— Expeditions
Bulgaria 7 Summits
Seven Summits in the Wild Heart of Balkans
Strenuous
8 Days
7 Summits
Price
€2299
Per Person
Overview
This magical expedition is between the granite heights of Pirin and the wild ridges of Rila, where lies Bulgaria’s untamed alpine frontier, a land of glacial lakes, marble knife-edge ridges, and deep-rooted mountain spirit.
The Bulgaria 7 Summits challenge links seven of the country’s most iconic peaks in one continuous, high-adventure expedition:
1. Polezhan – 2,852 m
2. Bezbog – 2,645 m
3. Vihren – 2,914 m
4. Kutelo I & II – 2,908 m / 2,907 m
5. Malyovitsa – 2,729 m
6. Popova Kapa – 2,698 m
7. Musala – 2,925 m — the highest point in the Balkans.
Across seven rugged days you’ll traverse two national parks, climb seven distinct summits across the Pirin and Rila ranges, move hut-to-hut through glacier-carved valleys, and stand on the most legendary high points in the Wild Heart of the Balkans.
No technical experience required but a good level of fitness is a must. Elevation gain and loss between 800m and 1300m daily.
Expedition Highlights
- Hike the highest peaks in Rila and Pirin National Parks
- Visit to the Rila monastery /UNESCO heritage site
- Enjoy Bulgarian traditional cuisine
- Relax in the hot pools in Sapareva banya
- Spend your last night in the capital city Sofia
Location
Bulgaria
Duration
8 Days
Route
Rila & Pirin
Grade
Strenuous
Altitude
7 Summits
Activity
6-10 hrs
itinerary
DAY 1
Transfer from Dublin am flight to Sofia airport onwards to Bansko village – 3 hours.
Accommodation at a family run hotel.
Lunch and Dinner
DAY 2
Transfer to Gotse Delchev hut – 40 minutes. Lift up to Bezbog hut. Hike to
Polejan Peak – 2852 m and Bezbog Peak. Then lunch break at Popovo ezero lake. Ride the lift down.
Elevation gain: +950 m/-950 m
Hike time: 5:30h-6h
Optional descend from Polejan Peak to Demianitsa river valley and hut, and back to Bansko.
No chairlift on the way back via Demianitsa.
Elevation gain: +750 m/-1450 m
Hike time: 8h
Accommodation in Bansko.
Breakfast – packed lunch and Dinner
DAY 3
Transfer to Viren hut – 30 minutes.
A loop hike that will traverse the highest 3 peaks of Pirin Vihren Peak – 2914 m
Kutelo I & II – 2,908 m / 2,907 m
We will also traverse the attractive marble ridge Koncheto, assisted with fixed cables.
Elevation gain: +1300m
Hike time: 9:30-10:30h
Accommodation in Bansko.
Breakfast – packed lunch and Dinner
DAY 4
Transfer to Rila Monastery – 1:40 hours. A short walk will lead us to the grave of Saint Johnof Rila, the founder of the monastery. Descend to the monastery exploring the magnificentcentury old broad-leaved mixed forest.
Visit to the Rila Monastery – UNESCO world heritagesite.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Sapareva Banya – 1:20min
Relaxing afternoon at the hot mineral pools.
Elevation gain: +100m
Hike time: 1hr
Accommodation in Sapareva Banya.
Breakfast – packed lunch and Dinner
DAY 5
Transfer to Pionerska hut – 30 minutes. Chair lift up to Rilski ezera hut.
Hike from Rila Lakes to Malyovitsa Peak – 2729.
On the way we will traverse Damga Peak and Dodov Peak.
Descend from Malyovitsa Peak to Malyovitsa ski centre.
Transfer to Govedartsi village – 20 minutes.
Elevation gain: +800 m/-1200 m
Hike time: 8:30-9h
Accommodation in Govedartsi.
Breakfast – packed lunch and Dinner
DAY 6
Transfer to Malyovitsa ski centre – 20 minutes.
Hike to Popova kapa Peak – 2698 m.
The route passes through Yonchevo Lake and Strashnoto Lake (The Scary Lake).
Descend to Malyovitsa ski centre.
Elevation gain: +1000 m/-1100 m
Hike time: 8:30-9h
Accommodation in Govedartsi.
Breakfast – packed lunch and Dinner
DAY 7
Transfer to Borovets ski resort – 30 minutes. Gondola lift to Yasterbets.
Traverse to Musala Peak – 2925 m.
It is the highest on the Balkan peninsula.
We will also climb Aleko Peak and Lyudmil Yankov Peak.
Descend on a different way back to the lift through Ledeno ezero shelter and Musala hut.
Ride the lift down from Yasterbets to Borovets.
Transfer to Sofia 1:40 hours.Celebration Dinner in a local restaurant.
Elevation gain: +800 m/-800 m
Hike time: 6:30-7h
Accommodation in Sofia.
Breakfast – packed lunch and Dinner
DAY 8
Transfer to the airport. Departure.
What’s Included
Included:
- JBM elite mountain guides
- All transfers during the trip with pick up and drop off from Sofia
- Accommodation for 8 nights at family run hotels with breakfast, packed lunches and dinners included.
- Lift tickets for Bezbog, Rila lakes and Musala
- Custom made itinerary
- All taxes
- Welcome dinner a glass of wine | a glass of rakia | beer or soft drink
-
7 nights in 3* family-run hotels/ guesthouses in a double room with private bathroom
-
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 packed lunches, 7 dinners
-
All transfers from – to Sofia airport in a private, air-conditioned minibus
-
Lift passes
-
Cultural visit to the Rila monastery
Excluded:
-
Insurance – obligatory
-
Drinks and beverages
- Hot pools
- Personal gear
-
Tip
Available Dates
Although no mountaineering experience is required on this trip, a good level of physical fitness is necessary. You must be comfortable hiking up to 8 hours a day, with many steep uphill sections, uneven, rocky terrain and in unpredictable weather. This hike is a strenuous one, so the better prepared you are, the more you should enjoy it.
You need to be fit healthy to get through this weekend.
A bespoke Jason Black Mountaineering 12 – week training plan designed by Jason Black personally will be in your information pack on completion of your booking.
Footwear
• Robust hiking boots with good tread (well broken-in)
No trainers on this trip.
Clothing
• Waterproof jacket (helmet-compatible hood preferable)
• Waterproof trousers
• Wicking base layerwarm
• mid-layer (fleece or light synthetic), spare warm layer
• Hat, buff, and two pairs of gloves (one spare dry pair)
• Hiking trousers (no jeans/cotton)
Safety
• Head torch with fresh batteries
• Personal first-aid and blister kit
• Emergency bivvy/survival bag and whistle
• Fully charged phone in waterproof pouch; power bank
• Water 2–3Ltr total capacity (bottles or bladder)
• High-energy personal sugary snacks for long days.
Other
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm; personal meds; cash/card for meals
• Travel towel (hostel towels may be hired)
Seasonal/route-specific notes
• Late May can still be cold/wet on ridges; pack warm layers.
• Light scrambling and sustained rocky terrain, good boots essential.
See more about our payment policy Here
On Booking your expedition our returns policy can be viewed here
Participants must carry travel insurance that covers hillwalking/scrambling (non-technical) up to 3,000 m in Bulgaria, including trip interruption and medical cover. Bring your policy details in the event required. We recommend True Traveler.
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