AM I GOING TO ENJOY THIS HIKE?

This article will help you easily assess whether the trip you liked is suitable for your skill and fitness levels.

We evaluate all our programs according to two main criteria - the duration of the hiking and the technicality (complexity) of the terrain. Let's look at and explain these criteria one by one.

HIKES DURATION
All our treks are conducted at a normal pace, tailored to the needs of the group, both to fulfill the goals for the day and to be able to relax during this time, thus ensuring a pleasant experience.
Every hour we take a 5-10 minute break to relax the muscles and have a quick bite to eat, as well as a sip of water to strengthen ourselves. Also, a longer lunch break is always scheduled during the day.

With these considerations in mind, the length of hikes is rated on a scale of 1 to 5 shoes . The times are given for one day , total, with breaks included in the schedule.

  = about 3 hours of hiking

   = about 6 hours of hiking

    = about 8 hours of hiking

    = about 10 hours of hiking

     = about 12 hours of hiking

The normal duration for most of our hikes is between 2 and 3 , at an easy, pleasant pace and enough time for photos and rest on the way . These trips can be performed by anyone with sufficient desire and a very basic physical fitness.

Our trips, designed for more experienced mountaineers who want to get more out of their trip and challenge themselves , are those in the 4-5 range , where a large part of the day is filled with hiking, sometimes on technical terrain, but still the schedule is calculated to allow sufficient time for recovery in motion.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The difficulty of our programs describes the technicality of the terrain to be covered. It ranges from 1 to 5 , but this time in mountain goats.
One goat means that there are no technical sections on the route and the traffic is only on good paths, with no more than 1000m of elevation gain for the whole day.
Five Goats is a rating reserved for our most difficult and technical programs oriented towards alpine edges and wall climbing .

 - hiking only on well maintained paths and roads. No technical sections en route

- The route includes rocky paths and very easy and relatively safe, short scarmbling sections on rocky steps

- The route includes longer sections along narrow ridges. Occacionally it might be required to use fixed railings for stability of movement. Short and relatively safe scrambling sections. These trips are not suitable for people with a fear of heights!!

  - traverses of sharp rocky ridges and over more technical, but short rock walls, secured via a rope by a certified alpine guide. These trips are not suitable for people with a fear of heights!

- technical ascents of vertical rock faces and very technical ridges, conducted under a 1:2 ratio with a certified alpine guide. These trips are not suitable for people with a fear of heights and good training!

Typical hikes through Rila and Pirin most often vary in technicality between level 1 and 2 . More specific routes such as the Horseback Ridge or the Saws are typical examples of level 3.

Levels 4 and 5 are reserved, respectively, for introductory and more difficult climbs on highly technical terrain , which must be protected by a rope.
Examples of level 4 are the popular routes to the Evil Fang peak ( southern and northeastern edge ), as well as the famous Malovitsa via-ferrata on the Kuklata peak .

Thanks for reading this article!

Whether you are new to mountain adventure or a seasoned thrill seeker, we will be happy to help you find the right and most enjoyable experience for you!

See you soon in the mountains!