Mala Tsarkva to Rila Monastery Hiking Trail
Hike through the Rila Mountains on this scenic trail connecting traditional villages with the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Rila Monastery.
The Планински преход Мала Църква-Рилски манастир (Mala Tsarkva-Rila Monastery Trail) offers a scenic hiking experience through the Rila Mountains, connecting the village of Govedartsi with the iconic Rila Monastery. This well-marked trail meanders through lush forests and offers breathtaking views of the Bulgarian countryside, appealing to nature lovers and those seeking a moderate adventure.
A brief summary to Планински преход Мала Църква-Рилски манастир
- 5FW7+CH, Govedartsi, BG
Local tips
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for varied terrain.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities along the trail.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Check the weather forecast before your hike to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Govedartsi, follow local signs towards the Mala Tsarkva-Rila Monastery trail. The trailhead is easily accessible and well-marked. Ensure you have appropriate hiking gear and sufficient water. The hike to Rila Monastery takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. There are no fees associated with accessing the trail.
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Public Transport
To reach the trailhead from Sofia, take a bus to Samokov, then another bus to Govedartsi. From Govedartsi, walk to the trailhead following local signs. Bus fares from Sofia to Samokov are approximately 8-12 BGN. The bus from Samokov to Govedartsi is around 3-5 BGN. From Govedartsi, walk to the trailhead following local signs.
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Car
From Sofia, take the A1 motorway towards Blagoevgrad. Exit onto the E79 road towards Samokov. Continue to Samokov and then take the road towards Govedartsi. In Govedartsi, follow local signs to the hiking area. Parking is available at the trailhead, with a small fee of around 5 BGN.
Discover more about Планински преход Мала Църква-Рилски манастир
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Madjare's Hug - Swing with a View
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Vada Hut
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Fish Lakes Hut (ribini ezra)
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Borovets Yastrebets Gondola - top station
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Ledenoto Ezero Shelter
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Hotel Yastrebets Wellness & Spa
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Borovets Hills Hotel
12.2 km
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Hrelyo’s Tower
12.3 km
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Yastrebec Express Lift
12.5 km
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Lake Peak (2657 mamsl)
12.6 km
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Tsarska Bistritsa
13.1 km
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Skakavitsa waterfall
13.3 km
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Дворец Ситняково
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Hotel Musala
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Silver Fox
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Unmissable attractions to see
Преход Мала Църква-Рилски манастир
1.7 km
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М-т Йозола-Царските Рилски езера
2.5 km
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Лопушко езеро
3.2 km
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Лопушко езеро
3.2 km
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Царските Рилски езера
3.4 km
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Царското езеро
3.8 km
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Царски Рилски езера
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Ovnarsko
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Царските Рилски езера
5.1 km
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Божие място
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м-т Национален парк Рила
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Malyovitsa Ski
6.4 km
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Скакавешко езеро
6.6 km
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връх Камилата
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Kirilova Polyana Meadow
7.2 km
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Essential places to dine
При Чичо Киро
7.0 km
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La Barraka Bistro
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B&B with a diner
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Последенъ Грошъ
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Ресторант Градина
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Finish Line Guest House And Food
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Drushliavitza
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Bistro Hrima
13.9 km
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Chinese Moon
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BISTRO SUNSKI
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The Black Cat Restaurant
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Jack's
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Lawina avalanche restaurant
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Napoli Bar & Dinner
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Sunny's Food and bar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Shop Rossi Магазин Роси
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Дървени сувенири
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Дървени сувенири
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Универсален Магазин Говедарци
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Хранителни стоки
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Хранителен магазин
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Хранителен магазин
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Winter Bros Borovets Rental Shop
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Selva
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Quattro Malyovitsa
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Cafe Blitz
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Taste the filing
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Snack bar Joy
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John Smith's Pub
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White Magic/БялаМагия
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Frankos Restaurant Karaoke and bar
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Red Lion
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Forest Bus Bar
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PAPPA MIA sports bar
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KATINA Bar & Dinner
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Champions Lobby Bar and Diner
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Misfits Bar
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Wine & Dine Seasons Restaurant
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