From Plovdiv: Musala Peak Full-Day Trekking Tour
ID: GYG34370-42198
Category:
Country: Bulgaria
Duration:
10:00 hours
Description
Hike the highest peak in Bulgaria and the Balkans on an 11-hour tour to the summit of Musala Mountain. Enjoy a walk extending above the tree line and pass some beautiful glacial lakes along the way.
Enjoy a full-day hike of the Rila National Park and conquer the summit of Musala, the highest mountain on the Balkan peninsula
Boasting more than 180 glacial lakes, the name of the mountain is of Thracian origin and means “Plenty of Water.” Coniferous trees grow up to 170-200 feet (50-60 meters) tall, concealing diverse wildlife that includes bears, wolves, wild goats, and imperial eagles.
Following a pick-up in Plovdiv, head towards Borovets, Bulgaria's oldest ski resort. The 19th-century resort is surrounded by old pine forests, and boasts one of the healthiest climates in Bulgaria. Board the gondola lift to the peak of Yastrebet (7,936 feet/2,369 meters) for the start of your trek.
Your guide will lead you along the trail to the Musala Mountain Hut, and on to a stunning lake, before hiking to Icy Lake (9,078 feet/2,710 meters), the coldest and highest lake in the Rila Mountains. A short but steep ascent follows all the way to Musala’s summit (9,799 feet/2,925 meters), with spectacular vistas along the way. Gaze across at the alpine Pirin Mountains, Vitosha Mountain, Sredna Gora Mountains, and the green carpets of the Rhodope Mountains.
After a break at the summit, hike back down, retracing your steps to the gondola lift and on to Borovets for the transfer back to Plovdiv.
Highlights
- Hike the highest mountain summit in the Balkans
- Ride the gondola lift through forests of pine and fir en route to the beginning of the trail
- Look out for native wildlife, including imperial eagles and wild goats
- Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the alpine Pirin Mountains
- Drive to the historic ski resort of Borovets
- Rest for a picnic by the crystal clear waters of one of the glacial lakes
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• The trip duration is 10.5 to 11 hours, including 5 hours of walking/hiking
• The hike takes place between 2369 and 2925 meters above sea level/7772 and 9596 feet above sea level
• Elevation difference: 556 meters/1824 feet
• Elevation gain: 690 m/2263 feet
• Walking distance: 14.2 km/8.8 miles
• Hiking time: 6 hours, including breaks
• Please bring cash to purchase food
• Cabin lift return ticket is €6
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You are required to bring and wear a mask
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
