The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery
An intensive hiking & sightseeing program, which shows you the best of nature and culture merits of the Rila Mountains: Rila Monastery (UNESCO) and the Cirque of The Seven Rila Lakes.
Please note
- Food:
- although there are two huts on our way where we can purchase some basic food (i.e. beans soup, meatballs, tea) we advise you to come prepared with a lunch pack from Sofia, because the programme today is rather tight and for sure we won’t have much time for a proper lunch.
- Difficulty:
- the hiking route is moderately arduous, with individual brief paths featuring steep inclines. Please bring along comfortable walking boots. Sandals and flip-flops are not accepted. Rain jacket might be useful in summer as heavy showers sometimes occur in the afternoons.
- Important!
- Kindly note, that availability of the tour depends on the weather conditions and the operation of the chairlift.
- The terrain will be very wet and slippery and there will still be snow in the area. Walking in such conditions requires adequate equipment (good trekking boots, waterproof clothes and a warm layer beneath the jacket). The hike is demanding, so a good fitness level is also required. Keep in mind that some of the lakes may be covered in snow.
- The tour can be canceled with a last minute notice (100% refund will be applied) due to harsh conditions or closure of the chairlift.
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Not recommended for people with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
- Important!
- As with all lifts the one, used for the hike to The Seven Rila Lakes, may stop anytime (due to strong wind, power cuts, etc.). In the rare case, this happens, an alternative hike will be offered on spot by the guide. Mind that such a situation does not make you eligible for a refund.
- Tour with ONLINE (cloud-based) Audio-guide in different languages (EN, ES, IT, FR, DE, RU). INTERNET required to download and use.
Prices: Rates vary (also depending on the option you choose: guided or self-guided); Please send an enquiry and check the options.
What’s included: Transfer from Sofia to Panichishte resort, Rila Monastery and back; English-speaking guide (for the guided hiking option); Detailed route notes in English, GPS tracks and maps (for the self-guided hiking option; 1 set of route notes and 1 map per group)
What’s not included: Food and beverages, personal expenses, chairlift ticket (approx. 13 euro per person), entrance to the museum in Rila Monastery (approx. 4 euro per person).
Best period: mid-June – mid-September (possible until mid-November and also in May – contact us for details on weather conditions and lift working time)
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable hiking shoes. Warm clothes (at least one jacket even in the summertime). Drinks, food.
Food: if you have forgotten to take a lunch pack or a sandwich with you, you can take advantage of the meals on offer in the two huts on our way. The menu is limited though: soups (lentils, beans), grilled meat and some basic meals.
Hiking time: hiking time only is mentioned on each day (not including stops for pictures, picnics, breaks etc.!); these are based on an average hiker’s speed of 4-5km/hr on flat terrain, additional 30min for each 300m elevation gain, and a backpack weighing not more than 10-15% of your body weight. Still this varies a lot on the terrain, the group size and the hiking experience of each client within the group.
Meeting point: the parking lot behind the majestic Alexander Nevski Cathedral in central Sofia.
Drop off: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Duration 11 h min / Physical difficulty level Moderate
