Seven Rila Lakes hiking tour with private mountain guide

Five hours among seven alpine lakes in the Rila Mountains

A half-day guided hike through the Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains, with a private mountain guide, traditional Bulgarian lunch at the lakeside chalet, and an electronic written guide in your chosen language. Groups stay under 15 people. You meet your guide at the lift station and trek to all seven lakes (the Eye, Tear, Kidney, Twins, Trefoil, Fish Lake and Lower Lake) at whatever pace suits your fitness level. The operator runs the route year-round in all seasons.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike the Seven Rila Lakes

• Meet guide at bottom lift station
• Hike to the Lower Lake
• Visit the Fish Lake
• See the Trefoil and the Twins
• Reach the Kidney and the Tear
• Arrive at the highest lake, the Eye
• Enjoy mountain scenery views

The experience

You arrive at the bottom lift station to the Seven Rila Lakes and meet your private mountain guide, who leads groups of up to 15 people. The trek takes five hours and covers all seven lakes, each one named for its shape or character: the Eye, the Tear, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake and the Lower Lake. The guide chooses the best route to show you the views and the terrain, and you walk at a pace that suits your fitness level. The operator notes the hike is suitable for all levels.

Halfway through, you stop at the chalet very close to the route for a traditional Bulgarian lunch. The electronic written guide you receive covers the lakes and the landscape in your language, so you have notes to keep after the day ends. Your guide speaks English or Russian and can answer questions as you walk. Children from age 6 are welcome on the hike.

The Rila Mountains are one of Bulgaria's most picturesque ranges, and the Seven Rila Lakes sit in a nature park that draws hikers year-round. The operator runs the same route in all seasons, so the landscape changes but the access stays open. You can text or call to book your preferred starting time, and the lift tickets to reach the lakes are included in some options. Confirm at checkout which version you've chosen.

What’s included

• Private mountain guide for your group.
• traditional Bulgarian lunch at the Seven Rila Lakes Chalet.
• electronic written guide in your language with notes about the lakes and landscape.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by VisitBulgariaOn Bespoke Experiences

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English or Russian, so choose this hike if you're comfortable following commentary in one of those languages. Groups stay under 15 people with one guide, which keeps the pace manageable and the experience personal even if you're hiking with others.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What are the Seven Rila Lakes and how high do they sit?

The Seven Rila Lakes are a group of alpine lakes in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains, each named for its shape: the Eye, the Tear, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake and the Lower Lake. The Eye is the highest of the seven, and the hike reaches all of them, revealing views across the range from the upper lakes.

Can I do this hike if I'm not very fit?

The operator rates the hike as suitable for all physical fitness levels, and your private guide adjusts the pace to match the group. Five hours of walking over mountain terrain is the commitment, but you're not racing: the guide chooses the best route and stops to let you take in the views.

When can I start the hike, and does it run in winter?

You can text or call to book your preferred starting time. The operator runs the hike year-round in all seasons, so the route is open whether you're hiking in summer, autumn, winter or spring: the landscape and conditions change, but access stays available.

What's included in the price?

The price includes a private mountain guide for your group of up to 15 people; traditional Bulgarian lunch at the chalet on the route; and an electronic written guide in your language with notes about the lakes and the mountains. Lift tickets to reach the lakes are included in some options. Check at checkout which version you've selected.