A UIMLA guide will lead you on a 2-day winter, hiking ascent of Mount Musala, the highest peak in the Rila range.
Private
Rila Mountains
2 Days
Jan - Apr, Dec
High
Intermediate
In a mountain range full of impressive peaks, Mount Musala (2,925m) stand the tallest. Not only is Mount Musala the highest peak in the Rila mountains, it is also the highest peak in the entire Balkan area. And on this 2 day hiking ascent, you will get to reach its summit! Furthermore, you will get to scale this mighty peak during the winter months, so you'll get to do it in the snow as well.
Because of the immense size of the mountain, along with the trek taking place during the winter, it will be a challenging hike. Hence some prior hiking experience is required. Participants should also been in good physical condition. And they should also have the equipment outlined below.
The trek will begin at the Borovets ski resort (1,350m), which is about an hour drive away from the Bulgarian capital of Sofia. We will then take a gondola ride to an altitude of approximately 2,400 metres. After that, we will hike for a few hours until we reach the Ledenoto Ezero Chalet (2,700m), where we will spend the night. On the following day, we will ascend to the summit of Mount Musala. After that, we will return to Borovets by foot or on the gondola, and then back to Sofia.
As a result of the height and location of Mount Musala, you will be able to see every mountain range in Bulgaria from the its summit. Those ranges included the Rila, Pirin, Balkan and Rhodopes mountains. The view is absolutely astounding.
So if you are looking for a challenging winter adventure that offers an unforgettable reward, then this 2 day hike to the top of Mount Musala is for you. If you are interested, please send us a request.
We can lead you on another 2 day winter hike to the top of Mount Malyovista, which also stands tall in the Rila mountains.
More info
Participants should bring the following items with them: rucksack (35-45L), water and windproof jacket and pants, rain cover, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm hat and gloves, water bottle (1.5L), travel liner (optional), torch, personal first aid kit.
Meeting point
5.0
(7)
Mountain Leader
I work as a mountain leader since 2006, both with individuals and larger organized groups, mainly English speaking.
Together with a group of colleagues we offer a wide-range of activities: hiking, trekking, rock climbing and mountain biking, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ski touring and off-piste skiing.
All our guides are certified, experienced and passionate about their job and will guide you with a smile and care through the wild beauty of the Bulgarian and the Balkan mountains.
Languages
Russian | English | Bulgarian
Certificates
UIMLA
Gaelle
Lyuben is a very good guide. More than a ski touring guide , he is a perfect travel organiser. We were a group of 4 Belgium guys around 50 to make the 4 days touring ski tour. He chose for us a very good family guesthouse, with very good food. He let us discover local thermal bath, traditional restaurant. About ski touring, Lyuben chose each day the best spot possible for the landscape and the snow adapted to the changing weather conditions. Time keeping was perfect. Zero stress for any situation. He has a comfortable car and does not hesitate to drive hours to bring us to the best area or to bring back us to the airport. Very friendly, super adaptive with us, I warmly recommend Lyuben.
Greta
Matt
Lyuben and Ivo were excellent. Communication was great. Lyuben helped us hire kit before arriving. Each day was great with a good variety or touring and excellent snow. thank you!
Lissi
Wonderful 9-day hiking in the mountains of Bulgaria and Greece. It was easy to book a trip through the Explore-Share page. They responded quickly, everything was fine and well organized. My whole 9 days were very well organized. Guide picked me up on Sofia's airport and on the 9th day guide taken me back to the airport. Everything in between was organized by Top Guides Bulgaria. The physical effort was great, but it was worth it, wonderful views and very good emotions. I met three guides - Lyuben, Ruslan and Moni. They were very nice and friendly and very good guides. They kept my pace when hiking the mountains and helped and taught me if it was necessary. I felt safe and supported all the time. The hardest part for me was the last part of Mt. Olympus, climbing to the top, it took self-transcendence and a big effort. I haven't been rock climbing before. I am proud to myself that I made it. I was able to do this thanks to Lyuben's support, help and teachings. I am very grateful to him. When hiking in the mountains, you must be prepared to walk up the hill for several hours, which is physically difficult. At this time, wonderful views and feelings gives strength and the will to move on. Guide Moni had taken with him binocular. So we saw the animals and the birds more closer and he had knowledge to talk about them. In the mountains guide Ruslan talked about myths, local culture and nature. On the last day we had the city tour in Sofia. Guide Ruslan introduced me the historical buildings and told many interesting stories about history. All of it was very interesting to listen. The program of the days was very well structured. On the 5th day I felt physically tired and would not have been able to go hiking in the mountains straight away again. According to the plan, came the time to rest: Greece beach, the return trip to Bulgaria, a walk in the beautiful town of Bansko. After that I felt rested and enjoyed hiking in the mountains again. On the evenings of hiking days, you can relax: a delicious dinners in local restaurants, nights in lovely hotels and mountain huts, you can go to a mineral water spa, local market, etc. I am very satisfied and happy about this 9-day trip. Everything was very good. I have great memories and wonderful pictures of it. I definitely want to go back there, at another time of the year: to ski in the winter or to see waterfalls in the spring. Also, I would be happy to use the services of Explore-Share and Top Guides Bulgaria again when hiking in other regions.
Greta
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