Belgrade – Niš – Borovets – Musala peak – Borovets – Sofia – Niš – Belgrade

Musala, at 2,925 meters, is the highest peak of the Rila Mountains and the entire Balkan Peninsula. Its name comes from the words “Mus Allah,” meaning “closer to God,” while the peak’s old name was Tangra. Climbing Musala in winter conditions offers a unique adventure and an unforgettable experience for all mountain and adventure enthusiasts.

Rila National Park, the largest in Bulgaria, is located about 100 km south of Sofia and is home to rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, as well as significant historical monuments. With over 150 glacial lakes, mostly situated between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level, Rila captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes. Other notable peaks include Malka Musala (2,902 m), Maljovitsa (2,730 m), and Rilets (2,715 m). The name “Rila” comes from the Thracian word “Roula,” meaning “plenty of water.”

This tour offers an exciting winter mountaineering adventure, providing spectacular panoramic views and a complete experience of Rila and Musala in their winter splendor.

Tour plan:

Day 1: (BELGRADE) NIŠ – BOROVETS

Departure from Belgrade at 2:00 p.m. from the prearranged meeting point, and from Niš at 4:30 p.m. in front of the “Čair” Hall (near the ticket office). Drive through Serbia and Bulgaria with stops for rest and border formalities. Arrival in Borovets (1,315 m) in the evening. Borovets is the oldest and one of the most famous mountain resorts in Bulgaria, located on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains. Founded in the 19th century, today it is a modern tourist destination, known for winter sports and as a starting point for many mountain hikes. Accommodation. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 2: BOROVETS – MUSALA (2925 m) – BOROVETS

Early morning wake-up. Breakfast. Gondola ride on “Yastrebets” to the summit of the same name at 2,250 m. Depending on trail conditions, we reach the Musala Mountain Hut via the summer or winter trail after about 1.5 hours of hiking. After a short rest, we continue to the Everest Shelter (2,709 m), from where the final ascent to Musala (2,925 m), the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula, begins. Pause at the summit to enjoy the view. Return to Borovets via the mountain trail. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 3: BOROVETS – SOFIA – NIŠ (BELGRADE)

Breakfast. Packing and departure for Sofia. City tour of the Bulgarian capital with a lunch break. Continuation of the journey to Serbia. Arrival in Niš/Belgrade in the late evening. End of program.

Details:

Price include

  • Transportation by tourist-class minibus/van according to the program,
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Borovets,
  • Services of a licensed tour guide,
  • Services of a licensed mountain guide,
  • Organization and tour leadership.

Price not include

  • Meals,
  • Gondola ride,
  • Necessary technical equipment,
  • International travel health insurance,
  • Personal expenses.

It is necessary to take

  • Personal gear for winter conditions: sturdy mountaineering boots with gaiters, a backpack, trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, several pairs of socks, base layers, multilayer warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, waterproof winter pants, spare pants, a fleece or sweatshirt, a hat, and two pairs of gloves.
  • Technical gear for winter conditions: a harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, and a via ferrata set, which is required for the section with fixed cables near the summit. NOTE: If you do not have the necessary technical equipment, please contact the organizer in advance, as it can be provided upon request.
  • Packed food for the entire adventure, first aid kit, personal hygiene items, eating utensils, matches, candle, camping stove with spare gas bottle, sunscreen, and trash bags. Optional: sweets, snacks, refreshing drinks, and water.
  • Passport, validated health booklet, insurance, mountaineering card with paid membership.

Accommodation

In private accommodation with local hosts at the specified location.

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 8 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

For departures from Belgrade, an additional fee of €30 per person applies, payable in RSD equivalent. Transportation from Belgrade is organized for groups of at least 6 participants.

The ascent of Musala requires moderate physical fitness and previous mountain experience in winter conditions. The organizer reserves the right to modify the itinerary in case of unforeseen circumstances, no later than two days before the start of the trip. In case of bad weather, the ascent to the summit will be canceled.

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 30000058078, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2026 to April 01, 2027. 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.