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Enjoy this exhilarating hike into the mountains near Sofia, and discover the picturesque Seven Rila Lakes. See why these glacial lakes are known as the Blue Pearls of the Rila Mountains.

Highlights

• Discover the snow-capped peaks of Rila, a treasure hidden under the blue sky
• Visit the Seven Rila Lakes, a group of glacial lakes, on a full-day hiking trip
• Take a chairlift from Panichishte (if available!) to the top of the world at Rila National Park
• Admire views of the Rila Mountains, the highest mountain range in Bulgaria
• A professional mountain guide throughout (unless self-guided option is selected)

Description

Enjoy a full-day trek into the Rila Mountains to explore the most picturesque area near Sofia and one of Bulgaria's most beautiful natural sites, the Seven Rila Lakes. IMPORTANT: This tour has variations which depend on the season and whether the lift is operating or not. Please read carefully the description of the option that you are selecting. When the lift is closed for maintenance, the hiking tour is prolonged with 2 hours and the difficulty is high, requiring a good fitness level! During the winter and springtime, the lakes are NOT visible and will NOT be experienced as they are covered in snow. Take your chance to explore the Blue Pearls of the Rila Mountains, and the Seven Rila Lakes, with the local tour operator, Traventuria, which was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative. About the lakes: This group of glacial lakes lies between 6,900 and 8,200 feet (2,100 and 2,500 meters) above sea level, surrounded by rugged peaks and deep valleys. Leaving Sofia, you will drive for 90 minutes to reach the Panichishte resort area, where you board the chairlift to the Rila Lakes mountain hut. From here, continue on foot to explore the landscape and its majestic blue pearls – the Eye, the Tear, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake, and the Lower Lake.

Includes

English-speaking guide (depending on option selected) Driver Round-trip transportation from Sofia to the lakes Visit to Rila Monastery (if option chosen) Audio guide (if option chosen) Guided hike (if option chosen)

Important Information

• NB: Groups are international, and people vary in their judgement of physical form. Some will find the tempo slow, others nearly impossible to follow. NB: Traventuria will carry out the tour in 99% of the cases, regardless of the weather. However, strong winds, heavy rainfall affect the availability of the lift. Without the lift, the walking distance exceeds 17 km (~7 hours), the altitude gain is 1000+m/3300ft in each direction. Hence, the number of lakes visited will be cut short.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund