From Sofia: The Seven Rila Lakes Full-Day Tour

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. IMPORTANT!!! The tour starts/ends at Panichishte area in case the chairlift is not working! IMPORTANT!!! The management of the Rila Lakes chair lift has decided to close the lift in October, November, and early May for maintenance. This unfortunately means that walking on foot is the only way to access the lakes. The tour is still on, but keep in mind that it requires previous trekking experience and is suitable for really fit hikers. Trek is over varied terrain, which may include also a fair amount of walking in the alpine landscape. The total walking distance is 17km and between the starting point and the highest lake, there’s a difference in altitude of nearly 1000 meters (3200ft). It will be virtually impossible for the whole group to reach the highest lakes, so we will aim at the middle one (Kidney). The terrain may be very wet and slippery. Walking in such conditions requires adequate equipment (good trekking boots, waterproof clothes and a warm layer beneath the jacket). The tour can be cancelled with a 24 hrs notice (a 100% refund excl. 10 euro fee per booking will be applied).