Free mountain hiking programme 2013
Mountain walking programme 2013
Free mountain hiking in the Pirin mountains. Guided hiking, for free, is back again for summer 2013.
The Pirin mountains (see wikipedia link) is the focus for my favourite summer season activity — hiking. The UNESCO designated Pirin National Park is our hiking arena covering an area of some 403 km2. Read on for how to start hiking in the Pirin this summer.
Free hiking in 2012 -- above Vihrin hut
Please note that the free guided hiking relies solely on participants’ tips — 20 lv adult & 5 lv child is recommended. Our knowledgeable guides will make you trip to Bansko one to remember…
“Hi just a quick note to say that your free guided mountain hiking days in August made our Bansko trip so much more fun. My son found it really interesting to learn the legends and I to understand the mountain plants. Pass on my thanks to the guide as she really enthused us to explore more. See you next year” — Jan S (Sept 2012)
2012 free hiking taking in Baykusheva Mura, oldest tree in the Balkans
Last year Bansko visitors who joined the free guided hiking days said they enjoyed making new friends, as well as being able to get the most out of their hiking. There is no restriction on the number of free guided hiking days you can join us.
NOTE: Weather and conditions permitting. No responsibility can be taken for the operation of such days. Full responsibility for your safety rests with you. Require a customised hike or activity? Have a large 10+ group? Then contact for info.
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1. Check twitter @bansko for any cancellation notice on the morning of walk.
2. Bring water, snacks and suitable clothing in case of rain.
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Free hiking itinerary
1. Sunday 4th August This is the “hangover hike” the day after The Good Beer Show@ the BRT. Around three hours hiking.
- Take gondola lift (15lv adult return) at around 08:40 (purchase ticket at gondola cash desk)
- Allow 25 minutes for gondola lift journey
- Meet at 09:30 top of gondola, Banderishka Poliana, by big piste map (opposite gondola entrance)
- Bring family (children 7+)
- Walk three hours approx, including rest stops
- Tip your guide if you enjoy
- facebook.com/banskoblog and mailing list for updates
Just turn up… but contacting helps us plan! Indicating that you may join the group still leaves you completely free to choose whether to come or not on the day itself.
Monday 5th August + Tuesday 6th August + Wednesday 7th August:
- Take gondola lift (15lv return) at around 08:45 (purchase ticket at gondola cash desk)
- Allow 25 minutes for gondola lift journey
- Meet at 09:30 top of gondola, Banderishka Poliana, by big piste map (opposite gondola entrance)
- Bring family (children 7+)
- Walk three hours approx, including rest stops
- Tip your guide if you enjoy
- facebook.com/banskoblog and mailing list for updates
Just turn up… but contacting helps us plan! Indicating that you may join the group still leaves you completely free to choose whether to come or not on the day itself.
Sunday 11th August:
- Take gondola lift (10lv return) at around 08:45 (purchase ticket at gondola cash desk)
- Allow 25 minutes for gondola lift journey
- Meet at 09:30 top of gondola, Banderishka Poliana, by big piste map (opposite gondola entrance)
- Bring family (children 7+)
- Walk three hours approx, including rest stops
- Tip your guide if you enjoy
- facebook.com/banskoblog and mailing list for updates
Just turn up… but contacting helps us plan! Indicating that you may join the group still leaves you completely free to choose whether to come or not on the day itself.
Todorka: Combining hiking with photography in the Pirin
Monday 12th August + Tuesday 13th August
- Take gondola lift (10lv return) at around 08:45 (purchase ticket at gondola cash desk)
- Allow 25 minutes for gondola lift journey
- Meet at 09:30 top of gondola, Banderishka Poliana, by big piste map (opposite gondola entrance)
- Bring family (children 7+)
- Walk three hours approx, including rest stops
- Tip your guide if you enjoy
- facebook.com/banskoblog and mailing list for updates
Just turn up… but contacting helps us plan! Indicating that you may join the group still leaves you completely free to choose whether to come or not on the day itself.
Summer 2013 gondola lift operating times
Stamenka, one of our free hiking guides in 2012
*Guided walk, around 3-4 hours. Pace set by the slowest. Children welcome from 7 years old. *A back pack with water bottle, snack and shower proof jacket is recommended.
Please tip your guide, if you enjoy the hike.
For more summer activities sign up for your free 71 page eBook “The Essential Guide to Bansko”
The Pirin National Park plant life consists of over 1,200 species.
There are over 2,000 invertebrates, 250 vertebrate species including 177 bird, 45 mammal and 6 fish species. On the free guided walks you’ll learn more about the geology of the region, plant life and the local folk lore. We also may visit one or more of the many glacial lakes as well as visiting the oldest tree in Bulgaria 1,300 years old.
Hello. my name is Domi and I’m writing you from Skopje,Macedonia. We are coming to Bansko tomorrow in the morning, and I wanted to ask if there are any plans for this week hiking. Great photos, I’m really happy that there’s a hiking organization. Hoping for a fast reply.
Regards, Domi
Hi Domi,
Great to hear you are coming from Skopje. Whilst there are no tip based hikes, we run paid for hikes that work out at around 17 leva per person depending on the number of people in your group. You emailed me and I have responded, if you have not received this, please contact me on this site. I would add that our mountain walks are informative as well as entertaining and some recent emails I have received have confirmed that people find guided hiking something that really enhances the Bansko experience. It also sets you up, and prevents mistakes, for future walks you may undertake alone. Have a great time.
Hi Lance.
Been back in the UK for a couple of weeks since my hiking experience and just getting around to leaving some feedback, FANTASTIC! went with guide Reni who gave us a fascinating trip up to okoto lake, pointing out and explaining details the flora and fauna, history myths and legends of the mountains.
Thank you very much for organising the trips and to Reni for sharing her knowledge and experience.
Hi Derek,
Thank you for your kind comments and of course they will be passed on to Reni. It was great to have you on the hiking trip and hope that more people are now inspired to take a walk in the Pirin.