Musala Peak - climbing and tips

Climbing Musala Peak

 the transition that we have to make almost by obligation

There is not a child in Bulgaria who has not heard of Musala Peak, that it is the highest peak in the Balkans with its 2925 meters and that one day this peak must be conquered. The good news is that this can be done with a lot of basic equipment (backpack, stable hiking shoes - even without trekking poles) in the summer and the hike there will be a great family experience.

At least that's what we think until we realize how many other people have come up with exactly the same idea. Due to the comparative accessibility of Musala peak, the traffic to and from the peak is intensive, at least on the most common route - from Borovets. However, people often say to themselves "there's no way - we're going", swallow the crowd, the rocks and sometimes the strong wind and go on this journey with a backpack. Here is our experience after we tied our shoes and set off.

How we prepared to attack the top

The things we had to think about weren't many, but they were important.

1. We put the equipment first. The word sounds scary, but it actually combines several things.

• you need good hiking boots, simply because the terrain is very rocky. If you compromise on your shoes, you run the risk of suffering an unpleasant tear that will ruin your whole day. We do not recommend casual shoes for climbing Mount Musala, but rather stable mountain, sports shoes;
• the sport jacket is an essential part, because before noon even in summer you may encounter strong winds on the road, as well as surprisingly low temperatures;
• the backpack for this transition does not need to contain many things and does not need to be the most serious you have. In the backpack you should have space for food and water, as well as a jacket and a hat. Virtually any backpack would be suitable for this transition;
• the hiking poles are optional. We can conclude that less than 15% of people use them to climb Musala. This may be due to ignorance or high confidence. The truth is that the trekking poles helped us a lot and made the climb not only more enjoyable but also more efficient. Think about the trekking poles;

2. Preview the route. You should always be aware of where and how to go. Blogs like this will be useful to you.

3. Checking the weather forecast. The problem is that the mountain climate is difficult to predict. You need frequent inspections, and in the end they may be meaningless, because at this altitude, you can always be surprised. Another reason to have stable hiking boots, a tight backpack and reliable trekking poles.

The route and the experience to Musala Peak

We did what most people do - we went to the top on Saturday and chose the most popular route - from Borovets. This route is typically divided into 4 parts, and the most stressful may not be the final phase before the summit, but the first one.

The lift from Borovets to Yastrebets hut

Riding this gondola is a pleasure, as long as you don't give up while you wait for it. If you are not staying in Borovets, but you come on the same morning when you will climb the top, then you must first find a parking space. Then a great queue for the lift awaits you. Many people do not anticipate the time it will take them to get into the booth, and this prolongs their transition.

In summer, the lift for Yastrebets hut is open from 8:30 in the morning until 18:30 in the evening. We don't need to tell you that you have to get off the top in time. The movement with the cabin line itself takes a little less than 30 minutes.

From Yastrebets hut to Musala hut

As we have already said, the ride with the gondola lift is pleasant and while riding, you already feel how you climb more and more in the mountains. The landscape around you is changing and you are becoming more and more satisfied that you have quality shoes on your feet. Well, coming down from the lift, you will be thankful that you also have a stable jacket.

When you reach Yastrebets hut, you are already at 2369 m above sea level and the weather may have nothing to do with what you left in Borovets. It's not scary, usually around noon and it gets warm here in the summer.

This part of the route is easy. You walk on a relatively flat mountain road for 50 minutes. The backpack on your back will still be full, but that is unlikely to bother you. Many people don't use their sticks here, and shoes still don't matter.

It is interesting to see the many ski slopes above your head, which at that time were completely green and unusable.

From Musala hut to the Ice Lake shelter

Musala hut is the second very "full" place with people after the lift station in Borovets. Here is the first longer break on the walking route and is a convenient place to support yourself with a sandwich. Also, the photos around the lake become beautiful. Our advice is to stop and look at the majesty of the mountain around you.

Now you can climb about an hour and 15 minutes to the shelter of the Ice Lake. You will pass a number of lakes and feel the true spirit of the Rila Mountains. Yes, you may get a little tired. The terrain is mostly rocky. Vegetation is already significantly low. Shelter rest is mandatory.

From the Ice Lake shelter to Musala peak

Here you have about half an hour of climbing, but the displacement is serious. The winter and summer routes are intertwined in places, but in summer this will not impress you. Use steel rails and ropes to help you climb if you don't have poles. Here hiking boots are your best friend.

Finally on top!

After about 3 hours of walking from Yastrebets hut, you will be on Mount Musala. Unlike Vihren peak, there is room here for many people who have even built a meteorological station. We enjoyed the atmosphere and stayed for more than an hour.

In no case should you be in a hurry during the ascent and descent of Peak Musala. Trust your equipment and just have fun. If you move at a normal pace, the descent from the top will take as long as the ascent. This includes waiting in line for the return lift as well.