Rila is the highest mountain in the Balkans and all of Southeastern Europe, with the Musala summit rising to 2925m. The mountain ranks sixth in Europe after the Caucasus, the Alps, the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees, and Etna. Rila (an old Slav word meaning “well watered” mountain) looks like a stormy sea of crests and peaks, deep gorges, and over 150 crystal-clear lakes. Much of the National Park area is under UNESCO protection.
GUIDED & SELF-GUIDED hiking options are available to choose from (check the “Prices, Dates & Remarks” tab for details)
After an early transfer from Sofia to the Borovets resort (appr. 1,20hrs), we take the cable car to the Yastrebets summit, from where we follow a path through the Musala Hut and the Ledeno Ezero (“The Icy Lake”) mountain refuge to the Musala summit. Along the way, we enjoy magnificent views over surrounding outcrops and peaks, deep valleys, and pristine glacier lakes. But the best vistas are waiting for you on the top, where we celebrate with a cup of fragrant herbal tea. From here you can enjoy the summits of all major mountain ranges in Bulgaria – Balkan, Sredna Gora, Vitosha, Rhodopes, Pirin and of course – Rila.
Total transfers time: 2,45hrs (+50min lift ride)
Hiking specifics: Appr. 5,30hrs (without breaks); 14,50km; +690m/-690m;
Tour difficulty: the trek is arduous with some steep stages on rocky terrain. We strongly recommend you come prepared with comfortable walking boots, poles may be helpful too. Flip-flops and sandals are not acceptable. Be prepared with-/waterproofs, and some warmer clothes as a middle layer.
Price (guided tour): 1 pers: 250 Euro; 2 pers: 140 Euro pp; 3 pers: 100 Euro pp; 4-7 pers: 80 Euro pp;
Price (self-guided tour): 200 Euro/car (group of 1-4 persons); 250 Euro/bus (group of 5-8 persons)
* The rates above are per person based on the number of people in one reservation (guided tour) or per group (self-guided tour).
** The tour is not private and the group may comprise customers booked under several reservations, each with a different number of people (incl. guided and self-guided option). We aim to keep the total group size for the guided tour not exceeding 12 passengers (normally 2-6).
*** Promo rates may occur for some of the dates; scroll the Book Online tab to check if such are present around your travel dates.
Price includes: Transfer from Sofia to Borovets resort and back; English-speaking guide (guided option); Detailed route notes in English and maps (self-guided option; 1 set of route notes and 1 map per reservation)
Price does not include: Gondola lift tickets
Food: basic food is required inside the two huts we will pass by; however, due to time restrictions, you’d better plan for a sandwich, prepared at home (time permitting we can stop for a tea in the huts). 1,5l water bottle is also necessary.
Best period: mid-June – mid- September (from Wednesday to Sunday only)
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Hiking Musala
I was on the top of the Balkans! So great feeling 🙂
Very high
I was part of a guided hike to Musala. The guide was a proffesionalist. Clear weather and beautiful nature.
Over the clouds
We were very excited that we are going to conquer the highest summit in Bulgaria! The day before we did a warm-up hike at Vitosha mountain with Traventuria again. Our guide was the same for both days even though the trips are not private. We were lucky there were not so many enthusiasts for both destinations and we were accompanied only by 2 people. The guide was very passionate and talkative. She gave us enough information not only about the mountains but also for the typical lifestyle of Bulgarians. She walked with our pace which for Musala is very important because after the hut you start climbing on rocky terrain. After a nice and long stop near a big lake, we started the final climb which was very steep but with every step ahead it revealed amazing views. Finally, on the top, we got the sense that we are floating over the clouds and it was a sublime moment!
Rainy Musala
We went to Musala peak in Saturday, it was supposed to be crowded. But the fact that it was rainy almost the whole day went great for us. It was calm and peace, just with a few people on the path. We have plenty of time to enjoy the pleasant views.
So beautiful...
It’s a wonderful experience. The visit exceeded our expectations, it was excellently organized, the weather was very good and we managed to take wonderful photos.