THE MUSALA PEAK
With an elevation of 2925 m Musala is the highest peak of the Rila Mountain range as well as the entire Balkan Peninsula.
Some 80 km away from Sofia with easy access by a cabin lift from Borovets it is less than 3-hour hike to the peak. Legends say that on a clear day, you could see the shimmering waters of the Aegean Sea from the top. The name itself has been adopted during the rule of the Ottoman Empire between the 14th and 19th century, and translates literally to “The way to God” – Mus-Allah. After the liberation in 1878 it was briefly changed to “Stalin”, for a couple of years, but today it remains Musala.
The peak is one of the 100 National Tourist Sights and with the multiple approaches one could do for ascension, it offers exciting possibilities for all sorts of adventurers!
PROGRAM
This is an example program, that can be modified according to your desires.
09:00 am – Pick up from previously arranged location
10:15 am – Arrival in Borovets
10:30 am – Hopping on the cabin lift
10:50 am – Arriving at the final station
11:00 am – Beginning the ascension
01:00 pm – Arriving on top of the peak – Lunch
02:00 pm – Beginning the descend
05:00 pm – Back in Borovets
06:15 pm – Back in Sofia
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
You should be well equipped: comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the Musala Peak hike, as well as raincoat and long pants or even a winter hat. The height of the peak is almost 3000 m which could spell trouble even in the hottest summer days.
