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King Ferdinand Road, GovedartsiPhoto: Max Smits, Sultans Trail - a European Cultural Route
The route passes Malak Mechit peak (2171 m), Kobilino branishte, and Kirilova Polyana Meadow before arriving at the Rila Monastery.
Crossing Kobilino Branište, the trail traverses one of the remote high sections of the Rila massif. Forests gradually reappear during the descent toward Kirilova Polyana Meadow, where mountain streams gather in the deep valleys below the surrounding peaks.
Hidden within these forests lies the Rila Monastery, the most important monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the tenth century by Saint Ivan of Rila, it became a major spiritual and cultural centre during the centuries of Ottoman rule. Protected by the mountains, the monastery preserved Bulgarian religious traditions, manuscripts, and education through periods of political upheaval.
The stage ends at the Rila Monastery, surrounded by the steep forested slopes of the Rila Mountains.
Author’s recommendation
Rila Monastery is the undisputed highlight of this stage, blending massive fortress walls with vivid 19th‑century painted arcades and striped façades, creating the most striking example of Bulgarian National Revival style in the mountains.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
The route is subject to Alpine conditions. Be prepared for rapid weather changes.The trail follows well‑marked paths, is consistently safe, and lies within an area covered by mountain rescue services.
Tips and suggestions
At the meadow Kirilova Polyana, you may find refreshments and accommodation at Pri Chicho Kiro.The Rila Monastery offers accommodation, but you need to make reservations ahead of time. Breakfast can be found in the next-door bakery. Restaurant Valyavitsa in the area closes at 18.00, and restaurant Garden at 21.00.
Down the road from the monastery is more accommodation:
- Hotel Pchelina
- Family Hotel Gorski Kut
Roadbook
Following this elevated route, the trail offers sweeping views into the cirques of Malyovitsa and across the granite ridges of the central Rila before beginning a long descent into the open meadows of Kirilova Polyana. These high pastures form a quiet green amphitheatre beneath towering cliffs, guiding the walker down the valley toward the forested basin of the Rila Monastery. The monastery’s domes and arcaded courtyards emerge gradually from the trees, providing one of the most memorable arrivals on the entire route.
Metschit
Hütte Maljovitsa
Cave of St.Ivan Rilski, Rila
Kapelle / Grab des Heiligen Ivan Rilski
Sv. Luka
Razdela
Rilakloster
Public transport
The Mechit hut can be reached by taxi from Samokov.Govardartsi can be reached by bus and taxi from Samokov.
Samokov can be reached from Sofia by bus.
Rila monastery
The only public bus from Sofia departs every day at 10.20 from the western bus station in Sofia – Ovcha Kupel Bus Station- and is operated by Rila Express. It arrives at the monastery before 13:00, making a few stops along the way. The same bus goes back to Sofia at 15:00.
The shared shuttle bus (operated by Traventuria) departs daily at 09:00 from the Vasil Levski monument (in front of the Slovak Embassy) in Sofia city centre. Advance booking is required as most shuttle buses are fully booked.
Traventuria also operates a bus service from Blagoevgrad to Rila town, where it connects with the same minibuses serving the valley.
Directions
The direct bus from Sofia to Samokov is operated by Traventuria and departs from the Vasil Levski Monument in central Sofia. Travel time is approximately 1h20. Check the timetable at traventuria.com hereTaxi Samokov:
- Taxi stand Samokov +359 887 708 623
- Taxi IVAN Samokov +359 888 507 042
- Taxi VID +359 897 964 965
The bus to Govardartsi from Samokov (Lidl Parking Lot) is operated by Traventuria; check the timetable on traventuria.com here
For the bus to the Rila Monastery from Sofia Ovcha Kupel Bus Station, check the timetable at bgrazpasanie.com here
For the Traventuria shuttle bus from Vasil Levski Monument to Rila Monastery, get tickets at tickets.busbansko.com here
For the Traventuria bus service Blageovgrad Rila Centre, check the timetable on bgraspazanie.com here
Coordinates
Equipment
This stage of the Sultans Trail requires standard long-distance hiking equipment. Weather protection is essential, including rain and cold gear, depending on the season. In late spring and early summer, mosquito deterrents are strongly recommended, while during the hot season, sun protection and a sufficient water supply are essential. Reliable offline navigation tools should be carried at all times.Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions