Start date
End date
Travellers
5-day Pirin Mountain traverse with Vihren (2,914m) summit, from Bansko
Enjoy five days of challenging hikes in the beautiful Pirin Mountains including an ascent of Vihren, the tallest peak in the mountain range with your guide Zhivko a UIMLA Mountain Leader.
Highlights
Enjoy a 5-day hike of Bulgaria's most iconic mountains
Climb to the summit of Vihren, the tallest peak in the Pirin Mountains
Enjoy a good physically challenge on this trip
Description
Join me for five days of hiking around some of the biggest peaks in the Pirin Mountains. We’ll even climb to the summit of Vihren at 2,914 metres. The alpine scenery we’ll see along the way is just breathtaking and you’ll arrive at the end of each day tired but satisfied.
Throughout this trip, we’ll be hiking at elevation. We’ll hike across popular ridges, including some that are quite narrow in parts. On average we’ll hike for around seven hours a day. The hikes can be quite technical in parts, so it’ll be advantageous if you have hiking experience. There are also some exposed areas so if you have a fear of heights, you may not enjoy these hikes.
In the evenings we’ll sleep in mountain huts, like the Tevno Ezero Shelter, which is one of the most remote in the country. Staying in these huts further adds to the mountain experience.
This is an excellent trip if you want to be physically challenged while still being able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Book now to reserve your spot.
If you’re looking for a shorter hiking experience, check out my two-day hiking trip in the Balkan Mountains.
Details
More info This trip can also be done the other way round if desired. All the accommodation reservations and transportation logistics can be arranged by me before the trip but you will have to pay on the day. |
Photos
Itinerary
Day 1: Bankso to Qvorov Hut
We’ll meet in Bansko then we’ll take a short trip to the start of the trail. The rest of the day will be spent hiking to our first hut, Qvorov hut. It’ll take around 2- 2.5 hours to get there.
Day 2: Qvorov Hut to Vihren Hut
On day two we’ll tackle on of the longest and most famous routes in the mountain – Qvorov hut to Vihren hut. We’ll be walking for around 8.5- 9.5 hours in total. There will also be quite a bit of uphill hiking. As we ascend up the valley, we’ll pass the Stapalata rock formation and reach the main ridge. From here we’ll hike to the Koncheto ridge. In parts this ridge can be as narrow as just 50cm. We’ll then hit the Kutelo and Vihren peaks before we begin our ascent to Vihren hut. That will be our home for the night and we’ll be able to enjoy a nice rest.
Day 3: Vihren hut to Tevno Lake Shelter
Day three brings us another challenging hike and around 7.5 hours of hiking. We’ll first hit the Banderishka valley and its lakes. From there we’ll hike back to the main ridge of the mountain and the Tipitcite peaks. We’ll keep going until we reach the Tevno Lake Shelter where we’ll enjoy amazing views of nearby mount Kamenitca before getting some rest.
Day 4: Kamenitca Peak Ascent
We’ll devote day four to hiking up Kamenitca. There are two ways of climbing it. One of the ways is slightly easier and the other involves traversing the ridge next to it. We’ll decide together which one we want to take.
Day 5: Tevno Lake Shelter to Bezbog Hut
Day five’s activities also present us with another choice. We can take an easier route through Popovo, the biggest lake in Pirin mountain, or we can climb the rocky Djangal peak and enjoy the view from above. When we’re done we’ll continue to Bezbog lake and the hut. To get home, we’ll take the lift down to Gotce Delchev hut and transfer to the town of Dobrinishte or Bansko.
About the guide
Hello everyone, my name is Zhivko. I am Mountain guide from the town of Gabrovo, Bulgaria. The place I live is at the base of Stara Planina mountain or the Balkan mountains and therefore since very yearly age I started to get interested in nature and being outside. It all begun with snowboarding, followed by hiking, climbing and mountaineering.
I have been working as guide for the past 6 years in all the mountains in Bulgaria, as well as a snowboard instructor at Bansko ski resort for the winter season. I am also organizing different kinds of group activities, based on mountaineering and outdoor sports.
I became a mountain rescuer in 2012, Senior since 2015.
In terms of experience and personal interest, I have been climbing, hiking and ski touring all over the Bulgarian mountains, and also climbing and hiking in the Alps, the Dolomites, Croatia and Slovenia.
What people are saying about Zhivko Zhechev
Matthew Brady
5.00
October 2019
Magdalena
5.00
October 2019
I think that Zhivko is absolutely brilliant in his role: always providing professional insight and mental support. I am sure I would have never made it to the top had I not been assisted by an experienced guide. Zhivko was very mindful throughout the entire duration of the challenge - e.g. advising on proper way of stepping, breathing, clothing etc. I would like to emphasise not only his great knowledge of practicalities related to hiking and climbing, but also fantastic psychological and social skills, showing respect to both: the environment and fellow hikers/ climbers. I\'ve received a feedback following the completion of my \'mission\' which will surely help me in the future. It\'s apparent that Zhivko loves what he is doing for living and he does what he loves rather than simply earning money. Absolutely fabulous experience!
Irene Cuijpers
5.00
March 2018
Mountain guide Zhivko is a very nice, experienced and open minded guide who made me feel safe on our trekking. I am a beginner and he patiently guided me through the inspiring natural winter beauty of Rila Mountain on snow shoes. He prepared everything perfectly and made the trip 100% customized to my wishes. The area is breathtaking and remote in wintertime. We went to the Ivan Vasov hut and did not meet anyone on the way. Shortly: highlly recommended for nature lovers :)!
Prices per person
Group of 1 | EUR 671 each |
Group of 2 | EUR 336 each |
Group of 3 | EUR 227 each |
Group of 4 | EUR 169 each |
Group of 5 | EUR 155 each |
Want a different number of travellers?
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Mountain guide's expenses (lifts, meals, accommodation, etc)
Price details
Personal expenses, meals, lifts, huts and transportation are not included in the price.
For booking assistance
Have any doubts? Talk directly with an Explore Share assistant.
The Concierge service is a great tool for when you still haven't decided what kind of Adventure you're looking for and you're open to suggestions
All very nice, great guide in a beautiful range of mountains!