Seven Rila Lakes Trekking: Glacial Wonders and Historic Rila Monastery Visit in Bulgaria

Embark on a thrilling two-day trek through the stunning glacial wonders of the Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria. Explore the historic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Rila National Park.

Duration: 2 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

The Seven Rila lakes and Mount Haramiyata (2465) - full day panoramic hiking tour, overnight stay at the Ivan Vazov hut

Rila National Park - Rila National Park is the largest of the three national parks on the territory of Bulgaria. It was established on February 24, 1992. The park covers an area of over 81,000 ha in the central and highest parts of Rila Mountain.

There are about 100 peaks above 2000 m above sea level. The current alpine relief was formed after the Würm glaciation. A legacy of this period are the more than 120 glacial lakes located in groups in the highland parts of the river basins. Of the lakes, the deepest is Okoto (37.5 m), the largest is Smradlivo ezero (212 decares), the highest is Ledeno ezero (2709 m), and the longest is Bliznaka. Three of the longest rivers on the Balkan Peninsula originate in the park: Iskar, Maritsa, and Mesta.

Seven Rila Lakes - The Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes located stepwise one above the other in the Rila Mountains, one of the three national parks of Bulgaria.

The circus of the Seven Rila Lakes is one of the natural wonders of Rila Mountain and Bulgaria.

The lakes have been named for their shapes and qualities. The highest of them is Tear Lake, which gained its name for its crystal-clear water. It is 2,535 m.

Next is Eye Lake, the deepest of the seven at 37.5 meters. It is oval and intensely blue when the weather is good.

Somewhat lower than Eye Lake is Kidney Lake, named for its kidney shape, which has a surface area of 85 hectares and steep rocky banks.

Next come the twins. Wide at both ends and narrow in the middle, the lake resembles an hourglass.

Further down the trail are Three-Leafed Lake and Fish Lake.
The lowest lake is appropriately called Lower Lake, which feeds the Dzherman River. The lakes are all connected by narrow streams.

Haramiyata (Black Peak) - Haramiyata, also called the Black Rock, is a peak in the Rila National Park, reaching 2465 meters.

It rises above the Seven Rila Lakes in the eastern part of the circus. It looks out into Shamrock Lake, and its formidable western wall descends to Twin Lake.

What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • English speaking mountain guide
  • One-way chairlift ticket
  • Rila National Park fee included
  • All parking fees covered
  • 1-night accommodation in a mountain hut
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Entrance tickets to the museums of the Rila Monastery cost between 10 and 15 euros.
  • Entrance ticket to the “pyramids” area of Stob Price: 3 euros
Additional Information

Embark on a two-day journey through the core of Rila, the Balkans’ tallest mountain, located within the premises of Rila National Park.

Experience an extraordinary hiking trip around the monumental ‘Seven Rila Lakes’ glacier basin and pay a visit to Rila Monastery, the biggest and most exquisite Orthodox cloister in Bulgaria, established in the 10th century. (UNESCO)

Location
Saint Petka Church
Get off at "Serdika" metro station (lines #1, #2, or #3) and take the exit to "Sveta Nedelya" square. After exiting the subway, you are in the underpass of Sveta Nedelya Square, which has an open area. There is a small church from the 11th century "Sveta Petka". That's the point of the meeting.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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up to 7 guests
2 Adult
September 2024
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