Discover the beauty of Bulgaria! Mountain hike to Macedonia Hut, the Parangalitsa Reserve and Golyam Mechi Peak

Upcoming dates: January 10–11, February 21–22

Give (yourself) an unforgettable two-day adventure that will take you to welcoming hut keepers and breathtaking views of Musala, Malyovitsa, the Rilets Ridge, and even Pirin!

Macedonia Hut holds a special place among mountain huts. It is located at a key crossroads in the mountains, enchanting visitors with its sheltered location, stunning panoramas, and excellent conditions for all kinds of snowy adventures!

The experience includes:

– participation in the program (please select the number of participants from the dropdown menu)
– licensed mountain guide
– individual avalanche kit: beacon, shovel, probe
– mountain insurance for the duration of the program with coverage up to 2000 BGN
– overnight stay in a high-mountain hut
– ticket for the Kartala gondola lift

Program:

Day 1:

Kartala lift – Ismailitsa – Rusalija – Parangalitsa – Merdzhika – Macedonia Hut: 6 hours
Meeting point at the lower station of the Kartala lift above Blagoevgrad at 09:00. Ascent by lift to the upper station. The day is dedicated to the beauty of the ridge above the Parangalitsa Biosphere Reserve. Throughout the hike you will enjoy magnificent views of Pirin to the south, while to the north you will be surrounded by the huge vertical walls of the Malyovitsa peaks! You will ascend the peaks Ismailitsa, Parangalitsa, and Merdzhika before descending toward the snow-covered Macedonia Hut. Accommodation at the hut and dinner à la carte.

Distance: 12 km
Elevation gain/loss: 650 m+, 730 m–

Day 2:

Macedonia Hut – Golyam Mechi Peak – Kartala lift (lower station): 6 hours
After a champion’s breakfast, you will head out with light backpacks toward the most striking and panoramic peak in the area. Rising to 2617 meters directly above Macedonia Hut, Golyam Mechi Peak offers a panorama over the entire Parangalitsa Reserve and the Rilets Ridge, while to the south the marble crest of Pirin gleams in its snowy attire!

After descending from the peak, you will return to the hut to pick up your luggage and say goodbye to the hut keeper. The descent to the starting point follows the valley of the Blagoevgradska Bistritsa River.

Distance: 13 km
Elevation gain/loss: 500 m+, 1250 m–

Required personal equipment:

– backpack of about 30–40 liters
– high winter or four-season boots
– gaiters
– snowshoes depending on conditions
– alpine crampons
– 2–3 pairs of spare socks
– suitable winter mountain clothing: long hiking pants, quick-drying T-shirt/top, thermal base layers (top and bottoms), fleece, rain jacket, windbreaker, down or synthetic-insulated jacket with hood, spare dry clothes
– winter hat
– summer hat
– 2 pairs of gloves
– buff or similar head/neck cover
– headlamp or flashlight
– sunglasses
– sunscreen
– personal first-aid kit as needed
– trekking poles

Important: The experience is carried out in a group of up to 6 participants.

The hike is suitable for beginners with basic physical fitness. All hikes are conducted in compliance with the necessary safety measures and are led by a licensed mountain guide.