3 hours to get to Ezeren Vrah (Lakes’ summit)@ 2560 m. On the way we do several breaks to relax, admire the view and take pictures. On the way back it takes approx.2 hours to the Rila lakes hut and we have the option to carry on downhill towards Skakavitsa Waterfall – it takes around 1.5 hours. After we reach the waterfall and enjoy the fresh air around the river, our journey continues down, passing by Skakavitsa Hut and towards the car park – approx.1.5 hours.
Return to Sofia around 19:00.
