Vihren Peak and Koncheto
At 2,914 metres Vihren is the second highest peak in Bulgaria after Musala (2,925 m) in Rila, and the third on the Balkan peninsula after Mytikas (2,917 m) on Olympus in Greece. It stands in the northern part of Pirin - on the main ridge between Hvoynati peak and Kutelo, between the Vlahinska and Banderitsa rivers. From the summit there are fine views of the other marble giants, Kutelo (2,908 m) and Banski Suhodol (2,884 m), of the Strazhite, and of the deep Kazanite cirques on the northern side of the peak. From here we can also enjoy the picturesque Sinanitsa (2,516 m) and a number of other well-known Pirin giants.
Our other objective over the two days is the Koncheto col. It lies on the main ridge at 2,810 m and links Kutelo (2,908 m) with Banski Suhodol (2,884 m). The name „Koncheto“ - the little horse - comes from the fact that before a safety cable was fitted in 1963, walkers would straddle the ridge and crawl along it; so at least runs one of the many stories about the origin of the name.
The guide reserves the right to change the route depending on circumstances and the weather.<br>Please note: this trek is not suitable for anyone afraid of heights.
Tour Highlights
- Two days of trekking in Pirin
- The ascent of Vihren peak
- Crossing the Koncheto ridge
Price Includes / Excludes
Price Includes
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
Tour Itinerary
Departure at 06:30 from the car park in front of the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia. The transfer to the Vihren hut takes approximately 2:30 hours. On arrival we sort out our packs, go over what lies ahead and set off along the route.
We will divide the walk itself into four stages:
Stage 1: Vihren hut – Kabata ~ (1:30 – 2:00 hours)
We start on the classic route with the red waymarks; following it, after about 30 minutes we reach the turning for Kabata, where we take the left-hand path that leads to our objective. The gradient gradually steepens, and along the way we pass through sections of scrub and moraine as the ground becomes ever more stony. The distance is about 2 km, but with the height to be gained it will not be an easy one.
Stage 2: Kabata – Vihren peak ~ (1:00) hour
Here the real ascent of the peak begins, after a good rest on the col below it. Ahead of us is about an hour, perhaps a little more, of zigzags over stony, loose ground to the summit itself. The distance is about 1 km.
Stage 3: Vihren peak – Premkata ~ (1:00) hour
Once we have rested and enjoyed the views from the summit it is time to head down. The most technical section of the trek is ahead of us. We descend the northern side of the peak towards the Premkata col, crossing wholly stony and steep ground where the hardest sections of the path are fitted with a steel cable. The distance is not great, about 700 m, but it demands close attention.
Stage 4: Premkata – Vihren hut ~ (3:00) hours
After Premkata the route continues down through the Kazanite, after which the path forks - right for the Vihren hut, our direction, and left for the Banderitsa hut. Crossing this section we will have the chance to enjoy the beauty of these deep cirques, and to see the Kazana shelter and one of the emblematic snowfields of the area. The ground alternates steep, stony descent with more level stretches towards the end. The distance here is about 3.5 km.
The day ends with settling in at the Banderitsa hut, dinner and a rest, along with a review of the day behind us and of what is still to come.
Ascent and descent: ~ + 964 / − 964 m.
Distance: ~ 7–8 km.
Total time on the walk: 7:00 – 8:00 hours
Today we rise early, have breakfast and sort out our packs so that we can set off as soon as possible. A long and tiring day awaits us, but it will certainly be worth it.
Stage 1: Banderitsa hut – Premkata ~ (3:00 – 3:30) hours
Having covered part of this stage on the way down yesterday, today we enjoy it in the other direction. The distance here is about 4 km.
Stage 2: Premkata – Kutelo peak (2,908 m) ~ (1:00) hour
We will take a break on the col. We have the choice of reaching the Koncheto col directly by the traversing path, or of climbing to the ridge and the second highest peak in Pirin, Kutelo, and continuing along the route from there. The distance here is about 1.5 km, but it depends on the route we take.
Stage 3: Koncheto – Banski Suhodol ~ (00:30) hours
This section is the shortest in the programme - it is the length of Koncheto itself, about 400 m. Movement here must be careful and with the help of the steel cable. Once across we find ourselves below the third highest peak in Pirin, Banski Suhodol at 2,884 m. Here we have a break, time for photographs and a chance to recover. The time taken to cross depends on the group's fitness.
Stage 4: Banski Suhodol peak – Premkata ~ (1:30) hours
Rested, we make our way back along the traversing path towards Premkata. We need to move carefully, as we can expect to meet people only now coming along the route, and the path itself is quite narrow. The distance here is about 1.5 km.
Stage 5: Premkata – Banderitsa hut ~ (3:00) hours
This stage is familiar by now, and all that remains is to enjoy it one last time today.
Ascent and descent: ~ + 1,072 m / − 1,072 m.
Distance: ~ 12 km.
Total time on the walk: 9:00 – 10:00 hours
Arrival in Sofia: ~ 20:00
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: