rila monastery and seven lakes tour

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The Seven Rila Lakes – tickets, prices, discounts, timings, what to expect

The Balkan mountain range of Bulgaria lends its name to the entire Balkan peninsula and its tumultuous history. 

Although the most prominent, the Balkan range is not the one with the highest stature in the country. 

Of the seven mountain ranges traversing this land of greatly varied terrain, the Rila Mountains is the highest range in Bulgaria and South East Europe.

Nestled within the range is the Rila National Park, which boasts a collection of seven glacial lakes of ethereal beauty. 

The Seven Rila Lakes are named after their distinguishing features and legends: Salzata (The Tear) – the highest, Bubreka (The Kidney), Okoto (The Eye), Bliznaka (The Twin), Trilistnika (The Trefoil), Ribnoto Ezero (The Fish Lake), and Dolnoto Ezero (The Lower Lake). 

A 2-hour drive from these wonderful lakes leads you to the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bulgaria’s largest and most renowned Eastern Orthodox monastery.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Seven Rila Lakes.

Top Seven Rila Lakes Tickets

# From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Self-Guided Trip # From Sofia: The Seven Rila Lakes Full-Day Tour (With Guide) # From Sofia: Seven Rila Lakes Shuttle Group Day Trip (Without Guide)

Table of contents

What to expect at seven rila lakes, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, the seven rila lakes ticket cost, 7 rila lakes and rila monastery self-guided trip tickets, the seven rila lakes full-day tour tickets, seven rila lakes shuttle group day trip tickets, seven rila lakes & rila monastery full-day tour tickets, private rila lakes and rila monastery day-trip tickets, how to reach seven rila lakes, seven rila lakes timings, how long does the tour take, best time to visit seven rila lakes, faqs about 7 rila lakes.

Hop into an air-conditioned shuttle at the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia’s most important orthodox Cathedral.

Enjoy a picturesque 90-minute trip to the beautiful resort area of Panichishte, at the edge of Rila National Park.

Take a 30-minute chairlift ride from the resort area to the Rila Mountain Lakes, and watch the breathtaking terrain turn from verdant green to pristine white. 

Your guide’s instructions will come to your aid as you choose between milder and steeper terrains according to your fitness levels. 

Take a self-guided exploratory tour of the stunning Rila Mountain lakes area, or have a guide curate your trek for you. 

Discover the Seven Rila Lakes, each with a distinct shape, size, and color, making the entire area an otherworldly pleasure for your senses.

Hike through lush meadows, pristine mountain air, dense pine forests, and rocky terrains to soak in the azure magnificence of the lakes as they reveal themselves to you one by one. 

You will be charmed by the hypnotic effect of the pure water reflecting the blue skies above.

For nature enthusiasts and photographers, the Seven Rila Lakes offer endless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, observe diverse flora and fauna, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. 

After taking the chairlift back to the resort, continue your journey with a serene two-hour drive to the Rila Monastery.

Step into a sacred space of spiritual significance and historical importance at this UNESCO World Heritage site, Bulgaria’s largest and most renowned Eastern Orthodox monastery.

Admire the harmonious complex crafted in Bulgarian national revival architecture with Byzantine influences. 

Visit the Hrelyo Tower, a 14th-century defensive structure that once protected the monastery from invaders. 

Let the mystical allure of the space permeate you as you enter the main church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, standing tall with its intricate frescoes and ornate wood-carved wall of icons.

Witness a rich collection of religious artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and exquisite religious art and delve into the old stories. 

Visit the revered tomb of Saint Ivan of Rila, which attracts pilgrims and spiritual seekers from all over the world. 

The peaceful environment encourages reflection and introspection, allowing you to connect with your inner self and find calm in the middle of the hectic outer world.

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Tickets for The Seven Rila Lakes Tour are available online or offline. 

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the counters.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

Because some tours sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointment.

Go to the The Seven Rila Lakes Tour booking page, select the number of tickets and preferred date, and buy the tickets immediately. 

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets through your email. 

There is no requirement to bring any printouts. 

On the day of your visit, you can show the e-ticket on your smartphone to the guide or staff at the entrance and start the tour. 

A self-guided tour to the Seven Lakes of Rila Mountains will cost adults over 18 years €49.

For children between two and 17 years old, the tickets cost €32.

Infants up to one year old get free entry.

A guided tour (live or audio) of the 7 Lakes of Rila Mountains will cost you €40.

A day trip (shared or private) to Seven Rila Lakes & the Rila Monastery without a guide can be purchased for €30.

The Seven Rila Lakes tickets

Tickets to the Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes offer a gateway into Bulgaria’s combined prowess of natural beauty and spiritual legacy. 

The breathtaking scenery of the Seven Rila Lakes & the profound tranquility of the Rila Monastery will forever swirl in your heart like the vague chimes of a wind instrument lulling you into calm. 

With a ticket to this tour, you will be shuttled out of Sofia from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Upon arrival at Panchishthe Resort, your driver will give you detailed instructions about the terrain and the different routes you can take to explore the Seven Rila lakes.

After that, you can set off on the chairlift and explore the Rila Lake terrain at your leisure for 5 hours without a guide.

Return to a pre-decided meeting point from where the shuttle will take you on a 2-hour drive to the Rila Monastery.

You will have 1.5 hours to explore the Eastern Orthodox monastery, after which you will be shuttled back to your meeting point in Sofia.

Meeting Point: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia. Get Directions.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (18+ Years): €49 Child Ticket (2 to 17 Years): €32 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

After the shuttle picks you up from Alexander Nevsky church, you will take the chairlift to Seven Rila Lakes after being driven to the Panichishthe resort area.

Depending on your fitness levels on this tour, you can pick a steep or mild route.

The Seven Rila Lakes full-day Tour is self-guided, but you have the option to add a live guide or audio guide to your hike.

You will be required to pack your own lunch. There will be stops along the way where you can buy food. 

The fee for the cable car (chairlift) is not included in the ticket price. 25 Lev (12.5 Euros) must be paid for access.

Children under 12 are not allowed.

Self-Guided Tour: €30 Guided Tour (Live or Audio): €40

Seven Rila Lakes Shuttle Group Day Trip will begin with pickup from Sofia, and then you will take the chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes after traveling to the Panichisthe resort.

A guide will be with you throughout your trip to make your trip all the more memorable, telling you about alternate routes, legends, and fables of the land that the lakes preserve!

You can also opt for a hotel pickup with a private tour.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. 

Guided Tour: €40 Private Tour: €210

This fully guided tour will start with picking up an Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, encapsulating the scenic Rila Lakes trail, and then finish at the Rila Monastery in the deep valley of the Rilska River. 

The shuttle will circle back to the original meeting point to drop you off.

The fee for the cable car (chairlift) is not included in the ticket price.  25 Lev (12.5 Euros) must be paid for access.

Ticket Price: €55

This private Rila lakes and monastery trip will involve hotel pick-up from Sofia, travel in a wifi enabled shuttle, and a walking tour of the Seven Rila Lakes, followed by a guided tour of the Eastern Orthodox Rila Monastery. 

Food and drinks are not included.

The Tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. 

Ticket Price: €130

Save time and money! On a full-day guided tour of Sofia , learn about one of Europe’s oldest towns while taking in UNESCO-listed structures, remnants of the Soviet era, and examples of the city’s rich artistic history. At just €90, take tours to Boyana Church, National Historical Museum, National Archaeological Museum, the Royal Church, and more.

The Seven Rila Lakes are situated in the northwestern Rila Mountain in Bulgaria. 

Address: 2650, Bulgaria. Get Directions.

You have to take a chairlift at Pionerska Hut (Hizha Pionerska) in Panichishthe to reach the starting point of the Seven Rila Lake hike. The chairlift ride is 30 minutes long.

There are very few public transport options for Pionerska Hut.

Your best bet is renting a car or booking a shuttle ride. 

Take a bus from the outside bays at Sofia Central Bus Station to the town of Dupnitsa.

From here, take a bus to the town of Sapareva Banya, 20 minutes away.

From here, you can take a bus to the Pionerska Hut via Panichishte Resort Area. 

The best way to travel to the Seven Rila lakes is by taking a shuttle from Sofia.

Several private shuttle services and shuttle tours run between Sofia and Seven Rila Lakes.

These tours are both guided and unguided. 

You can find one such tour here .  

Put your starting point here and navigate to the chairlift that takes you to the starting point of the Seven Rila Lakes Trek. 

To navigate the Panichishte resort area near the chairlift, put your starting point here.

Rented cars are easily available in Sofia.

You can also book a taxi for your travels.

Parking is available near the Hizha Pionerska (Pionerska Hut.) 

The chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes runs from 9 am to 6.30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

On Mondays, the chairlift is functional from 12.30 to 6.30 pm.

The lift is closed for maintenance on every month’s last Monday.

Please time your hike in such a fashion that you do not miss the last chairlift back to Hizha Pionerska. 

The hike to cover the mesmerizing landscape of the Seven Rila Lakes usually takes around 3 to 5 hours, depending on how leisurely or urgent you want your stroll to be. 

If you are taking a shuttle from Sofia, it takes 90 minutes to reach the Panichishte Resort area and another 30 minutes on the chairlift.

So a roundtrip tour of the Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia will take 7 to 9 hours to complete. 

Early mornings and evenings are good times for a peaceful visit to the 7 Rila Lakes.

June, July, August, and September are the best months for a day trip to the Rila Lakes.

July and August have the most pleasant climate but also attract a sizable amount of crowds.

June and September are colder, but the rush is lesser.

It is advisable to put on layers of clothing that you can take off or put back on according to how comfortable you feel. 

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about Rila lakes.

The tour is a trek through mountainous terrain. It is, unfortunately, unsuitable for people with mobility issues.

The tour has a range of trails you can select according to your fitness level. It lies in the easy to moderate range of difficulty. Please do not step off the trail. It is easy to lose your way in the wilderness.

No, food and drinks are not included. There will be plenty of stops where you can buy food for yourself.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothes with closed-toed shoes. Wear layers of clothing so that you can take off or put on clothes according to how comfortable you feel in the mountain climate.

The Rila Lake Mountains are a 90-minute drive from Sofia, followed by a 30-minute chairlift ride. 

To reach the starting point for the Seven Rila Lakes trek without the chairlift, you must hike an extra 2 hours on foot, adding an extra 4 hours of back-and-forth hike to your time budget.

No, the temperature will vary a lot and can get much colder.   Please do not base your preparations for the hike on the weather in Sofia.

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This article was researched & written by

Vaibhav Raj

Vaibhav Raj is a hyper-dramatic cinema romantic, and it is his life's mission to touch all the memorable landscapes that his favorite movies breathe in, be it a meeting in Montauk from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a walk along Before Sunrise's Vienna, a hideout in In Bruges' Bruges, or frolicking across the lush Swiss landscapes of Yash Chopra. Favourite Cities: Barcelona, Kyoto, and Bruges.

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Bulgaria Private Guide – Easy Bulgaria Travel

Your tailor made travel to Bulgaria

The Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour

The Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour from Sofia is a tour that will offer you an unforgettable experience.

In the Rila Mountain one can find the most beautiful cirque in Bulgaria and this is the Seven Rila Lakes. The lakes are situated in terraces and their names are the Eye, the Kidney, the Twin lake, the Trefoil, Fish and Lower. The waters of the lakes flow from one and into the next. The deepest is the Eye (37,5 m or 122 feet) and the shallowest is the Fish (2,5 meters or 8 feet). The view is wonderful, especially in summer when the lush greenery on the banks, the abundance of water and the cool air are ideally combined for a true rest.

Why book your Day Tour to the Seven Rila Lakes with us?

• Licensed, accredited and extremely professional mountain tour guide
• Pick up from your hotel and drop off included
• Choose the pick up time
• A very comfortable, safe and non smoking vehicle equipped with wi-fi on board. All our vehicles please see here
• The guide will be happy to go the extra mile to render your tour to a real memorable experience
• Visit the majestic Rila mountain
• Enjoy the breath-taking views over the Seven Rila Lakes
• Feel safe and comfortable with an experienced mountain guide with you

Not to forget

• To wear comfortable shoes
• To have with you a light jacket and a warm pullover.
• Sun cream and sun glasses and a hat
• Water and eventually some nuts and dried fruits

This tour is a great chance to touch to the magnificent Bulgarian nature. Take this unique chance end enjoy it!

For other day tours from Sofia check here: One Day Tours from Sofia

Testimonials about the way we serve our customers you can find in Trip Advisor .

DURATION : 9 hours

The Seven Rila Lakes Tour operates every day upon request.  For non-professional hikers it is advised to visit the lakes from June to September. For well prepared mountaineers all year round with a good equipment.

For more information about prices, booking and payment options please contact us. We will respond within 2 to 12 hours.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEVEN RILA LAKES TOUR:

• Enjoy a comfortable 2 hours trip from Sofia to Panitchishte
• Take the chair lift from Panitchishte to the Seven Rila Lakes Hut
• Enjoy one, two or three hours hike and admire the beauty of the Rila mountain
• Have a comfortable vehicle. All our vehicles please see  here .
• WI-FI on board

PAYMENT OPTIONS FO THE SEVEN RILA LAKES TOUR:

This tour can be paid on line by credit card, paypal or bank transfer.

Upon booking we require 30% downpayment.

Downpayment

You can choose one of the following payment modes:

• Bank transfer to our Bulgarian account – a surcharge of 7 euro will be applied
• Bank transfer to our Revolut British account – no charges from our side will be applied
• Paying by credit card on line via our site – a supplement fee of 2% will be applied for VISA and Master Card
• Paypal – a supplementary fee of 4% will be applied

Balance payment

For the payment of the balance you can choose one of the forecited modes including cash on spot upon arrival. You can pay in USD, Euro, AUD, Your currency (no matter what it is) or Bulgarian lev (BGN).

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR THE SEVEN RILA LAKES TOUR:

• 7 days prior to date of activity – Free cancellation
• 4 to 6 days prior to date of activity – 20% Cancellation Fee (80% reimbursement)
• 3 days prior to date of activity – 50% Cancellation Fee (50% reimbursement)
• Less than 3 days prior to date of activity – 100% cancellation fee (No reimbursement).

ALL ONE DAY TOURS FROM SOFIA PLEASE SEE HERE:

• Sofia City Tour
• Sofia Tour and the Boyana Church
• Sofia Communist Tour
• One Day Tour to Plovdiv
• One day tour to the Rila monastery
• One Day tour to Thessaloniki from Sofia
• One Day tour to Skopje from Sofia
• One Day Tour to Koprivshtitsa
• One Day Tour  to Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv
• One Day Tour to the Belogradchick Rocks and the Magura Cave
• One Day Tour to Melnik, the Rozhen monastery and Wine Tasting

9 am – Pick up from your hotel. Departure to Panitchishte.

11 am – Take the chair lift from Panitchishte hut to the Seven Rila Lakes Hut

11:30 – Arrive at the Seven Rila Lakes Hut. Take one, two or three hours hike

2:30 pm – take the chair lift from the Seven Rila Lakes Hut to the Panitchishte hut

3 pm – Departure to Sofia

5 pm – Estimated arrival in your hotel

Useful information about your tour to the Seven Rila Lakes

Best time to visit the Seven Rila Lakes is between late June and early October

Often there are heavy snow falls in April, but until end of June the snow gets melted

Yes, you can visit the Seven Rila Lakes from October to June under few conditions: 1. You have to be an experienced hiker 2. It is very important to be well equipped 3. The day before the guide will check the weather forecast and the tour will run ONLY if the weather forecast is good for the next day.

In the winter when it is very important to stay safe, we provide this tour with a professional mountain guide. In the summer the area is accessible for all mountain lovers, that is why we still provide professional guides, but not necessarily with mountain guiding certificate.

Yes, there are two huts – one is the Seven Rila Lakes Hut and the other one is the Seven Lakes Hut. Both provide food and beverages.

No, you do not need any special gear. You will need comfortable shoes, some jacket or pullover and a bottle of water.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Destinations

• Bulgaria Tours
• Bulgaria & Macedonia
• Bulgaria & Romania
• Bulgaria & Greece
• Guided Sofia Tours
• Discover Bulgarian History & Traditions
• Discover Bulgaria’s Neighbors

Trips Duration

• Multi-day tours of Bulgaria
• Day Tours from Sofia

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Related Trips

Skopje Day Tour from Sofia

Day Tour to Melnik

Koprivshtitsa One Day Tour from Sofia

Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Day Tour from Sofia

Thessaloniki One Day Tour from Sofia

Tour of Sofia Full Day

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See The Stunning Seven Rila Lakes & More On This Bulgaria Tour

Take a day tour to experience the Seven Rila Lakes route and the Rila Monastery and to get to know Bulgaria’s most precious destinations.

The Rila Mountains in southwest Bulgaria are known for being the tallest mountain chains in the entire Balkans region and for housing some of the most beautiful sights, and most incredible experiences travelers can encounter in Bulgaria. Only a few kilometers away from the capital Sofia, Rila unveils the snowcapped, stunning mountains at the Rila National Park, the famous high-altitude glacial lake chain that is the Seven Rila Lakes, and the treasure that is the Rila Monastery, an ancient, UNESCO World Heritage Site building that is an exhibit of Bulgarian history, culture, architecture, and art. Taking a day tour to experience the Seven Rila Lakes route and the Rila Monastery is a perfect way to get to know Bulgaria’s most precious destinations and something that will please outdoor and history lovers alike.

Related: This Is How To Spend The Perfect Vacation In Bulgaria’s Varna

About Hiking The Seven Lakes:

• Elevation: 2,000 to 2,500 m (8,000 ft)
• Distance: 10 km loop trail
• Avg. Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Related: Off The Beaten Path: Top 10 Things To Do In Bulgaria

Book This Tour

UNESCO World Heritage Rila Monastery

As if its natural spectacle wasn’t enough, the Rila region in Bulgaria has another stunning treasure - or rather, a treasury - worth exploring: the historical Rila Monastery, officially named Monastery of Saint John from the Rila. Dating back to the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is the largest, most well-known, and one of the most important Eastern Orthodox Monasteries in the country and in Southern Europe.

Rila Monastery stood as witness to the medieval history of Bulgaria through Empires, conquests, revolutions, and revivals. The oldest structures of the buildings date back to the 13th century, with reconstructions from the 18th - 19th century Bulgarian Revival, also known as the “Bulgarian renaissance”.

Officialized as a national historical monument in 1976 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, Rila Monastery is an emblematic monastery in history , a repository of centuries of Bulgarian history, faith, artistic movements, and architecture. It features the main church with its five domes, the 14th century Tower of Hrelja, the monks’ residential areas, and the Monastery Museum, with different subdivisions. Divided between the church and the museums, gold-plated reliefs, wood carvings, iconoclastic sculptures, and painted frescos will delight any and all art lovers.

Take A Day Tour To Explore The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

It is possible to experience the Rila on your own, but a guided tour can make the trip so much more worthwhile. Reaching the Rila Mountains from Sofia can take up to two hours on the road, and the hike through the Seven Lakes will take a minimum of 5 hours. Visiting the Rila Monastery should be a 1-hour activity, at the least, to see everything.

A day tour like The Seven Lakes & Rila Monastery can provide shuttles, expert guidance on the trek up and around the mountains, and historical guidance and information about the Rila Region and the fascinating history of the Rila monastery.

About The Tour

• Name: The Seven Lakes & Rila Monastery
• Price: From $58 USD
• Duration: 1 Day
• Language: English
• Cancelation Policy: Up to 24 hours in advance
• Includes: Shuttles from and back to Sofia, hotel pickup, tickets for the cable car ride up to the Rila Lakes, and tickets to the Rila Monastery

• Select currency
• U.S. Dollar US$
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• Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes One Day Tour from Sofia

1 Choose departure date

Guaranteed low price and flexible dates

• Tour duration: 12h
• 05.05.2024: 06:55, 07:00
• 12.05.2024: 06:55, 07:00
• 17.05.2024: 06:55, 07:00

Check all available dates

• Languages: English
• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Why you should go
• What shall I see
• Price includes
• Price excludes
• Good to know
• Meeting point

• Find similar tours
• 1 View all Tours to Rila Monastery from Sofia
• 2 View all Tours to Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia
• 3 View all Sofia Day Tours & Trips

FAQs about Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes One Day Tour from Sofia

How much does it cost to join the tour, what payment options are available for booking the tour, what is included in the price, what is the duration of the tour, what is the departure time of the tour, what is excluded from the price, where is the meeting point of the tour.

• Customer questions and answers

This tour is one of our recommended activities in Sofia

• 1 Visit the Rila Monastery
• 2 Enjoy views of the Seven Rila Lakes

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• FAQs about the tour

Rila monastery +  7 Rila lakes in 1 day

Self-guided day trip from sofia.

Child (3-11 years)

Child (under 3 years)

Price is per person / two-way / shared shuttle

What is included :

• Shared transfers to 7 Rila lakes and Rila monastery
• Professional driver
• Transportation with airconditioned vehicle

What is NOT included :

• 7 Rila lakes chairlift : 25 BGN per person, two-way
• Rila monastery museum (optional) :  8 BGN per person
• Meals and personal expenses
• Guiding services

07:00 h  : departure from  Sofia city centre.

Meeting point is at National Art Gallery -  the  car parking at Knyaz Alexander I square.  

In front of the former Royal Palace (The Palace: National Art Gallery).

Nearest metro station is Serdika. Please note this is NOT St. Alexander Nevsky cathedral

08:45 h   : arrival at the base station of 7 Rila Lakes chairlift. 

Free time to explore the lakes area until 15:00h.

15:00 h : departure from 7 Rila lakes chairlift parking in direction to Rila monastery.

Please be on time for that departure as the shuttle runs on schedule and there is no waiting time included. Thank you.

Approximately 1 h 30 min journey to the monastery.

16:30 h : arrival at Rila monastery

Free time to explore the site and surrounding area until 18:00 h.

18:00 h  : departure from the Rila Monastery  in direction to Sofia city. About 2 hours journey to Sofia

20:00 h  : arrival in Sofia city.  Drop off at National Art Gallery

Need hotel pick-up/drop off?

Upon request we can offer hotel pick-up in the morning from any hotel/address in Sofia city. Price is 3.99 EUR per person. Reserve at [email protected] . Drop off after the trip can also be reserved. Price is 2.99 EUR per person. 

Before you go

With this combo shuttle : lakes + monastery, you may be able to see some or all the Rila lakes depending on your hiking abilities .

The 7 Rila lakes + Rila monastery is a shuttle that offers less time at each of the places (in comparison to the  full day Rila lakes  trip) so that you can see both the lakes and the monastery in 1 day.

The 7 Rila Lakes are located high in the Rila National Park. Do not forget your comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Consider appropriate warm clothing and rain coat as weather in the mountain changes fast and temperatures can drop to 5° even during summer.

Prepare water and some packed food or snacks for the day as the dining options at the lakes are limited.

The Rila Monastery is a holy place for Bulgarians and Orthodox Christians. 

Please visit the site with the due respect - talk quietly in the monastery yard and inside the churches. Shouting  and smoking are not allowed. 

Photos are allowed in the yard but not in the church. 

Please dress up accordingly: high heels, short skirts and short trousers, shirts with no sleeves, etc. are not allowed in the monastery. The Rila Monastery is located high in the Rila National Park, so consider taking warmer clothes even in summer and comfortable walking shoes. 

Contact us :

Note: Please fill out the fields marked with an asterisk.

[email protected]

+359 884 308 779 (Mon - Fri / 9:00h - 18:00h)

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Trek from Seven Rila lakes to Rila Monastery

Feel the magic of rila mountain.

The Rila Mountains are the highest on The Balkan Peninsula with Mount Musala – 2925 m. Rila (an old Slavic word, meaning “Water Mountain”) looks like a rough sea of mountain ridges and peaks, deep gorges and 150 crystal clear lakes. A big part of the National Park is under the protection of UNESCO.

Dates: upon request

Difficulty level: medium best period: june – september.

No previous hiking experience is required. Trekkers or walkers who is in good physical fitness condition.

• After a transfer (1:45 hrs) from Sofia we reach the Pionerska hut, where we take the chairlift (30 min.) to the Rila Lakes mountain hut 2000m. From here we start our hike to explore all the lakes (the Eye, the Tear, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake and the Lower Lake) on the way to Ivan Vazov hut. Our hike continue up to Razdela and from there we descent to Ivan Vazov hut 2300m. Overnight in hut.
• After breakfast we start our descent to Rila monastery. This day is full with beautiful mountain panoramas and forest trails. Visit of Rila monastery. Transfer back to Sofia.

Price: 1 person: 470 Euro; 2 persons: 270 Euro pp; 3 persons: 225 Euro pp; 4-8 persons: 200 Euro pp. In order to book your place, a 50% deposit is required. Our  Terms & Conditions  apply.

The price includes:

Private transfer, English-speaking UIMLA certified mountain guide, chair lift tickets, accommodation in Ivan Vazov hut, 1 breakfast, 2 picnic lunch, 1 dinner .

Price does not include:

Food and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, insurance, museum entry fees, other personal expenses.

Necessary equipment:

• Appropriate clothing
• Appropriate backpack (around 30L)
• Comfortable shoes for trekking
• Sun glasses
• Bottle for water
• Mountain insurance

7 Rila Lakes Hiking Guide (in Spring) – Bulgaria’s Best Hike!

Before arriving in Bulgaria I had chosen a couple of mountain ranges that I wanted to visit. I had even gone as far as figuring out which towns had hostels that I could stay in close enough proximity to the hikes that there would hopefully be a bus.

Now that’s quite a lot of planning for me, proud?

Well, I didn’t go as far as looking up the heights of the mountains… Turns out those amazing mountains that I had seen pictures of were well over 2000m tall and very much still in alpine winter conditions.

Despite this, and everyone telling me it might not be possible. I headed for the Rila mountain range anyway.

Wanting to hike the famous 7 Rila lakes, I spent a few hours online trying to find out about the possible conditions in early May . As to be expected, google wasn’t much help…

I managed to find a single comment, on one blog from 5 years ago, saying the main loop of the lakes should be okay in May .

That was enough for me, so I set off!

Now I’m here to inform the internet that it is entirely possible to hike the 7 Rila lakes in Spring and here is exactly what you need to know…

Bags Always Packed is a reader-supported site which means some of the links on this page may be affiliates. I spend a lot of time researching these hotels, tours and products and only recommend those which I would use myself. Booking your trip through my links is a great way for you to support my work for free, as I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you . ♡

Quick Summary 

Don’t have time to read the whole post? Here are some quick things to know about the hike. Read on to find out exactly how to hike the 7 Rila lakes in early May, as a day trip from Sofia.

1. Preparing to Hike 7 Rila Lakes

After arriving in Sofia and realizing that the next day was going to be the only one with decent weather for the foreseeable future, I interrogated the hostel staff about buses and convinced a new friend to come along.

For reference, I did the hike on the 8 th of May . There was definitely still a lot of snow so you will need good hiking boots and to be prepared for the cold. The hike goes above 2,300m so the climate up there will be very different to in the city.

I would advise going only when there is forecast good weather as with the snow and fog, the lack of visibility can become quite dangerous. Make sure you download a map of the hike with GPS tracking on your phone so you can find the path.

The lakes will all be frozen over at this point too so if you can’t see the mountains, there will literally be nothing to see.

As this mountain is, in fact, a ski resort, there is a webcam at the top of the chairlift that you can check online. That being said, if you know about alpine weather, you would know not to take that to heart.

2. How to Get to Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia

When I hiked 7 Rila Lakes in early spring, there were no shared transfers available and I didn’t want to pay to rent a car, so my only option was to take public transport.

Nowadays there are many more options for how to get to the 7 Rila Lakes throughout the year so let’s go through each one by one.

2.1 Driving to 7 Rila Lakes

Renting a car and driving to Rila is the easiest way to reach the amazing 7 Rila Lakes hike.

You can pick it up in Sofia and drop it back on the same day if you plan right as the trip takes around 1.5 hours to drive each way.

If you’re travelling in a group, rental cars can also be quite cost-effective as the prices for 1 day start at around €50.

2.2 Transfers to 7 Rila Lakes

Another easy option if you don’t want to drive yourself is to organise a transfer.

This self-guided hike from Sofia includes minibus transport from Sofia to Rila plus tickets for the cable car .

You will have 5 hours of free time to hike and enjoy the area and your English-speaking driver/guide can advise you on the different hiking options available.

After your time at the lakes is over, you will also get taken for a 1.5-hour stop at the Rila Monastery before your easy return to the city.

I would have chosen this option if it was available when I visited 7 Rila Lakes as it is convenient and cost-effective without being too restrictive on time.

If you would prefer a private transfer , this tour offers both guided and unguided options. Alternatively, if you want to join a fully guided day trip , check out my section on the best tours below!

You can also visit the 7 Rila lakes from Plovdiv if you are not making a stop in Sophia. If this sounds like something you are interested in, I recommend booking this tour from Plovdiv .

2.3 Getting to Rila on Public Transport

Lastly, the cheapest option for how to get to Rila Lakes is public transport. This is what I did as it was early spring and therefore the transfers were not yet running.

There are 3 steps to get to the 7 Rila Lakes by transport:

• Bus from Sofia to Dupnitsa
• Local bus from Dupnitsa to Sapareva Banya
• Taxi (or shuttle) from Sapareva Banya to the chairlift

During summer there are shuttles from Sapereva Banya to the chair lift however, we didn’t find any when we arrived in early Spring.

So let’s go through each part of the journey in more detail.

Step 1: Bus from Sofia to Dupnits

Union Ivkoni runs a bus that stops at both the central and west bus stations and leaves approximately every hour .

TOP TIP: Although the central bus station is easy to walk to, if you catch a 10 min tram to the west station, you save yourself 40 mins on the bus.

This bus costs 7 lev / €3.50 , takes 1.5hrs , and you can look up bus times on busbud.com . I took the 8:50 am from the west station and bought my ticket from the little kiosk outside the bus stand.

Step 2: Local bus from Dupnitsa to Sapareva Banya

Get off at the first stop in Dupnitsa , it’s before the town centre so you will probably arrive a little earlier than scheduled.

Cross the road, walk to your right and look for the bus stop on the adjacent street .

This is the schedule that was posted at the stop however, the bus seemed to always be 10-15 mins early or late . We arrived at 10:05 and still managed to catch the “10 am” bus around 10:15 am. The bus we hopped on was number 11 , although I’m fairly sure all local buses that stop here go to the same places.

Plus, if you look foreign, everyone knows where you are trying to go and will constantly wave you in the right direction.

Get on the bus and pay the drive 1.60 Lev (€0.88) when you get off.

Step 3: Taxi or Transfer from Sapareva Banya – Rila Mountain

Arriving in the centre of town, you just have to wait 5 seconds and people will appear to offer you a taxi all the way to the chairlift.

They also will know where you want to go, but it never hurts to confirm with them that you want the chair lift to the 7 lakes.

In the peak summer months, there are also local transfer services which run in little minibuses from the same bus top. We didn’t find any of these as it was too early in the year, but the taxi for 2 people was the same price as the shuttle .

Some locals we asked told us that we should take another local bus to Panichishte and we might find a shuttle from there, however, the bus seemed to be non-existent and it didn’t seem worth the risk of getting stuck there thanks to the infrequent buses.

In the end, we took a ride with a really nice man who owns a guest house in town. On the drive up through the fresh snow and fog, he too tried to convince us that we couldn’t hike but was of course happy to drive us nonetheless.

Although he spoke enough English to get by, he seemed to have a real passion for rocks that didn’t translate very well.

Multiple times he stopped in the middle of the road and pointed out the rocks and tried to explain something about the road. Although I still have no clue what he was trying to convey, I’m sure it would have been some interesting information and I appreciated the effort.

Remember to take the phone number of the taxi as you might need it to get a ride down.

On arrival, our taxi driver talked to the man selling souvenirs and then told us to ask him to call for a pick-up when we were done.

Pointing at the dash which read -1C, he joked that he would see us in 5 mins when we were too cold.

This was even more of a joke because the chairlift turned out to be the slowest lift in the world and took around 40mins to reach the top!

We paid 16 lev total for the trip (€8.50) and according to the Internet, the shuttle bus would have been 7 each anyway.

3. Hiking the 7 Rila Lakes Trail (with Trail Map)

Now you’ve made it to the bottom of the chair lift, it’s finally time to start your hike!

But before you get to the lakes, you have a choice of whether you would like to take the chairlift to the start or walk the 1.5 hours up on foot.

The chairlift is cheap and usually much quicker than walking , although on the day we rode it the temperature was -1 °C and it stopped for 10 mins halfway up. So after spending nearly 40 mins freezing my ass off in the air, I wish I had just walked!

Rila Lake Lift (Pionerska chair lift)

The Rila Lake chairlift is open most of the year as in the winter this area is used as a ski resort. However, in the off seasons (springs and summer) it may only be operating on weekends.

In summer, the chairlift is open between the following times:

• Monday (except last Monday of the month): 12:30 – 18:30
• Tuesday – Friday : 8:00 – 18:30
• Weekends : 8:00 – 19:30

NOTE: The chairlift is closed all day on the last Monday of each month.

Tickets cost 10 lev (€5.00) for one way or 18 lev (€8.00) return.

As I didn’t know how long anything was going to take us, we decided to take the lift up and bought a one-way ticket. In hindsight, I would have preferred to walk as it takes under 1.5 hours to walk to the top and the chair itself was slow and uneventful .

After rugging up in all our extra layers we tentatively loaded the icy chair and began our accent further into the clouds. At first, it seemed like we were the only stupid people who believed the forecast for sunny weather.

The chairlift is supposed to take around 20 mins , but after the chair stopped for an extra 10 mins halfway, we seriously started to question our motivation. Then we passed a single, sad-looking soul, descending the chair.

My experience Hiking the 7 Rila Lakes

At the top, we were greeted with an even thicker sheet of blinding white fog , blending into the snow so much that we failed to even see the giant chalet that stood 20m away.

Still unsure whether the hike was possible, and unable to see any trailheads, we decided to head inside and ask. Unsurprisingly, the woman did not speak English but offered up French as an alternative.

So, I asked simply “Est ce que possible de promenade à les lacs?” (Is it possible to walk to the lakes?)

This was met with a confused look and a need for clarification… “you want to go to the lakes!?”

My enthusiastic ‘Oui’ was met with a resounding ‘no’.

Outside and studying the maps again, we decided just to try in the reverse direction . This way we should reach the Sedemte Ezera hut in around 40 mins, with some lakes on the way. At least we could possibly ask for more information here or turn around if we had to.

Walking into the white abyss in the general direction of the trail we found a single track of footprints.

Following these for 15 mins, over bushes and through creeks, they brought us around a corner into a valley with the faint hint of sun trying to break through the fog.

Excitedly, we kept walking and within 10 mins the sun had succeeded, the sky was blue and I was ecstatic.

Suddenly we were surrounded by those giant imposing peaks that I love so much.

So, if you are wanting to hike the 7 Rila Lakes early in the season, know that it IS absolutely possible to hike the & Rila Lakes in Spring , but be aware of the more technical conditions .

I would not recommend this for a bad weather day, if I had known, I wouldn’t have even attempted this hike in the conditions we got. The only thing that allowed us to start the hike was that one set of footprints!

The Seven Lakes

As you might expect, the 7 Rila Lakes hike takes you past 7 gorgeous alpine blue lakes, surrounded by lush green and dramatic mountains.

Each of the different lakes is named after its most striking feature . To give you an idea about each of them, here is why each lake is named as it is:

• The Tear (Salzata ) –  The super clear waters let you see quite far to the depth of this lake
• The Eye (Okoto ) – This is the deepest lake in Bulgaria and unsurprisingly, it’s shaped like an eye
• The Kidney (Babreka) –  Again, this one is shaped like a kidney
• The Twins (Bliznaka) –  This is the largest of the lakes and when full, the “Twins” lake looks a little like an hourglass with a narrow section joining the two. However sometimes when the water level is low the twins become two separate lakes (making it 8 Rila lakes)
• Shamrock (Trilistnika) –  shaped a little like a three-leafed clover and has shallow banks
• Fish Lake (Ribnoto Ezero) –  the shallowest lakes
• Lower Lake (Dolnoto Ezero ) –  All of the other lakes overflow into this lake which then feeds into the Dzherman River.

NOTE: Swimming is not allowed in any of the 7 Lakes as it is located in a national park to preserve the landscape.

Seven Rila Lakes Hiking Trail Map

Starting from the top of the chairlift you will see the Rila Lakes Chalet right in front of you (if it’s not an insanely foggy day like it was for us). The trail begins right here at the Chalet and you have a choice of going right or left to start the loop.

Most people complete the loop anti-clockwise (turning right at this first fork) as you will go up a little in elevation first and then the remaining of the trail is a gradual walk down through the lakes.

As I mentioned earlier, we walked clockwise as we couldn’t see anything and wanted to use the Sedemete Ezera Hut as a guide to determine how long it would take to complete the loop in these conditions.

I recommend following this map as you can download it to work offline and it will show you all the information you need to know for this hike while tracking your location.

We visited most of the lakes (which were frozen but still visible and beautiful) however, didn’t hike the extra tail leg which takes you up a ridge to Tear Lake where you have a viewpoint of all 7 lakes . Although this was tempting, the conditions weren’t right as there was too much snow and it could have potentially been pretty dangerous.

After the sun came out, we did see a few more groups of people on the trails which made me feel a little relieved thinking it wasn’t as bad as everyone made it out to be!

Completing the whole loop takes between 3-4 hours depending on how many breaks you take but the walk itself is easy- medium difficulty (in Summer) as it is just 10 km (6.2 miles) and 350 m (1,150 ft) of elevation gain.

We chose to skip the cold chair lift ride down and enjoyed a very muddy descent all the way to the car park.

Returning to Sofia

Upon arrival, we asked the souvenir man to call our taxi as instructed. While we waiting for our driver, a few people came down from the trails and it seemed that everyone else who had hiked that day was in either their own cars or rentals.

If you don’t have pre-arranged transfers, I suspect it’s probably worth attempting to hitchhike from here back to Sapareva Banya, or even Sofia, as it is a very popular day trip from the city.

If not, just reverse the direction of your public transport. Remember to cross the road from your original stops and look for buses going in the other direction than the way you came. And be patient, this is Bulgaria!

4. Best Tours of the 7 Rila Lakes

As I mentioned in my section above about how to get to the Rila Lakes, I think taking a tour or organised transfers is the best option for this hike .

The basic self-guided hike option is only around €30 per person so the price is not too outrageous yet you still get to enjoy the hike without being limited by a tour group.

Below I have picked all of the best different tour options that I can recommend to you so you can easily pick your preference. Just make sure to book in advance as these tours will book up, especially in the peak season!

• Self-guided hike from Sofia – This self-guided hike includes round-trip transport by minibus, tickets for the chairlift to Rila Lakes and 5 hours to explore the area giving you enough time to do the whole hike while stopping for pictures and lunch without being rushed.
• Guided group hike from Sofia – Similar to the above tour however you will be guided on the hike and the chairlift is not included in the price so make sure to bring cash.
• Private guided or non-guided hike – If you prefer to have a car and guide just for you and your friends, this private tour has options for guided or non-guided hikes depending on your preference. The benefit of a group trip is that you have total flexibility if you want to include other attractions in your day.
• Full-Day Trip including Rila Monastery – This full-day group tour includes transfers and a guided hike of the seven Rila Lakes (bring cash for the chairlift) and afterwards, continues onto the Rila Monastery where you can explore the museum and another part of Rila. This tour can be arranged in many different languages if you book ahead.
• Group trip to 7 Rila Lakes & Sapareva Banya Spa – This would probably be my pick! Complete the 7 Rila Lakes hike as a group with a guide then be transferred to the Sapareva Banya Spa, one of the hottest hot springs in Europe. What a perfect way to relax after a hike!
• Seven Rila Lakes, Resilovo Monastery and Spa – This tour really packs a punch combining hiking, history and relaxation. Note that this tour goes to a different monastery which is a women’s monastery! The spa is also different as you head to Kotvata mineral pools and spa but you also get to see a geyser and an additional waterfall on this tour which is skipped on the previous ones.
• From Plovdiv: Private Seven Rila Lakes – I have only been talking about reaching this hike from Sofia so far, but if you prefer to go on a day trip from Plovdiv instead, that is also an option here!
• Snowshoe Tour – As I mentioned earlier, it’s not a good idea to go by yourself in winter/spring if you are not experienced in snow travel. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go at all. This snowshoe tour takes you around the 7 Rila Lake Trail and lets you explore more of this beautiful landscape covered in snow!
• Winter Snowmobile Adventure – Another winter adventure to try is this snowmobile tour where you will get to ride your own snowmobile around the Rila Mountains. You probably won’t get to actually see the lakes as they will be frozen and covered by snow, but you’ll still get to experience the magic of these mountains.

5. Where to Stay Near the 7 Rila Lakes Hike

Most people choose to stay in Sofia and take a day trip to hike the 7 Rila Lakes. But if you really want to experience this magical place for more time, you can stay at the top of the mountain, right next to the first lake!

Let’s take a look at all your options.

Where to Stay Around the 7 Rila Lakes Hike

There are two accommodation options on the mountain itself – Rila Lakes Chalet and Sedemte Ezera Hut. Both offer simple mountain accommodation however the Rila Lake Chalet (Rilski Exera) is definitely the larger and nicer of the two.

Based right at the top of the chairlift, Rila Lake Lodge (chalet) is a large multi-story building with private rooms and a restaurant, making it more like a traditional Bulgarian hotel. You can make a booking by contacting them through their website .

Sedemete Ezera offers a more traditional mountain hut vibe with shared rooms, simple beds but good food and company. If you wish to stay at Sedemete Ezera, you must call (+359 (0) 882 506 060) to make a booking. Make sure you organise your stay quite far in advance though as rooms do book out!

Off the mountain, there are also a handful of guesthouses where you can stay dotted around the base of the chairlift as well as in the ski village of Panichishte , or the town of Sapareva Banya , but a lot of them have pretty poor reviews so I would suggest staying in Sofia instead.

Where to Stay in Sofia

Luxury hotel.

Grand Hotel Millennium

This amazing 5-star hotel has huge rooms and incredible sweeping views over the city of Sofia from every room. Unwind in the beautiful pool or get a treatment at the spa to relax.

A mid-range option will make you feel like you’re royalty. Located in a historical building, this hotel has the perfect location, mountain views, and top-class amenities. 

Budget Hotel

Looking for a modern place to stay on a budget? this BnB is perfect. With options for private rooms with ensuites or shared bathrooms, there are plenty of choices to suit any budget.

Hostel Mostel

I stayed at this cool earthy hostel and can say that the communal living room area is a great place to meet people with lots of space. Plus, the breakfast is amazing!

6. Tips for Hiking the 7 Rila Lakes

Alright, now that you have read all about the hike, here as some extra tips to help you prepare for your hike.

6.1 Cost of Hiking the Seven Rila Lakes

The only cost associated with the hike itself is the chairlift to get to the trailhead . However, you can skip this if you want to add an extra 1.5 hours uphill to your hike (and down).

Aside from the chairlift, you will also need to pay for transport from Sofia, so here is a quick breakdown of costs per person to help you pick the best option for you:

• Chairlift only = €8 return pp
• Public transport + chairlift = €18 pp
• Group transfer + chairlift = €30 pp
• Private Tour + chairlift = €310 for 4 people
• Full-day group tour + chairlift + Rila Monastery = €60 pp

6.2 Packing List for 7 Rila Lakes

There are a few things to remember for the hike to 7 Rila Lakes

✔️ Long-sleeve layers (especially in Spring) ✔️ Food   ✔️ Water  ✔️ Cash – for the chairlift and transfers (bus and taxi) ✔️ Good walking shoes – the trail is pretty good but it can be rocky so solid shoes are a must  ✔️ Sunscreen & hat   ✔️ Bug spray  

6.3 Best Time of the Year to Hike Seven Rila Lakes

The best time to hike the 7 Rila Lakes is the peak of Summer in July and August, however, this is also the busiest months.

Fall (September – October) can also be a good time to hike the 7 Rila Lakes if you want to go when there are fewer crowds, however, the weather is a little more unpredictable at this time so you may face rain or even snow.

In winter it is not possible to hike the Seven Rila Lakes without snowshoes as there is a lot of snow on the ground and this area is actually used as a ski resort. If you really want to visit you can join a snowshoe tour where you will walk the 7 Rila Lakes trail while covered in snow!

Alternatively, you can try a snowmobile tour of the area but it’s unlikely that you’ll get to see the lakes themselves.

Lastly, it is also possible to hike in Spring (May – June) however if it has been a particularly long winter there may still be a lot of snow on the ground and unfavourable conditions (like when I started the hike). I would only advise planning a hiking trip to the Seven Rila Lakes in Spring if you are quite experienced or if you are joining a tour .

6.5 Difficulty of the 7 Rila Lakes Hike

The Seven Rila Lakes hike is an easy to medium difficulty trail.

Hiking this trail you will traverse 350 m (1,150 ft) of elevation gain spread over 10 km (6.2 miles). For beginner hikers this can be a little challenging but not unpassable for anyone of average fitness, making it a medium-difficulty hike.

However, for experienced hikers , this seems quite literally like a walk in the park! So for those of you who are avid hikers, I would say the trail is fairly easy.

FAQs About Hiking Bulgaria’s 7 Rila Lakes

What should I pack for the 7 Rila Lakes hike

You should pack layers of clothing, food, water, cash (for the chairlift and transport), sunscreen and bug spray for the 7 Rila Lakes hike.

How much does it cost to hike the 7 Rila Lakes?

The chairlift to the 7 Rila Lakes costs €8 return and the only other cost associated with hiking the Seven Rila Lakes is the transport to get there. Public transport is ~ €10 each way per person. Alternatively, you can book a transfer service which includes all transport and the chairlift for ~ €30 per person.

When is the best time to hike the 7 Rila Lakes?

The best time to hike the 7 Rila Lakes is in summer (July and August) as the snow will have melted and the temperatures are warm and sunny in the mountains (but not too hot).

Can you do the 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery on the same day?

Yes ! The 7 Rila Lakes hike can be done on the same day as the Rila Monastery and there are tours available which include both. Note that even though they are very close on the map, you have to drive just under 2 hours around the mountain to reach the Monastery.

How difficult is the 7 Rila Lakes hike?

The 7 Rila Lakes hike is easy-medium difficulty . With 350 m (1,150 ft) of elevation gain over 10 km (6.2 miles), experienced hikers would find this hike easy whereas it would be a medium difficulty for novices.

I hope this post gave you all the information you could possibly need for a safe and fun hike of the Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria!

I’ve gone through everything you need to know about how to get there, schedules for the chairlift, the best tours and accommodations, what you need to bring, and of course given you a handy map of the hike itself!

If I’ve missed anything or you simply want to share your experience, leave me a comment below. I love to hear your stories and answer your questions!

Happy hiking, Kate

Save this post for later or share it with your friends!

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Kate Fletcher

Kate is the outdoor loving, mountain obsessed creator behind Bags-Always-Packed.com. Since the age of 18 she has travelled to 50+ countries in search of the tallest peaks, new cultures, and the most off the track experiences possible. With over 10 years of adventures under her belt, Kate is dedicated to sharing all her experience through this website, helping you to plan your own trips and experience the world, no matter your budget!

11 Comments

beautiful place, thank you for creating this article

You’re welcome, glad you liked it! 🙂

OompaLoompa

Why are your photos gone? I can’t see any on this page.

Hi there, I a have had some issues since I updated my site, sorry about the inconvenience! I am in the process of updating and fixing everything now 🙂

frejatravels

Looks very pretty – I went to Rila Monestary in the spring but never went to this spot – is it closeby?

Yes!! It’s right down the road actually!! If you go back you should 100% check out the mountains and lakes. They’re incredible!

Shivam Singhal

@kate the images are broken on the blog, can you fix these please? Thanks for nice detailed blog

Hi Shivam, thanks for letting me know! I have had a few issues lately with the site but am in the process of updating everything. So check back for even better posts than before!

Great post! Balkans are extremely pretty for hiking and skiing! Bulgaria, as well as the neighboring Romania were a very positive surprise for us, when we found them. The locals are indeed especially friendly and helpful 🙂 Have you visited other Balkan countries yet?

Thanks so much! Yes I have 🙂 I spend 3 months in the Balkans last year, I visited them all except Kosovo and Greece (I ran out of time). So need to go back! Haha

It’s a great area for hiking and budget!

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