Hike Bulgaria's Mountains in Winter
Snowshoe your way through Bulgaria's epic winter landscapes, taking in the pristine peaks of the Vitosha, Pirin and Rila mountain ranges
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAccommodation
5 nights in cosy, family-run hotelsMeals
All your meals are included throughout the tripTransfers & Lifts
Airport transfers, all transfers during the trip, plus ski liftsEquipment
All your snowshoeing and safety equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Take on the peaks of Cherni Vruh (2290m) and Bezbog (2645m) as you seek out the best mountain views across Bulgaria's UNESCO-listed National Parks
Snowshoe a lap of the iconic Seven Rila Lakes, a magical winter wonderland of frozen lakes surrounded by snow-draped peaks
Relax in cosy family-run guesthouses and enjoy warm hospitality, hearty traditional meals and a variety of thermal pools, saunas and après-ski experiences
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Bulgaria!
Meet your host at the airport and head to your hotel in the Dragalevtsi neighbourhood of Sofia, situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. This evening you'll meet your guide over a welcome meal at a nearby restaurant and check over your kit ahead of tomorrow's snowy adventure.
Day 2
Start your snowshoeing adventure
Snowshoeing
Head up into the mountains with a quick morning transfer to the Aleko Mountain Hut at 1810m. Sat at the foot of Maluk Rezen (2191m) it is the perfect place to get acquainted with your snowshoes. Your guides will run you through the basics of moving on the snow and some practical safety advice about the winter mountain environment. Once comfortable with your new appendages, you'll head out on your first hike where you'll cross the Moreni boulder field and reach the plateau of Torfeno Nature Reserve, which was declared as a reserve in 1935 to preserve the unique ecosystems of the peat bogs that make up the plateau. You'll explore the higher open plateau above Torfeno with panoramic views across the city of Sofia and the Stara Planina and Rila Mountains. As a test of your newly acquired snowshoeing skills, make a final climb up to the peak of Cherni Vruh, the highest of the Vitosha Mountains at 2290m. From here, descend to Goli Vruh and meet the van to take you to the town of Sapareva Banya in the foothills of the Rila Mountains. Check in to the small, family-run hotel complete with its own mineral hot pool.
Day 3
Explore the Seven Rila Lakes
Snowshoeing
Hop on the chair lift from Pionerska Hut and ascend 500m to the Rila Lakes hut at a lofty 2100m. You'll snowshoe a circular route through the seven frozen lakes of Rila National Park and some of Bulgaria's most spectacular scenery. You'll reach vast mountain plateaus offering panoramic views of jagged peaks and frozen lakes. After reaching Kidney Lake, head back down to the Rila Lakes Hut and take the chairlift back to the waiting van. With your guide, drive to the town of Bansko in the foothills of Pirin National Park where you'll check in to your next cosy hotel.
Day 4
Snowshoe to the top of Bezbog Peak (2645m)
Snowshoeing
Limber up for the highest climb of the trip, as today you'll take on the impressive Bezbog Peak at 2645m. After a short drive to Gotse Delchev hut, take the chair lift to Bezbog hut at 2240m. A modern mountain hut situated on the shores of the Bezbog mountain lake, it's a good place to grab a snack or a coffee before taking on the hike. From here, the peak lies a couple of hours' snowshoe away along a narrow trail winding up onto a ridge that rises to the summit. Once on top, you'll be treated to great views over Pirin, Rila, Rhodope and Falakro, as well as the stunning panorama of mountain lakes and surrounding snowy peaks. Descend to the top station and take the lift back down to Bansko. This evening your guide will take you to the village of Gorno Draglishte where you'll be treated to an evening of traditional Bulgarian culture and local specialities.
Day 5
Snowshoe to Muratovo Lake
Snowshoeing
Today's snowshoe adventure takes you through the woodlands of Banderitsa Valley. From Shiligarnika, at 1700m, you'll head up through a pine forest to Muratovo Lake with amazing views of the surrounding peaks of Vihran, Todorka and Donchovi Karauli. Along the way, you pass Baikusheva Mura, the oldest tree on the Balkan Peninsula at an impressive 1300 years old! Having enjoyed your final day in this magical snowy landscape it's time to head back to Bankso for a farewell dinner with your fellow adventurers.
Day 6
Goodbye Bulgaria!
Driving
Say goodbye to Bulgaria's impressive mountains and take a morning transfer to Sofia Airport.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Sofia Airport, Bulgaria (SOF)
15:00 on Day 1
Ends
Sofia Airport, Bulgaria (SOF)
11:00 on Day 6
Transfers
Your adventure begins at Sofia Airport with your airport transfer usually scheduled at 15:00. If you arrive in Sofia early, you can spend the morning exploring the enchanting old town and your host can arrange a pick-up from the city instead of from the airport. At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Sofia Airport at 11:00, and we recommend booking any flight that departs after 13:00. Alternatively, private transfers for flights departing at different times can be arranged – see Optional Extras for the costs.
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Sofia from London Gatwick (Easyjet), Stansted (Ryanair) and Luton (Wizz Air), as well as direct flights from Heathrow with British Airways and Bulgarian Air. There are also plenty of indirect options that connect through a variety of European airports.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Bulgarian food blends Balkan, Mediterranean and Ottoman influences. It features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with dishes like shopska salad (a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and cheese), banitsa (a savoury pastry filled with cheese or spinach), and hearty stews like gyuvech (a slow-cooked vegetable and meat dish). In the mountainous regions of Rila and Pirin, traditional food becomes even more rustic, with mountain huts and eateries serving dishes like kachamal (a cornmeal similar to polenta, often topped with cheese or meat) and kapama (a slow-cooked meat and rice casserole). These meals are often paired with homemade yogurt or honey.
During your trip, breakfasts and evening meals will be taken in the family-run hotels where you are staying, offering a mix of homemade Bulgarian and international dishes. On Day 4 you will head to a local restaurant in a village outside Bansko to experience a traditional meal of the region. Lunches will be packed lunches prepared by the hotel and include a sandwich, fruit and snack item. There may be the chance to supplement this with a cake/coffee stop at one of the mountain huts, usually at the end of the day's walk.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Sofia
You'll spend the first night in the 3-star Hotel Vitosha, located in the Dragalevtsi neighbourhood of Sofia. Fifteen minutes from the city centre, it is situated at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain and allows you to head straight into the hills from the hotel. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with TV, WiFi and ensuite bathrooms.
Sapareva Banya (Rila Mountains)
For your night in the Rila Mountains, you will stay at Hotel Emaly Green in the town of Sapareva Banya. The hotel has a heated indoor mineral pool and a spa centre complete with saunas, jacuzzis and a steam bath. Massages can also be arranged for a fee. You'll be staying in well-appointed ensuite rooms with TV and WiFi, as well as a terrace with a view of the Rila mountains.
Bansko (Pirin Mountains)
For three nights in Bansko, you'll stay in the comfortable, family-run Bizev Hotel. It is well set up for winter sports with a drying room, games room, access to an infrared sauna, and comfortable ensuite rooms with TV and WiFi. You'll be sharing on a twin basis.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability and can be limited depending on the hotels' availability.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
No special skills are required for this trip and snowshoeing is a great introduction to winter in the mountains.
Snowshoes are a special type of footwear that enable you to spread your weight over a larger area, allowing you to move easily across powdery, snow-covered terrain. If you have never tried this activity before, don't worry! Snowshoeing is incredibly easy, comfortable and safe. You simply clip your snowshoes to the outside of your hiking boots and off you go. You'll be in the hands of experienced and qualified local guides who know the area intimately and will guide you safely throughout the hikes.
You'll need to be ready for four or five hours activity each day, taking on the winter elements and with up to 500m elevation gain each day. You may even feel some small effects of the altitude with some of the peaks reaching just over 2500m.
It's a good idea to get in some hill walking of similar duration and elevation before you go in order to prepare your body, test out your kit and boost your confidence ahead of your trip.
What will I need to carry?
Your larger bag suitable for all your belongings will be transported for you, and then a small rucksack to carry personal items during each day of hiking is needed.
The Rila and Pirin mountains will be cold in winter, with snowfall common from December through to March. Daytime temperatures in the mountains will likely be around -5°C up to 0°C, but can drop lower at the higher elevations. You'll need to bring adequate winter clothing and warm layers for the hikes, but the hotels and guesthouses will keep you snug and warm during the evenings.
Please note that snow is never guaranteed on each departure, but winter hiking without snow will be equally spectacular and enjoyable.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
SNOWSHOE AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT
- Snowshoes, poles and crampons/microspikes if needed
- Avalanche Safety Equipment (where necessary) - transceiver, shovel probe (training will be given on the first day)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Main luggage or duffel bag
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Drybags for day pack
CLOTHES
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers/ski trousers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermals (merino best)
- Warm hat
- Cold weather gloves/mitts and liner gloves
- Warm/ski socks
- Buff or neckscarf
- Trekking trousers
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear (for sauna/pool)
- Sunglasses (cat 4, UV protecting)
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Sturdy warm and waterproof hiking boots (worn-in)
- Gaiters (optional)
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Pre/post trip accommodation in Sofia or Bankso (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Sofia or Bankso (Single)
… Per Person, Per Night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Sofia or Bankso (double/twin)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Sofia or Bankso (double/twin)
… Per Night
Single Room Occupancy
Payable Before Departure
Single Room Occupancy
… Per Person
Private Transfer from Sofia Airport to Hotel (1 - 4 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private Transfer from Sofia Airport to Hotel (1 - 4 people)
…
Private transfer to Sofia Airport from Bankso (1 - 4 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private transfer to Sofia Airport from Bankso (1 - 4 people)
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 155kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Although snowfall is common in this region from late December through to March, and the itinerary reaches elevations where snow cover is the norm during these months, it is never guaranteed – so conditions may vary on each departure. All activities included in the trip can take place with or without snow, and they are equally enjoyable. Your guide may slightly alter the hiking routes and distance in order to offer the best and safest possible experience. Equally, if there is too much snow or unfavourable weather conditions, there are alternative routes to complete at lower elevations.
Your luggage will be transported to each hotel throughout the trip.
The tap water in Bulgaria is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotels to avoid buying single use plastic bottles.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
- 40-60 BGN for your guide and 20-30 BGN for your driver.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely cold and consistently below freezing (0C/32F) during the times of year when this trip operates. Temperatures at night will likely be even colder. Personal care should be taken to keep warm as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration and nutrition. Very cold temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at warmer temperatures. In severe cold conditions people may experience symptoms associated with Exposure, Frostbite and Hypothermia. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with cold temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 15th February 2025
to Thursday 20th February 2025
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
