Musala, standing at 2,925 meters, is the highest peak of the Rila Mountain range and the entire Balkan Peninsula. The name originates from the phrase “Mus Allah”, meaning “closer to Allah”, while its older name was Tangra. On this three-day adventure in Rila National Park, we will ascend the highest peak of the Balkans and explore one of Bulgaria’s most treasured natural wonders—the renowned Rila Lakes.

Rila National Park, the largest in Bulgaria, is situated 100 kilometers south of Sofia, in the heart of the highest part of the Rila Mountains. The park is home to rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, as well as historical landmarks of great significance. It is also the source of some of the largest rivers on the Balkan Peninsula.

The Rila Mountains are famous for their glacial lakes—over 150 in total—most of which lie at altitudes between 2,100 and 2,500 meters. Besides Musala, other notable peaks include Dimitrov (2,902 m), Malyovitsa (2,730 m), and Rilec (2,715 m). The name “Rila” originates from the Thracian word “Roula”, meaning “full of water”.

Tour plan:

Day 1: NIŠ - BOROVETZ

Departure from Niš in front of the hotel at 1:00 p.m. Travel through Serbia and Bulgaria with rest stops and border formalities along the way. In the evening, we arrive in Borovetz (1315 m above sea level), Bulgaria’s oldest and most famous mountain resort, located on the northern slopes of Rila Mountain. Originally built in the 19th century as a hunting retreat for Bulgarian royalty, Borovetz has grown into a renowned ski and outdoor adventure destination. It serves as the gateway to Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans, and offers a stunning alpine landscape, charming wooden chalets, and a lively atmosphere. After check-in at the accommodation, there will be free time to explore the resort, take a walk through its picturesque surroundings, or enjoy a cozy evening in one of the traditional restaurants. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 2: BOROVETZ - MUSALA 2925 m - BOROVETZ

After breakfast, take a gondola ride from Borovets to 2,250 meters. Begin the ascent to Musala (2,925 m), the highest peak in the Balkans, offering breathtaking panoramic views. After reaching the summit and enjoying the scenery, descend along the same route back to Borovets. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: BOROVETZ – SAPAREVA BANYA – PANICHISHTE – SEVEN RILA LAKES – PANICHISHTE - NIŠ

After breakfast, transfer from Borovets to Sapareva Banya (1-hour drive), followed by a 45-minute drive to Panichishte (1,590 m). Take a gondola ride up to 2,100 meters, where we embark on one of Bulgaria’s most scenic hiking trails. We will explore the famous Seven Rila Lakes, a stunning group of glacial lakes known for their exceptional beauty. The lakes we visit include: the Kidney, the Eye, the Tear, the Twin, the Trefoil, the Fish and the Lower lakes. Additionally, we will ascend Vazov Peak (2,659 m), an essential highlight of this adventure. After the hike, we return to Panichishte and continue to Banya for a lunch break. In the afternoon, we depart for Niš, arriving in the late evening. End of the program.

Details:

Price include

  • Transportation by high tourist van/minibus,
  • Two nights in private accommodation in 1/2 and 1/3 rooms,
  • Mountain guide services,
  • Tourist guide services,
  • Residence tax,
  • Trip organization costs.

Price not include

  • Food,
  • Gondola ride on second day: 18 EUR per person,
  • Gondola ride on third day: 15 EUR  per person,
  • Travel health insurance (with extra charge for extreme sports),
  • Personal expenses.

It is necessary to take

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots, multiple pairs of socks, short-sleeve shirts, a light jacket with a hood (preferably waterproof), a fleece or sweatshirt, spare pants, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Optionally, you can bring some sweets, snacks, refreshing drinks, and water. All of this should fit into a small backpack.

Accommodation

In the private accommodation of our hosts at the specified locations.

Method of payment

A 50% advance payment of the total arrangement price is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (with the option of installment payments). This program is based on a minimum of 7 registered participants. In case of changes in the monetary market (or the market of goods and services) or an insufficient number of registered participants, the tour organizer reserves the right to adjust prices, modify the program, or cancel the trip no later than 5 days before the scheduled departure.

Note

This tour is considered one of the easier mountaineering climbs. For departures from Belgrade, an additional fee of 30€ per person (in RSD equivalent) applies. Transportation from Belgrade is available for groups of at least six participants. The organizer reserves the right to modify the itinerary in case of unforeseen circumstances, with notice given no later than two days before departure.

Travel organizer

The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 38/2025 issued by the Business Register Agency as of May 06, 2025. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 30000049351, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2025 to April 01, 2026. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.