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Tsarev Peak and the Markov's Stone Sanctuary in Rila

1 Day
07 June 2026
Rila
Organized or own transport
intermediate
4/7

Tsarev peak (2,376 m) and the Thracian megalithic sanctuary of Markov's Stone are among the most impressive and least-visited destinations in Southwestern Rila, rising above the Kartala ski zone near Blagoevgrad. This one-day summer trek combines dense conifer forests, alpine meadows, ancient history, and breathtaking panoramic views.

Price Includes
  • Mountain insurance with limit - 500 euro. The insurance is concluded with the insurance company Euroins
  • Transportation during the program
  • Licensed montain guide
Price Excludes
  • Food
  • Personal expenses

Tour Itinerary

Meeting 6:30 AM - Sofia, the parking lot in front of the Vasil Levski National Stadium.

Tsarev peak is not for everyone - and that is precisely what makes it so special. Standing at 2,376 metres above sea level, it rises apart from the busy tourist routes of the Rila Mountains, guarding its wild, untouched beauty for those willing to seek it out.

The trek begins at Bodrost hut in the Kartala area, approximately 30 km from Blagoevgrad. From the very start, the trail leads you upward along gentle switchbacks through dense spruce forest, where the air is thick with the scent of resin and damp earth. Gradually, the woodland gives way to open alpine pastures and rocky ridges - and it is here that the views begin to unfold and reward every step of the way.

Along the route, we will pass Markov Stone - one of the highest-situated Thracian megalithic sanctuaries on the Balkan Peninsula, located at the foot of Tsarev Vrah on the Dobro Pole saddle. Legend has it that the giant Krali Marko once walked these very slopes, while the peak itself carries the memory of Tsar Peter I's legendary meetings with Saint Ivan of Rila, whose cave can be seen in the distance. The sense of sacredness that hangs over this place is difficult to put into words.

The final ascent to the summit follows grassy and juniper-covered slopes, with sections where no marked trail exists. From the top, a full 360-degree panorama awaits: the jagged ridges of the Malyovitsa massif, the cirques of the Fish Lakes, the ridge stretching from Hizha Makedonia to Predela, and on a clear day - the peaks of Northern Pirin. The total elevation gain is approximately 1230 metres over 16 km and around 8 hours of walking - more than enough to send you home feeling like you have truly earned something today.

The total elevation gain is approximately 1230 metres over 16 km and around 8 hours of walking - more than enough to send you home feeling like you have truly earned something today.

Estimated drop-off time 8:00 PM.

Distance: 18.0 km
Ascent (+): 1300 meters
Descent (-): 1300 meters
Time: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Number of peaks: 2
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
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:

  • 20 or more days before tour start: Cancellation fee of 10 € / 19.56 lv., 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 3 days before tour start: 100% from the price

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