Musala Peak Hike - Private Day Tour from Plovdiv

Join a wonderful walk within the Rila Mountains and more precisely within the boundaries of the Rila National Park.

Rila Mountains with highest peak Musala (2 925 m. a. s. l.) are the highest mountains in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula. It is the sixth highest in Europe as well. The name of the mountains is of Thracian origin and means “plenty of water”. The fact that Rila had twice been frozen has most influenced its landscape formation. The numerous circuses, well - formed glacial valleys, alpine mounts and more than 180 glacial lakes are certain proof of that. The tall coniferous trees of 50 - 60 metres and the rich animal world of bears, wolfs, imperial eagles, wild goats and many more are pure treasure.

Rila National Park is the largest of the three national parks in Bulgaria. Founded in 1993 the park contains rare and endangered wildlife species and communities, self-regulating ecosystems of biological diversity, as well as historic sites of global cultural and scientific significance. Some of the largest rivers in the Balkan Peninsula originate here.

In the morning head towards Borovets (1350 m. a. s. l.) which is Bulgaria's oldest ski resort, established at the end of the 19-th century. The famous ski centre is surrounded by ancient pine forests, enjoys a scenic location and one of the healthiest climate conditions in the country. In Borovets board the gondola lift to get to Yastrebets peak (2369 m. a. s. l.) where the trekking begins. The track goes almost even until the Musala hut (2389 m. a. s. l.). Continue uphill along the gorgeous Musala Lakes until we reach the coldest and highest lake in Rila Mountans – the Icy Lake (2710 m. a. s. l.). Short but steep ascent follows all the way to the mighty Musala Peak (2925 m. a. s. l.) - the highest peak in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula. Standing on the top of the Balkans mountaineers are strongly impressed by the breathtaking views all around. One can easily see the rest of the magnificent Rila Mountains and other large Bulgarian mountains like the alpine Pirin Mountains, Vitosha Mountain, Sredna Gora Mountains with the majestic Balkan Range behind and the green and more oval Rhodope Mountains. After lunch at the peak walk down following the same trail to the gondola lift and back to Borovets.

Trip duration: about 11 hours