Multy Activity Program
RILA - RHODOPE MOUNTAINS - MULTYACTIVITY PROGRAM - 9 DAYS
Day 1. Arrive at Sofia Airport.
Transfer to the area of Govedartsi in the foothills of the Rila Mountains. Accommodation in local guest house. Short warm up ride if possible.
Day 2. Mountain bike in the Rila Mountains.
Today we ride atop the picturesque ridge called Zekiritsa, provided with great views towards the alpine part of the Rila Mountains. After we reach the highest point of the ridge (1734 m above the sea) we will head further west towards the area of the summer resort "Panichishte" where we will spend the night.
Distance traveled: Govedartsi - Panichishte - 22 km / 600 m up / 250 m down.
Terrain: forest roads.
Day 3. Hiking in the Rila Mountains - "Panichishte" - "Ivan Vazov" Hut.
We will start our walk from Zeleni Preslap Area and climb trough coniferous forests to "Skakavitsa" Hut where the highest waterfall in the Rila Mountains is found. Moving further south we are going to reach one of the most beautiful parts of the mountains called "The Seven Lakes of Rila" famous for annual pilgrimage gathering of the followers of Peter Dunov. Here we will arrange picnic lunch and continue our walk in the afternoon to reach "Ivan Vazov" Hut, located to the south of the main ridge.
Walking time: Panichishte - "Ivan Vazov" Hut - 6/7 hours / 1000 m up / 400 m down.
Terrain: trails, stone paths.
Day 4. Hiking in the Rila Mountains - "Ivan Vazov" Hut - Govedartsi.
Today we are making our way back to the village of Govedartsi. From the hut we go for a short climb to Razdela Pass (2620 m above the sea) where the main ridge meets "Zeleni Rid" Ridge on which we descend down to Yavorova Polyana - picturesque meadow surrounded by century old pine trees. The views on both sides of the ridge are stunning - the valleys of the Seven lakes and Urdina River are known for their dramatic beauty and rich biodiversity. After a prolonged descend we reach the are of "Vada" Hut where we get on the bus to transfer to Govedartsi / Raduil for overnight.
Walking time: "Ivan Vazov" Hut - "Vada" Hut - 5 hours / 350 m up / 1320 m down.
Terrain: trails, stone paths.
Day 5. Mountain bike in the Rila Mountains. Belmeken Lake to Velingrad.
We start our day with a bus transfer to the high mountain lake "Belmeken" located in the eastern part of the Rila Mountains. The asphalt road climbs up to 2100 m above the sea which makes it the highest paved road in Bulgaria. We enjoy splendid views over the southern part of our country. Once we reach the lake we get on the bikes and ride in southern direction. A picturesque ride around the lake and a smooth descend towards the Avramovo saddle is ahead. Here we pass into the Rhodopes and descend down to the famous spa resort Velingrad where we spend the night.
Distance traveled: Belmeken Lake - Velingrad - 45 km / 200 m up / 1160 m down.
Terrain: forest roads.
Day 6. Mountain bike in the Rhodope Mountains. Velingrad - Beglika.
Today we will ride on a part of the so called "Batashka Mountains" Bike Route, designed to link the protected areas in the region. Following this route we will be able to visit some of the wildest places in the Rhodope Mountains. Particularly interesting are the natural reserves "Mantaritsa" and "Beglika" where a big number of endemic plants may be observed. In the afternoon we may opt for a short ride in the area of Beglika famous for its lakes and beautiful forests.
Distance traveled: Velingrad - Beglika - 31 km / 880 m up / 130 m down.
Optional: Beglika loop - 15 km / 120 m up / 120 m down.
Day 7. Beglika Area.
We spend our day in the beautiful surroundings of Beglika. There are plenty of options here so we may choose from kayaking in the crystal clear waters of "Golyam Beglik" Lake, walking on the eco trail where a big number of endemic plants may be observed or simply spend the afternoon in leisure. Overnight in a local guest house.
Optional activities:
- kayaking;
- eco trail walk;
- biking.
Day 8. Mountain bike in the Rhodope Mountains. Beglika - Batak Lake.
Riding to the north of Beglika we are gently ascending to the main ridge not far away from Mt. Semiza. From there we start a long descend to reach the artificial lake Batak located at 1100 m above the sea. We may stop for a lunch here and continue further north along the western shore of the lake. After we reach the dam we get on the bus for a short bus transfer to the summer resort "Sveti Konstantin" where we stay for the night.
Distance traveled: Beglika - Batak Lake - 35 km / 300 m up /660 m down.
Terrain: forest roads.
