A FULL DAY GUIDED HIKING TRIP TO THE SEVEN RILA LAKES IN THE RILA MOUNTAINS

Join our small-group, friendly tour and discover the breathtaking beauty of the Rila mountain and the Seven Rila Lakes. Enjoy this fantastic opportunity to spend the day at one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria and lately the most popular destination for one-day hiking tours in the Rila Mountains. The Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes situated between 2100 and 2500 m above sea level, surrounded by sharp granite peaks, deep valleys and green pastures. Incredible nature beauty, easy access by chairlift, relatively easy walking (the route is not difficult and can be altered on the spot depending on how fit you are) are just a few of the reasons why you should join this tour. Follow your professional mountain guide and we promise a memorable experience!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit one of the most famous nature sights on the Balkans and one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria – The Seven Rila Lakes.
• Hiking in the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula.
• Get close to the nature and enjoy the “Rila Mountain Natural Park”, the biggest in Bulgaria and know more about the local herbs and animals.
• Take the chair lift ride on the way to the Seven Rila lakes and back – a pleasant experience
• Explore the beautiful Bulgarian countryside.
• Get some fresh mountain air.

ITINERARY

Your journey starts early in the morning from one of the most beautiful and recognizable buildings in Sofia, The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Meet your guide in front of the biggest cathedral in Bulgaria and get on-board your comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. Within a 1:30 hrs. (100 km) scenic trip through the beautiful Bulgarian countryside and  through the century-old coniferous woods of the Rila Mountain Natural Park you will reach the Pionerska hut. Here you board the chairlift to the Rila Lakes mountain hut (2135m). The 30-minute chairlift ride is a great experience! You will feel incredible refresh by the crystal clear mountain air and enjoy some of the best views that the mountain has to offer! From the Rila Lakes Hut we continue on foot to explore the lakes one by one. Each lake is named after its most characteristic shape. The first and the lowest one is called the Lower Lake, then we continue to the Fish and the Trefoil lakes. The next one is the Twin – the largest of all, after that is the Kidney - the lake with the steepest shores of the entire group. The sixth one is called the Eye, after its oval shape. The Eye is the deepest mountain lake in Bulgaria – 37.5m. The highest one (at 2500m/8200ft above sea level) is called The Tear, from where we have a bird’s eye view over all seven lakes, and a stunning panorama around. This is a loop walk, so we will use a different route for our way back to the chairlift. In the late afternoon return to your vehicle and relax, but this is not the end! On the way back to Sofia you will have the opportunity to visit the hottest  geyser in Europe with the incredible water temperature of 103 degrees Celsius!

DATES
All year round

Best period: May – November
DURATION:  1 day (About 8 hours)
Transfers time: 3 hrs.
Walking time: 3-4 hrs. (Depending on the pace; moderate difficulty)
DIFFICULTY: Easy to Medium

MEETING AND DROP OFF POINT

The meeting point is in front of the Alexander Nevski Cathedral (the main entrance of the Cathedral) (Open in Google Maps)
If you have not requested pick-up.
Departure at 07:30 AM from Alexander Nevski cathedral, (in front of the main gate).
Expected time of return around 16:00 PM

GOOD TO KNOW

• This is a hiking tour suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers, but requires good physical condition (3-4 hrs. walking)
• Wearing comfortable clothes and proper shoes is necessary.
• Wear jacket and warm clothes (scarf, gloves, extra t-shirt, socks etc.) no matter of the season. We are going to reach 2500 meters a.s.l.
• Bring sun protection cream, sunglasses and a hat, because the sun is stronger in the mountain.
• There are no shops and restaurant on the route, so better take some snacks or sandwiches with you. On the way from Sofia we’ll make a short stop for shopping.
• Don't forget your camera

Prices

39 Euro per person (Days With Special Offer: Tue./Thu./Sat.)

Other Days:

• 1 pers: 119 Euro;
• 2 pers: 69 Euro;
• 3 pers: 58 Euro;
• 4-7 pers: 49 Euro pp;

DISCOUNTS

Great group discounts for groups of 4 or more people! Please enquire at: hello@exploriatour.com or +359 877 842 652

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Pickup and drop off at your location (days without special offer)
• All transportation and parking costs.
• Licensed English-speaking guide.
• VAT and all local taxes.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Return chairlift ticket – 18 Leva (9 Euro) – days with special offer
• Meals, tips and personal expenses.

EXTRAS

Rent trekking poles: 5 Euro per person.