Winter Ascent of Sveti Duh above Mala Tsarkva

he walk from the village of Mala Tsarkva to Sveti Duh peak (2,122 m) in Rila is an enjoyable undertaking, with close to 940 metres of total ascent. A fine one-day opportunity for a first winter walk. The climb has no technical sections, but it does ask for good physical condition. Mala Tsarkva lies in the basin between Lakatishka and north-western Rila, about 10 km from Samokov and 70 km from Sofia. Our goal for the day is Sveti Duh, from where we take in views as far as the eye can reach.

What's included

Included

Complete organization and coordination of the program

Tour Itinerary

🚗 We travel to the area around the village of Mala Tsarkva. Our walk begins on a dirt road leading into the valley of the river Levi Iskar. In less than an hour we reach the turn-off for the Alinitsa shelter and take the path that winds up the wooded side of the valley in tight switchbacks. We rest at the shelter and get ready for the main part of the climb. The narrow path to the summit twists through a series of ancient Macedonian pine forests and rock rivers. After traversing a meadow we climb to Sveti Duh peak. We also call in at the higher, more panoramic top at 2,116 metres for photographs and views, before heading back.

11.0 km 950 meters 950 meters 8 hours 1 peak

Important:

In the event of a change in weather conditions during the tour or other unforeseen situations, the guide may change the route or offer another alternative option to the participants for their safety.

If the program cannot happen due to bad weather forecast, the organizer will refund 100% of the price to the participants

In order to take part in the tour, you must be in good physical health and condition, and notify the organizer in case you have any illnesses or injuries

If the number of participants is less than the minimum 6 and the program will not happen, the organizer will notify all registered participants up to 7 days before the event

Discounts cannot be combined

Winter trekking equipment

Shoes

High shoes with hard sole and membrane

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. Please come to treks with a backpack suitable for trekking. Very often, each participant needs to attach snowshoes to their backpack, and this cannot happen with urban backpacks

Backpack cover - in case of rain or snowfall

Clothing top

Тhermal base layer

Fleece

A down jacket or other jacket with synthetic insulation

Wind and water proof jacket

Hat

Gloves - 3 pairs of gloves, one thin, one medium thick and one for very bad conditions

Buff

Clothing bottom

Тhermal bottom base layer

Winter pants

Gaiters

Sun protection

Sunglasses

Sun cream with high protection

Water and food

Water (1.5 liters)

Food for the trek

Money and documents

Money

ID or passport

Other

First aid kit

Trekking poles with winter feathers

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:

20 or more days before tour start: Cancellation fee of 10 €, as well as if there are actual costs incurred for bus transfers, hotel reservations, etc., included in the package price of the trip

Between 19 and 14 days before tour start: 30% from the price

Between 13 and 7 days before tour start: 60% from the price

Less than 7 days before tour start: 100% from the price