Bulgaria Trail Sampler. Two hiking choices in the Pirin National Park, Bulgaria

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The pyramidal limestone summit of Vichren rises above the Bûnderitsa Valley.
5 The peak of Vihren in the Pirin National Park, Bulgaria.

The following hiking options in Bulgaria's Pirin National Park (Natsionalen Park Pirin) will be available on the Mountains of Bulgaria trip. Choose the hike that's best for you!

5 Ribno Ezero ("Fish Lake") in the Bûnderitsa Valley

OPTION 1
Ribno Ezero & Dûlgo Ezero
Start: Vichren Chalet (6,398 ft)
Destination: Bûnderishki Ezera (Bûnderishki Lakes)
End: Vichren Chalet
Estimated time: 3.5 - 4 hours, round trip
Elevation: Gain of 1,230 ft; loss of 1,230 ft
Highest point: Dûlgo Ezero (7,628 ft)
Total distance: About 4 miles, round trip

Enjoy this exploration of the verdant landscapes of the Bûnderitsa Valley. From road's end at the Vichren Chalet (6,398 ft) the trail leads along the Bûnderitsa stream passing through green, well-watered meadows punctuated by large granite boulders. About 1 hour from the start, the trail reaches the Ribno Ezero ("Fish Lake"), the largest of the Bûnderishki Lakes (Bûnderishki Ezera), cupped in the headwall of the lower Bûnderishki Cirque. Continue ascending steadily but gradually into the upper Bûnderishki Cirque to arrive at the Dûlgo Ezero ("Long Lake"), the largest lake in the upper cirque and a great turnaround point for a day's outing in the mountains. Pick out a picnic spot among the clumps of mugo pine and granite boulders that line the lakeshore. Enjoy the play of light and shadow across the cobalt waters of the lake and the high peaks beyond! Retrace your steps to the starting point.

Mount Todorin reflected in a mountain tarn

5 An alpine pool reflects the peak of Malka Todorka

OPTION 2
Valyavitsa Valley via Todorina Porta
Start: Vichren Chalet (6,398 ft)
Destination: Through hike to the Valyavitsa Valley via the Bûnderishki and Vasilashki Lake basins
End: Valyavitsa Valley
Estimated time: 5.5 to 6 hours
Elevation: Gain of 2,000 ft; loss of 3,478 ft
Highest point: Todorina Porta (8,400 ft)
Total distance: Approximately 7.8 miles

If you're in for more of a workout, try a mountain crossing from one valley to the next! Follow Option 1 as far as Dûlgo Ezero from where a switchbacking trail ascends to the summit of the pass known as Todorina Porta (8,400 ft). The trail then descends into the Vasilashki Cirque passing a couple of mountain lakes before reaching the Demyanitsa Chalet deep in the Valyavitsa Valley. From the chalet, the trail leads downstream through the forested valley to trail's end.

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