Ibar and Zabcheto - in the Heart of Eastern Rila
Join us for a one-day walk to Ibar peak, in the easternmost part of Rila, within the Ibar Biosphere Reserve. This adventure takes us to one of the most beautiful and panoramic places in the region, climbing the range's local high point (2,663 m), from which we enjoy breathtaking views towards Vitosha, Pirin, the Rhodopes, the Balkan Range and even Slavyanka.
Tour Highlights
- Ibar peak (2,663 m)
- Zabcheto peak
Tour Itinerary
Departure at 06:30 from the car park in front of the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia. The transfer to the Belmeken sports base takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.
On arrival we sort our packs, run through what lies ahead and set off along the route.
Stage 1: Belmeken sports base - Zabcheto ~ 1:15 h / ~ +400 m / ~ 2 km
From the sports complex we set off north-west along the broad avenue, carrying straight on at the first junction until we pass the last of the complex buildings. Next comes the crossing of a small river, after which we continue first through coniferous forest and then through dwarf pine. Around 50 minutes after leaving the complex we come out onto a grassy, level section, where to our right we see the poles of the winter waymarking, which we now follow. Before long we reach a rocky section on our left with a metal cross on it - Zabcheto. Here we take a break to recharge and take photographs.
Stage 2: Zabcheto - Ibar peak
~ 2:00 h / ~ +320 m / ~ 4 km
With our strength restored we start the second part of the day. First we reach the Ushite saddle, from which we can continue to the summits of Kameniti Chal and Sivri Chal as well as our goal, Ibar peak. From Zabcheto we reach the saddle in about an hour at a normal pace, with very little height to gain. On reaching it we begin climbing the grassy south-eastern slope of Ibar. On the summit we can enjoy superb views towards the peaks of the neighbouring ridge, the Musala massif, Sukhoto lake and several reservoirs. After the obligatory rest we head back to the Belmeken sports base.
Totals for the day:
Duration ~ 6:00 hours
Distance ~ 12 km
Ascent and descent ~ +850 m / -850 m
Important:
Three seasons trekking equipment
Shoes
Suitable shoes for the mountain, according to the weather forecast. High ankle or low shoes. You may wear sneakers to change into at the end of the program
Spare socks
Lighting
Headlamp - An absolute must-have accessory for every mountaineer. It may be necessary for the group to start a trek very early or finish the trek in the dark (force majeure). In these situations, each participant must have a headlamp. We recommend going with a proven brand like Petzl or BlackDiamond
Spare batteries
Backpack
About 40 liters backpack - Quite enough for one or two day hikes.
Backpack cover - in case of rain
Clothing top
Depending on the season and weather conditions
T-shirt or thin thermal base layer - from merino or synthetic. In no case cotton material
Fleece
A down jacket or other jacket with synthetic insulation - a thin down jacket is recommended. Evenings and mornings in the mountains, temperatures are low. No expensive down jacket needed
Wind and water proof jacket
Thin hat and gloves
Buff
Clothing bottom
Depending on the season and weather conditions
Comfortable long pants - in the perfect case with zippers for ventilation
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Summer hat
Sun cream with high protection
Buff with UPF protection
Rain protection
Raincoat
-or-
Waterproof top and bottom
Water and food
Water (1.5 liters)
Food for the trek
Money and documents
Money
ID or passport
Other
First aid kit
Trekking poles
Cancellation Policy:
Чл. 89. (Изм. – ДВ, бр. 37 от 2018 г., в сила от 01.07.2018 г.) (1) Пътуващият има право да прекрати договора за туристически пакет по всяко време преди започването на изпълнението на туристическия пакет. The tourist owes a penalty as follows: