Mountain Walking Holidays

Below are descriptions of some of the walks available. All guided walks are optional, with a different route each day led by our experienced English guide. Topographic maps are available for the region for those who would prefer to self-guide.

Lakeland Discovery

The Pirin National Park has just over 150 permanent alpine lakes. Lakeland Discovery takes in a selection scattered through an ancient glacial valley, as well as some beautiful waterfalls and meandering streams. With plants and wildlife competing for water during the warm summer months, there is a wealth of alpine vegetation and colourful birds and insects along the route. This walk is a nice introduction to the altitude, with an average height of around 2,300 metres.

The Eyes Of Todorka

A more demanding route, this walk is spread over two glacial valleys. The first section leads to the head of the first valley, before ascending to the ridge below the peak of Todorka. The final uphill section is rewarded with a stunning view of each valley, in front and behind. From here, the descent begins to two of the largest lakes known as "The Eyes Of Todorka". This descent leads through a vast hanging valley, which joins two of arguably the most beautiful valleys in the entire Park.

Kazana

It is no mystery as to where the name "The Cooking Pot" came from. With vast walls and a narrow entrance, Kazana is a basin, hidden from view below the mighty north face of Vihren. Starting from the main hut, the route traverses along the valley wall, as the path begins to climb up and around the mountain. A little exposure is worth enduring, giving a magnificent view of the Mesta Valley far below, and the Rila Mountains in the distance. After finally arriving at the permanent isolated glacier below Vihren, the descent begins down to the lower mountain hut and pick up point.

Vihren

Said to be the throne of the Slavic god Perun, Mount Vihren is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains at 2,915 meters. Several paths lead to the top, all intersecting at one of two approach points below the summit. The more traditional route is perhaps the more visually rewarding on ascent. Of course, the summit view is the one to be strived for, stretching far across the many peaks in both the Pirin and Rila Mountains. Although it is one of the more challenging walks, it is certainly the most rewarding.