Seven Rila Lakes hike from Plovdiv: Private mountain tour

Glacial lakes stacked one above the other at high altitude, each with its own name and depth.

A private guided hike through the Seven Rila Lakes circus in Rila National Park, departing from Plovdiv with hotel pickup and a local guide. The route ascends by chair lift to 2,135 meters, then loops through seven glacial lakes ranging from 2,095 to 2,535 meters elevation, covering 8.5 kilometers of walking with 5.5 hours of hiking time. The hike takes place entirely above 2,000 meters in Bulgaria's highest mountain range, where the landscape bears the mark of ancient glaciation.

The experience

About 11.5 hours door-to-door, this tour starts with pickup from your Plovdiv hotel and a drive to Pionerska hut at 1,520 meters in the Rila Mountains. A chair lift carries you up to the Rila Lakes hut at 2,135 meters, where the actual hiking begins. From there, a loop route descends and climbs through the seven lakes in sequence: the Kidney, the Eye (the deepest glacial lake in Bulgaria at 37.5 meters), and the Tear at the highest point of 2,535 meters. The total ascent is 425 meters across the 8.5-kilometer walk.

The lakes sit amphitheatrically, one above the other, each collecting water from the ones higher up until the Lower Lake gathers them all at 2,095 meters. From Lake Peak, the panorama opens across all seven lakes with Vitosha Mountain and the Balkan Range visible in the distance. After lunch at the top, the route continues downhill through the Twins (the largest lake), the Trefoil, the Fish Lake, and finally the Lower Lake. The entire hike, including breaks, takes 5.5 hours of actual walking time.

Your guide is a local English speaker who travels with you throughout the day. The return journey uses the chair lift again to descend to Pionerska hut, then the drive back to Plovdiv. The Rila Mountains are the highest in Bulgaria and the sixth highest in Europe, with over 180 glacial lakes scattered across the park. The coniferous forest rises 50 to 60 meters tall, and the animal life includes bears, wolves, imperial eagles and wild goats, though sightings are not guaranteed.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Plovdiv.
• private tour with a local English-speaking guide.
• chair lift access to and from the Rila Lakes hut.
• transport by private vehicle.
• live commentary during the drive.
• local taxes and fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by PLOVDIV TRIPS

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Plovdiv means you do not need a car or arrange your own transport to the mountains, and the private guide travels with you the whole day so the pace and stops are yours alone.

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Top questions

What are the Seven Rila Lakes and why are they so popular for hiking?

The Seven Rila Lakes are glacial lakes in the Rila Mountains National Park, stacked amphitheatrically between 2,095 and 2,535 meters elevation. They are Bulgaria's most popular trekking destination because of their outstanding natural beauty and are recognized as one of the 100 national tourist sites in Bulgaria. Each lake has its own name (the Tear, the Eye, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake and the Lower Lake), and the Eye is the deepest glacial lake in the country at 37.5 meters.

How much of the day is actual hiking versus travel and chair lift time?

The hiking itself takes 5.5 hours including breaks, and you cover 8.5 kilometers total. The chair lift carries you up and down, saving the steep initial ascent and descent. The full day from hotel pickup to return is about 11.5 hours, so roughly half the time is spent hiking and half on transport, meals and transitions.

Do I need to bring my own food and water?

Yes, you should bring food for a picnic at Lake Peak. The tour does not include meals, so plan to carry enough for lunch and snacks during the hike. Water and other supplies are your responsibility. Contact the operator before booking to confirm what is recommended for the elevation and distance.

What happens if the chair lift is closed for maintenance?

The chair lift occasionally closes for maintenance checks. Always contact the supplier before booking to confirm the lift is operating on your chosen date, as this affects the route and the day's logistics significantly.

What fitness level do I need for this hike?

The operator requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike covers 8.5 kilometers with 425 meters of total ascent, taking place entirely above 2,000 meters elevation where the air is thinner. Contact the supplier before booking to discuss whether the route suits your experience and fitness.