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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Rila
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Borovets Yastrebets Gondola - top station
10.2 km
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Ledenoto Ezero Shelter
10.4 km
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Seven Rila Lakes
11.9 km
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Hotel Yastrebets Wellness & Spa
12.0 km
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Borovets Hills Hotel
12.2 km
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Lift to the 7 Rila Lakes
12.3 km
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Hrelyo’s Tower
12.3 km
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The Seven Rila Lakes
12.5 km
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Yastrebec Express Lift
12.5 km
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Hotel Musala
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Silver Fox
13.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Преход Мала Църква-Рилски манастир
1.7 km
Explore the stunning hiking trails and rich cultural heritage of the Mala Tsarkva area near the iconic Rilski Monastery in Bulgaria.
М-т Йозола-Царските Рилски езера
2.5 km
Experience the serene beauty of M-т Йозола-Царскити Рилски езера, a natural paradise in Bulgaria ideal for relaxation and outdoor adventures.
Лопушко езеро
3.2 km
Explore the tranquil beauty of Lopusheko Lake in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains, a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Царските Рилски езера
3.4 km
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Царското езеро
3.8 km
Experience the serene beauty of Царското езеро, a tranquil lake near Мала църква, perfect for relaxation, picnics, and nature exploration in Bulgaria.
Царски Рилски езера
4.2 km
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Ovnarsko
4.9 km
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Царските Рилски езера
5.1 km
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Божие място
5.4 km
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м-т Национален парк Рила
5.4 km
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Скакавешко езеро
6.6 km
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връх Камилата
6.9 km
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Kirilova Polyana Meadow
7.2 km
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Петлите, Рила
7.5 km
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Rila National Park
7.6 km
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Essential places to dine
При Чичо Киро
7.0 km
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La Barraka Bistro
7.1 km
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B&B with a diner
7.1 km
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Последенъ Грошъ
8.6 km
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Ресторант Градина
12.2 km
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Finish Line Guest House And Food
12.2 km
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Drushliavitza
12.3 km
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Bistro Hrima
13.9 km
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Chinese Moon
13.9 km
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BISTRO SUNSKI
14.0 km
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The Black Cat Restaurant
14.0 km
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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
7.0 km
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Дървени сувенири
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Malyovitsa Hut
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Универсален Магазин Говедарци
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Хранителни стоки
8.6 km
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Хранителен магазин
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Ollie Moly Ski Depot and School
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Спортен магазин MEGA SPORT
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Winter Bros Borovets Rental Shop
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ProX-treme Ski Depot
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Ски и сноуборд под наем
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Selva
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Lira Supermarket
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Top Sport
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Novelty Store
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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
14.0 km
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Frankos Restaurant Karaoke and bar
14.0 km
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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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Harp Irish Bar, Guinness on Tap
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Champions Lobby Bar and Diner
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Misfits Bar
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Wine & Dine Seasons Restaurant
14.2 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Furgono
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Club TWINS
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Dance Club Iceberg Borovets
14.2 km
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Night Club Titan
26.1 km
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Стофричино
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LEVEL NIGHT CLUB
35.7 km
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Club Underground
35.8 km
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NIGHT CLUB MARTINI
39.2 km
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Bagatelle Bansko
39.6 km
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The BNKR
39.9 km
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The Club Bansko
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Club NINA, Bansko
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Pirin 75
40.7 km
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Oxygen
40.9 km
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Jack’s House Nightclub Bansko
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