Enjoy this exhilarating hike into the mountains near Sofia, and discover the picturesque Seven Rila Lakes. After a 90 minute drive to Panichishte, begin your trek and see why these glacial lakes are known as the Blue Pearls of the Rila Mountains.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
- Duration 8 - 12 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Live tour guide
- English
- Optional audio guide
- English, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, German
Experience
3 starting location options:
La Cattedrale, La Cattedrale, ul. "Oborishte" 1А
Bus / coach
(2 hours)
Cable car
(30 minutes)
Rila Mountains
Hiking (4.5 hours)
Cable car
(30 minutes)
Bus / coach
(2 hours)
3 drop-off locations:
ul. "Oborishte" 1А, La Cattedrale, La Cattedrale
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
- Discover the snow-capped peaks of Rila, a treasure hidden under the blue sky
- Visit the Seven Rila Lakes, a group of glacial lakes, on a full-day hiking trip
- Take a chairlift from Panichishte to the top of the world at Rila National Park
- Admire views of the Rila Mountains, the highest mountain range in Bulgaria
- Explore Bulgarian nature with a professional mountain guide on your side
Enjoy a full-day trek into the Rila Mountains to explore the most picturesque area near Sofia and one of Bulgaria's most beautiful natural sites, the Seven Rila Lakes.
This group of glacial lakes lies between 6,900 and 8,200 feet (2,100 and 2,500 meters) above sea level, surrounded by rugged peaks and deep valleys.
Leaving Sofia, you will drive for 90 minutes to reach the Panichishte resort area, where you board the chairlift to the Rila Lakes mountain hut.
From here, continue on foot to explore the landscape and its majestic blue pearls – the Eye, the Tear, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake, and the Lower Lake.
The route is not difficult and can be altered on the spot depending on fitness levels or strength, following either more gentle routes or steeper gradients. Take your chance to explore the Blue Pearls of the Rila Mountains, and the Seven Rila Lakes.
The local tour operator, Traventuria, was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative.
- English-speaking guide (unless self-guided option chosen)
- Driver
- Transfers from Sofia
- Visit to Rila Monastery (if option chosen)
- Audio guide (if option chosen)
- Meals
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Chairlift tickets
- Children under 12 years
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
- People afraid of heights
- People with altitude sickness
- People with low level of fitness
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Windbreaker
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Jacket
- Rain gear
- Outdoor clothing
- Quick-dry clothing
- Trekking gear
Not allowed
- Baby strollers
- Unaccompanied minors
- Slippers
- Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle
Know before you go
- The price for a return chairlift ticket is 25 leva (€13) per person
- The availability of the tour depends on the weather conditions and the operation of the chairlift
- The terrain will be very wet and slippery and there will still be snow in the area. Walking in such conditions requires adequate equipment (good trekking boots, waterproof clothes, and a warm layer beneath the jacket). The hike is demanding, so a good fitness level is also required. Some of the lakes may be covered in snow
- The tour can be canceled with the last minute notice (100% refund will be applied) due to harsh conditions or closure of the chairlift