Mount Pirin: Ascent to Vihren, Todorka

• The Balkans
• Hiking
• Autumn 2024
• Mountaineering
• Weekend

Mount Pirin was named after the ancient Slavic powerful and just god of thunder called Perun. According to legend, Perun lived on top of the mountain, which is why Pirin became a symbol of power and justice. Another theory says that the name of the mountain comes from the Thracian word "perintos", which means "rocky mountain". Both interpretations give the mountain a mystical and imposing character.

Pirin is a mountain range in the southwestern part of Bulgaria with the highest peak Vihren at an altitude of 2,914 meters above sea level, protected as a national park and UNESCO heritage since 1983. The relief of Pirin is alpine, which is manifested by beautiful lake cirques, moraines, waves, and rocky thresholds. There are about 70 lakes and a large number of peaks over 2,500 meters on the mountain itself. The climate is typically mountainous with a Mediterranean influence in the southern part.

Mount Pirin is home to numerous forest and animal species. The forests are rich in conifers, with the best specimens of mulberry, pine, and Bulgarian fir, which form an important part of the Balkan endemic species. Animal species include wolves and brown bears, which add to the area's biodiversity.

On this weekend's tour, we will climb the highest peak, Vihren (2,914 m), the third-highest peak in the Balkans. For those more skilled, there is also a climb to the peaks of Banski Suhodol and Kutelo via the Končeto pass. The next day, we will explore the hiking trail that leads to Banderishki Lakes. The lakes are of glacial origin and are a true decoration of Pirin. We will also climb to the top of Velika Todorka (2,746 m).

We will be staying in Bansko, one of the most popular ski centers in the Balkans, which is also the perfect starting point for mountain adventures. Bansko is a small town with a rich cultural past. On every street, you will find a couple of traditional "mehanas", which are restaurants that serve authentic dishes. The city has its special dialect, a mixture of Greek, Macedonian, and Bulgarian. It represents a unique mix of old and new, traditional and modern. The streets of Bansko are paved with stone and pebbles, which additionally contributes to the authentic appearance. Banska houses, with their thick walls, look like small fortresses, preserving the past and traditions of the Balkans at every turn.

Additional notes:

• Equipment for the Pirin mountain tour: Deep hiking boots, and adequate clothing according to the weather conditions. A backpack with the necessary mountaineering equipment. We also recommend hiking poles. Be sure to bring enough water (1.5-2 l) and some food (sandwich, snacks, energy bars, fruit), a spare T-shirt, long pants or tracksuit, raincoat, sun and wind protection, hat, gloves, and headlamp.
• Mountaineering tours are recommended for people in good physical condition. They are not recommended for people with health problems. The guide reserves the right not to take persons with inadequate equipment on the hike. Consumption of alcoholic beverages before and during hiking is prohibited; in case of bad weather and other objective circumstances, hiking can be postponed to another date.
• The ascent over the Končeto pass: For the ascent over the Končeto pass, experience in high-altitude hiking tours is necessary. The ascent is technically demanding and requires good physical preparation.
• For those who do not want to hike, they can spend time independently and enjoy shorter walks in the surroundings of the town of Bansko.
• Pirin mountain tour - Vihren climb is organized for a minimum of 18 registered passengers.
• Conditions for entering Bulgaria: It is obligatory to bring a passport, it is necessary that the validity of the passport lasts at least 3 months before the expiration date.
• In case of changes in the monetary market, as well as changes in the prices of carriers and other service providers, the agency reserves the right to adjust the price of the arrangement.
• In case of insufficient number of registered passengers or unfavorable weather conditions, the deadline for notification of postponement or cancellation of the tour is 3 days before departure.
• Accommodation: double, triple, and quadruple rooms with private bathrooms in a 3* hotel in Bansko.
• Food: two breakfasts are provided.

• Reservations for the Pirin mountain tour - Vihren ascend:

  • When applying, the entire amount or ~ 40%, i.e. EUR 90, must be paid, and the rest of EUR 130 no later than September 20, 2024.
  • Own transportation: in case you come with your own transport, the price of the tour is 180 EUR. Reservations: When applying, the entire amount or ~ 40% or 70 EUR is paid, and the rest of 110 EUR no later than September 20, 2024.

• Trip cancellations by passengers: 

• If the Traveler cancels the trip in a timely manner (90 to 45 days), the Organizer has the right to compensation only for the incurred administrative costs.
  • 10% if the trip is cancelled 44 to 30 days before the start of the trip,
  • 20% if cancelled 29 to 20 days before the start of the trip,
  • 40% if cancelled 19 to 15 days before the start of the trip,
  • 80% if canceled 14 to 10 days before the start of the trip,
  • 90% if canceled 9 to 6 days before the start of the trip,
  • 100% if cancelled 5 to 0 days before the start of the trip or during the trip.

The organizer reserves the right to correct prices due to changes in the monetary market or changes in accommodation or transportation prices, as well as the right to change the travel program (order of certain contents in the program due to objective circumstances).

Price list number 1 from 03.09.2024.

With this program are valid General conditions of travel organizer of the travel agency Explore Balkans doo.

license number OTP 22/2024, A category.