Summiting Musala Peak, The Highest Peak in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula
Hello, there, reader! Welcome back to my blog! As some of you may know, my blog is not only about photography, but also travel and the outdoors lifestyle. This includes hiking and adventures in nature. And I do love hiking and the connection that gives me to the natural world. I love going out in a forest or in the mountain and have a nice walk or a hike, it calms me down and also provides me with movement, which we all need, and many opportunities to take beautiful photos. And summer is definitely the perfect time for some adventures in the mountains. I mean, you can go there through all the seasons and do different activities, but summer is the best time.
This summer was definitely awesome when it comes to hiking and traveling. I summited two different peaks in Bulgaria, and went hiking to a couple different hiking trails. I summitted Musala and the Black Peak, I went to the Seven Rila Lakes and some other places. And today we will be talking about Musala Peak.
I know, many people have heard barely anything about Bulgaria and let alone Musala peak. This is why I want to change that and show you this beautiful country. Maybe even inspire you to come visit, who knows. But now let move with the blog.
Welcome to Musala peak in Rila National Park, Rila Mountains
Summiting the peak through the classic route: Yastrebets lift — Yastrebets hut — Musala hut — Ice lake shelter (Ledeno Ezero) — Musala peak
Hiking time: between 3:30 to 4:00 hours — but that definitely depends on the speed and the breaks you take.
3 facts about Musala:
- The name means close to God, near God, place for prayer — it actually comes from Arabic
- The peak is 2925 m a.s.l.
- The peak is the highest in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Penisnula as well, followed by Olympus (Greece) and Vihren peak (Pirin Mountain, Bulgaria)
Getting to the peak
- Getting to the Yastrebets lift
The journey to the peak begins from the Yastrebets lift in Borovets (you can skip the lift but it does cut your hike with a couple of hours, and trust me, you’re going to need it). The trip from Sofia to Borovets is around an hour and a half on a quite good road and a highway.
The Yastrebets lift
It’s a cabin lift and from the lower station in Borovets to Yastrebets hut, where the trail to Musala peak begins, the trip is around 25 minutes. The cabins can gather maximum 6 people. Just be aware that the lift stops at another station in the middle, it’s not the one you need.
The lift’s work schedule for the summer is 08:30 am to 18:00 pm. The last lift from the lower station to Yastrebets hut is at 17:30 pm, and the last one from the Yastrebets hut to Borovets is at 18:00 pm.
A tip: don’t skip on the lift, not only will it cut your hiking time but also you will see some gorgeous views.
2. From Ystrebets hut to Musala hut
So you step off the lift and your next destination is Musala hut. This is the first stage of our hike and it is more like a walk in the park because it’s not steep or rocky, rather than more casual to walk. It will take you around 30 to 45 minutes. There, when you get to Musala hut you can have a nice break by the Lower Musala Lake, take some photos and soak in the views. There, by the lake you will encounter some beautiful wildflowers and a clear blue lake. Note: There is a toilet at Musala hut! I know, seems like a weird remark but it’s very important. Then, when you feel good and ready, embark on the second stage of the hike.
3. From Musala Hut to the Ice Lake shelter (Ledeno ezero)
This is the second stage of the hike. And here the trail starts getting steeper and rockier. Depending on how prepared you are, this stage will take around an 1:30 up to 2 hours to complete, and this makes it the longest part of the trail. Also, you will see and feel the sea level rise, and with that, you will enjoy some scenic views. In a clear day, you will see many other mountain ranges and peaks. Basically, you will see layers upon layers of mountains.
This part ends at the Ice Lake shelter where you can take a break, eat something, drink some tea or a coffee which will definitely help you out the last part of the trail. Another note: there is no toilet at the shelter!
4. Ice Lake shelter (Ledeno ezero) to Musala peak
And here we are at the final part of the hike. This may be the hardest and steepest part of it, but it’s definitely needed. Otherwise you will not feel as if you’re conquering the highest peak on the Balkan peninsula. Keep in mind you have to be careful because the path gets pretty steep, rocky and narrow. Otherwise this stage will take you between 30 minutes and an hour to complete, depending on your preparedness and your speed.
5. The Musala peak
The best view comes after the hardest climb! Here you are, on roof of the Balkans. The Musala peak is situated at 2925, 4 meters (9596.45 feet) a.s.l. From the peak you will see some spectacular views for sure! You will see other mountain ranges in Bulgaria like Pirin, Stara Planina.
You can also snap a photo to keep a memory of your achievement. But! please keep in mind that if you go there during the weekends you may wait quite a while for that photo due to so many people wanting to do the same.
And there you are, you conquered the highest peak in Bulgaria and the Balkans. It’s a great experience and an achievement. This year was my first time conquering this peak, and I can admit I struggled a lot on the trail and it took me probably a little over 4 hours to complete. But I did it anyways! It was definitely fun and challenging. And I think you should conquer the Musala peak, too.
Thank you for reading!
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