Musala Peak day trek in the Rila Mountains

Discover Rila National Park in this guided day trek to the summit of Musala Peak (2925 m), the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula.

Nikolay Pavlov

Nikolay Pavlov

Details

Trip Duration

1 day

Mountain Range

Rila Mountains

People per Guide

7 people

Trip Level

Easy

Offer Period

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Type of Trip

Private

Highlights

Reach the top of the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula.

Explore the Rila Mountains and the Rila National Park.

Contemplate breathtaking views from the summit.

At 2925 m, Musala Peak is the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula. It belongs to the Rila Mountains and it’s located in Rila National Park, a natural area protected in a big part by UNESCO and also the largest national park in Bulgaria.

In this one day trip, I invite you to enjoy a breathtaking mountain experience: getting to the top of Musala Peak.

This activity involves between five and six hours of trekking, but it doesn’t require any special physical training. The highlight of this trip is definitely the outstanding view you can get from the summit of Musala Peak. From there, you’ll be able to admire the most important mountain ranges in Bulgaria, such as Rila, Vitosha, Pirin, Sredna Gora, and Rodopi Mountains, as well as the Balkan Mountains.

In addition, you will see the wonderful Rila Lakes, a group of seven deep blue glacial lakes.

I recommend summer as the best season to ascent Mount Musala. Nevertheless, it’s important to mention that you can also visit this place during winter, and practice sports like snowshoeing, ski touring and split boarding.

Below, I provide you further details about this trip, one of the top destinations among visitors in Bulgaria.

If you are planning a trip to the Rila Mountains, please get in touch with me. I will be happy to be your guide in this adventure.

Another option could be this 2-day program from Seven Lakes to Rila Monastery. Check it out!

Price per person

Group of 1

125 EUR

Group of 2

75 EUR

Group of 3

45 EUR

Group of 4

40 EUR

Group of 5

40 EUR

Group of 6

40 EUR

Group of 7

40 EUR

Price includes

Guiding fee
Transport during the trip

The price includes: Private transfer, english-speaking mountain guide, picnic lunch (a small energy pack). The price excludes: Return chair lift tickets, food, drinks, insurance, other personal expenses

Cancellation Policy

Itinerary

Day 1: Itinerary to Musala Peak
Early in the morning, a transfer will take us to Borovets (1350 m). This trip will be two hours and a half long. Once there, we will take the gondola lift towards Yastrebets, the starting point of this hike.

We will arrive to the top of Musala Peak after five or six hours of hiking. Of course, we’ll have time there to admire the wonderful view and also take a little rest.

After that, we will start our way back to Yastrebets and finally take the gondola-lift to Borovets.

Other details

Skill level required

Beginner

Fitness level required

Occasional

Meeting point

Sofia (Bulgaria)

About the Guide

Nikolay Pavlov

Mountain Leader

I started snowboarding when only a few people were doing it. At the time, it was just an emerging sport. We used to experiment modifying our equipment by hand. We didn't know about first lines or powder days, we were simply having fun and enjoying amazing snow.
As things got more serious, I gained experience and learned more about the mountains. I found so many new possibilities!
From the mountains, I learned how to enjoy with just the essentials, to travel lightly and to cherish the company of a friend on the snow. But I also learned responsibility and learned from my mistakes.
This passion led me in 1994 to the Himalayas, where the beauty of the scenery and the amazing peaks were almost overwhelming. In summer, I started exploring the mountain and in this way I discovered climbing.
All of this inspired me to become a professional. Now I have a Ski Instructor Qualification Class C, a Professional Mountain Leader UIMLA Qualification and in 2009 I became the first Bulgarian snowboard guide. Since 2017, I'm a snowboard Instructor qualification Level “3” and international ISIA.

Certificates

UIMLA

Certificates

UIMLA

Languages

English
Bulgarian
Russian

Languages

English
Bulgarian
Russian

Residence

Bansko

Residence

Bansko

What People are Saying about Nikolay Pavlov

Niki was a great guide for ski-touring. He was very clear and supportive in the preparation of the trip (itineraries, ski renting, hotel, taxis). When we finally met in Bansko, after 5 minutes I understood we were in good hands. He was indeed very much secure and adapting to our needs. He knows everybody in the place, always aware of the good spots and very keen to let you discover his region. He also turned to be an excellent guide for after-ski activities. He puts all his energy to ensure your experience will be unforgettable, which he greatly succeeded.

Tanguy

Very nice experience with Niki and Yavo. We did not have the best snow conditions but Niki was able to find very good skying and mountaineering spots in this area that he knows better than anyone. He also took care of most aspects (airport transit, ski rental, etc), which made this 3 days trip very efficient ! For the after-ski, Bansko and the surrounding area offer lots of opportunities. I\'ll definitely come back shortly.

Jonathan

Great free-ride ski experience with Niki and Javo, our two very friendly and knowledgeable guides. Probably the best guides you can get in Bansko! In addition, Niki helped to arrange for everything: transport to/from the airport, indication of best places to eat & chill-out. Definitely strongly recommended!

Alexandre

Very satisfied of those 3 days ski touring with Niki. He is really a one stop shop guide: he arranged for everything from A to Z: transfer from Sofia to Bansko, cheap and nice hotel, ski rental, shovel/arva/probe, and, last but not least 3 days of exciting ski touring in Bansko backcountry. Despite the fact that the conditions were far from ideal (avalanche risk) he managed to find an interesting programme for each day, taking into account the level of the participants and the safety of everybody. Bansko is definitely a place with a lot of potential for ski touring: we will be back!

René

I have spent 3 tremendous days of ski touring and freeride ski with Nikolay and his colleague Javo in Bansko. We were a group of 8 skiers with both beginners and more experienced people. Beyond their professionalism and wide mountain expertise, Nikolay and Javo where caring and very friendly guys. We had an incredible skiing experience in the wonderful landscapes of the Pirin mountain ranges. In addition, Nikolay recommended probably the best places to sleep, eat and relax in Bansko while avoiding the expensive touristic addresses. I strongly recommend him.

François

The trip out with Nikolay was the best days experience I have ever had snowboarding. Nikolay came across as very experienced and the safety of the group was very important to him. We rode lines and terrain exactly like we wanted and were also able to hike to the very top of the mountain which was great in itself. If I go back I would look to go out with him again and would recommend to others no problem.

Red

The Trip was an experience, I especially enjoyed the first day which was just \"the perfect day\", sunny, good snow and several good rides!

Jens

I decided to take guidance from Nikolay despite knowing that snow conditions were not very good for off-piste riding. We planed to have short mix of riding near the piste and tutoring. Generally speaking - it was useful for me, and i got some very good tips and insights from Nikolay. He seems to be ok guy and knows a lot about mountain and snowboarding. I would contact him next time i want to try off piste riding or trekking in Bansko. Hopefully i will have some friends with me then.

Nikola

We had 2 very professional guides whom we enjoyed very much. But this is a medium moderated course and it\'s not for people with no experience. It was a full day trip.

Nitzan Orgal

we approached Explore - Share to find a guide for the Via Ferrata Malyovitsa in Bulgaria. Nikolay Pavlov responded and from this moment remain in ongoing communication to make sure we receive a great service. he was very responsive and was kind enough to assist us in planning additional hiking days. on the July 31st we met one of his guides - Stoimaen (AKA - Bambita) and another guide - Elena which led my partner and myself through the Via Ferrata with a lot of good spirit and patience (and passion).they made the introduction to Bulgarian outdoors much enjoyable. The additional tips we received from this great team enhanced the quality of our Bulgarian adventure. much recommended. Regards Natasha & Tomer

Tomer Ash

I only have good things to say about this day trip! Nikolay is a really good and experienced guide. We had such a great time in this via ferrata! Do not hesitate to book this :)

Laurence Marineau

This is our second time with Nikolay and it did not disappoint. I would highly recommend!!

Red Hodgkinson

Nikolay Pavlov is an experienced guide with intimate knowledge of the terrain and conditions in Bansko. A great half day trip with two summits on a very short notice. Additionally good company to ride with.

Perttu Prusi

Nikolay is an awesome guide who is clearly very experienced. We planned to climb+ride Todorka in late January but due to snow storms and high winds we had to postpone the trip. However as soon as the conditions had improved and the avalanche risk was manageable Nikolay called me to say its game on for tomorrow if that works for me. We had an awesome day riding and I learnt so much from Nikolay about Avalanches, exposure and climbing. Would definitely recommend! Cheers!

Jake English

One of the best powder days skiing of my life! An amazing combination of couloirs, tree runs and open powder fields all accessible by lifts. Nikolay is a great guide who judged the abilities of the group and chose routes to suit everyone! Highly recommended trip, excellent value for money!

George McNally

We picked the perfect day. The off-piste was was incredible and Nikolay was informative, extremely knowledgable and professional. We felt safe at all times as Nikolay was in constant comms with others on the mountain and the tour was managed to minimise risk of avalanches. Will happily book via Explore Share again. Thanks.

Chris Newnham

I\'m glad to write a short review for you. Nikolay is very friendly and communicative person. He gave me a lot of information about Bansko and coming tour. Nikolay\'s Russian is very good, so it was very convenient to talk my native language instead of English. We met a day before splitboarding, he helped me to tune rented splitboard, avalanche equipment and gave general instructions about splitboard. The next 2 days of splitboarding were great, Nikolay and his friends were very responsible and tried to do anything to make our tour nice and safe. 5/5!

Dimitry Zakharov

Both Nikolay and the other guide with us (apologies for forgetting his name) were highly qualified and experienced. They found us the best conditions available and made sure we had a good time while staying safe.

Neil Robertson

Good guide! Friendly, safe and made the best day out of the current conditions. This day was for sure the high light of our week in Bansko. Thanks!

Agnes Johansson

Niki is a great guide we would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants to go off piste.

Dale rowe

The reviewer did not leave a comment

Cornelia Kropp

The reviewer did not leave a comment

Julie Finch

I learned à lot about Bulgarie. . Not only about nature, but also culture and politics. Great thanks to Nikolay!.

Lager Francois

Nikolay was amazing. he was both professional and friendly at the same time. he did everything to make sure that i had a great experience including picking me up early to ensure i was the first up the mountain which i loved. I would definitely recommend him again.

Jessica Abadee

Niki was a great guide for ski-touring. He was very clear and supportive in the preparation of the trip (itineraries, ski renting, hotel, taxis). When we finally met in Bansko, after 5 minutes I understood we were in good hands. He was indeed very much secure and adapting to our needs. He knows everybody in the place, always aware of the good spots and very keen to let you discover his region. He also turned to be an excellent guide for after-ski activities. He puts all his energy to ensure your experience will be unforgettable, which he greatly succeeded.

Tanguy

Very nice experience with Niki and Yavo. We did not have the best snow conditions but Niki was able to find very good skying and mountaineering spots in this area that he knows better than anyone. He also took care of most aspects (airport transit, ski rental, etc), which made this 3 days trip very efficient ! For the after-ski, Bansko and the surrounding area offer lots of opportunities. I\'ll definitely come back shortly.

Jonathan

Great free-ride ski experience with Niki and Javo, our two very friendly and knowledgeable guides. Probably the best guides you can get in Bansko! In addition, Niki helped to arrange for everything: transport to/from the airport, indication of best places to eat & chill-out. Definitely strongly recommended!

Alexandre

Very satisfied of those 3 days ski touring with Niki. He is really a one stop shop guide: he arranged for everything from A to Z: transfer from Sofia to Bansko, cheap and nice hotel, ski rental, shovel/arva/probe, and, last but not least 3 days of exciting ski touring in Bansko backcountry. Despite the fact that the conditions were far from ideal (avalanche risk) he managed to find an interesting programme for each day, taking into account the level of the participants and the safety of everybody. Bansko is definitely a place with a lot of potential for ski touring: we will be back!

René

I have spent 3 tremendous days of ski touring and freeride ski with Nikolay and his colleague Javo in Bansko. We were a group of 8 skiers with both beginners and more experienced people. Beyond their professionalism and wide mountain expertise, Nikolay and Javo where caring and very friendly guys. We had an incredible skiing experience in the wonderful landscapes of the Pirin mountain ranges. In addition, Nikolay recommended probably the best places to sleep, eat and relax in Bansko while avoiding the expensive touristic addresses. I strongly recommend him.

François

The trip out with Nikolay was the best days experience I have ever had snowboarding. Nikolay came across as very experienced and the safety of the group was very important to him. We rode lines and terrain exactly like we wanted and were also able to hike to the very top of the mountain which was great in itself. If I go back I would look to go out with him again and would recommend to others no problem.

Red

The Trip was an experience, I especially enjoyed the first day which was just \"the perfect day\", sunny, good snow and several good rides!

Jens

I decided to take guidance from Nikolay despite knowing that snow conditions were not very good for off-piste riding. We planed to have short mix of riding near the piste and tutoring. Generally speaking - it was useful for me, and i got some very good tips and insights from Nikolay. He seems to be ok guy and knows a lot about mountain and snowboarding. I would contact him next time i want to try off piste riding or trekking in Bansko. Hopefully i will have some friends with me then.

Nikola

We had 2 very professional guides whom we enjoyed very much. But this is a medium moderated course and it\'s not for people with no experience. It was a full day trip.

Nitzan Orgal

we approached Explore - Share to find a guide for the Via Ferrata Malyovitsa in Bulgaria. Nikolay Pavlov responded and from this moment remain in ongoing communication to make sure we receive a great service. he was very responsive and was kind enough to assist us in planning additional hiking days. on the July 31st we met one of his guides - Stoimaen (AKA - Bambita) and another guide - Elena which led my partner and myself through the Via Ferrata with a lot of good spirit and patience (and passion).they made the introduction to Bulgarian outdoors much enjoyable. The additional tips we received from this great team enhanced the quality of our Bulgarian adventure. much recommended. Regards Natasha & Tomer

Tomer Ash

I only have good things to say about this day trip! Nikolay is a really good and experienced guide. We had such a great time in this via ferrata! Do not hesitate to book this :)

Laurence Marineau

This is our second time with Nikolay and it did not disappoint. I would highly recommend!!

Red Hodgkinson

Nikolay Pavlov is an experienced guide with intimate knowledge of the terrain and conditions in Bansko. A great half day trip with two summits on a very short notice. Additionally good company to ride with.

Perttu Prusi

Nikolay is an awesome guide who is clearly very experienced. We planned to climb+ride Todorka in late January but due to snow storms and high winds we had to postpone the trip. However as soon as the conditions had improved and the avalanche risk was manageable Nikolay called me to say its game on for tomorrow if that works for me. We had an awesome day riding and I learnt so much from Nikolay about Avalanches, exposure and climbing. Would definitely recommend! Cheers!

Jake English

One of the best powder days skiing of my life! An amazing combination of couloirs, tree runs and open powder fields all accessible by lifts. Nikolay is a great guide who judged the abilities of the group and chose routes to suit everyone! Highly recommended trip, excellent value for money!

George McNally

We picked the perfect day. The off-piste was was incredible and Nikolay was informative, extremely knowledgable and professional. We felt safe at all times as Nikolay was in constant comms with others on the mountain and the tour was managed to minimise risk of avalanches. Will happily book via Explore Share again. Thanks.

Chris Newnham

I\'m glad to write a short review for you. Nikolay is very friendly and communicative person. He gave me a lot of information about Bansko and coming tour. Nikolay\'s Russian is very good, so it was very convenient to talk my native language instead of English. We met a day before splitboarding, he helped me to tune rented splitboard, avalanche equipment and gave general instructions about splitboard. The next 2 days of splitboarding were great, Nikolay and his friends were very responsible and tried to do anything to make our tour nice and safe. 5/5!

Dimitry Zakharov

Both Nikolay and the other guide with us (apologies for forgetting his name) were highly qualified and experienced. They found us the best conditions available and made sure we had a good time while staying safe.

Neil Robertson

Good guide! Friendly, safe and made the best day out of the current conditions. This day was for sure the high light of our week in Bansko. Thanks!

Agnes Johansson

Niki is a great guide we would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants to go off piste.

Dale rowe

The reviewer did not leave a comment

Cornelia Kropp

The reviewer did not leave a comment

Julie Finch

I learned à lot about Bulgarie. . Not only about nature, but also culture and politics. Great thanks to Nikolay!.

Lager Francois

Nikolay was amazing. he was both professional and friendly at the same time. he did everything to make sure that i had a great experience including picking me up early to ensure i was the first up the mountain which i loved. I would definitely recommend him again.

Jessica Abadee

Niki was a great guide for ski-touring. He was very clear and supportive in the preparation of the trip (itineraries, ski renting, hotel, taxis). When we finally met in Bansko, after 5 minutes I understood we were in good hands. He was indeed very much secure and adapting to our needs. He knows everybody in the place, always aware of the good spots and very keen to let you discover his region. He also turned to be an excellent guide for after-ski activities. He puts all his energy to ensure your experience will be unforgettable, which he greatly succeeded.

Tanguy

Very nice experience with Niki and Yavo. We did not have the best snow conditions but Niki was able to find very good skying and mountaineering spots in this area that he knows better than anyone. He also took care of most aspects (airport transit, ski rental, etc), which made this 3 days trip very efficient ! For the after-ski, Bansko and the surrounding area offer lots of opportunities. I\'ll definitely come back shortly.

Jonathan

Great free-ride ski experience with Niki and Javo, our two very friendly and knowledgeable guides. Probably the best guides you can get in Bansko! In addition, Niki helped to arrange for everything: transport to/from the airport, indication of best places to eat & chill-out. Definitely strongly recommended!

Alexandre

Very satisfied of those 3 days ski touring with Niki. He is really a one stop shop guide: he arranged for everything from A to Z: transfer from Sofia to Bansko, cheap and nice hotel, ski rental, shovel/arva/probe, and, last but not least 3 days of exciting ski touring in Bansko backcountry. Despite the fact that the conditions were far from ideal (avalanche risk) he managed to find an interesting programme for each day, taking into account the level of the participants and the safety of everybody. Bansko is definitely a place with a lot of potential for ski touring: we will be back!

René

I have spent 3 tremendous days of ski touring and freeride ski with Nikolay and his colleague Javo in Bansko. We were a group of 8 skiers with both beginners and more experienced people. Beyond their professionalism and wide mountain expertise, Nikolay and Javo where caring and very friendly guys. We had an incredible skiing experience in the wonderful landscapes of the Pirin mountain ranges. In addition, Nikolay recommended probably the best places to sleep, eat and relax in Bansko while avoiding the expensive touristic addresses. I strongly recommend him.

François

The trip out with Nikolay was the best days experience I have ever had snowboarding. Nikolay came across as very experienced and the safety of the group was very important to him. We rode lines and terrain exactly like we wanted and were also able to hike to the very top of the mountain which was great in itself. If I go back I would look to go out with him again and would recommend to others no problem.

Red

The Trip was an experience, I especially enjoyed the first day which was just \"the perfect day\", sunny, good snow and several good rides!

Jens

I decided to take guidance from Nikolay despite knowing that snow conditions were not very good for off-piste riding. We planed to have short mix of riding near the piste and tutoring. Generally speaking - it was useful for me, and i got some very good tips and insights from Nikolay. He seems to be ok guy and knows a lot about mountain and snowboarding. I would contact him next time i want to try off piste riding or trekking in Bansko. Hopefully i will have some friends with me then.

Nikola

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