Vihren is the highest peak of Bulgaria's Pirin Mountain. Reaching 2,914 metres, it is Bulgaria's second and the Balkans' third highest, after Musala and Mount Olympus. The peak is located in Pirin's northern parts.
Peak Vihren is one of the most attractive places in Pirin mountain and is one of the 100 national tourist objects in Bulgaria. Climbing it is not easy and is a challenge for the mountain hikers. The peak is situated on the main crest between peak Kutelo on the North West and Hvoinati on South East. The peak rises above the famous ski resort - Bansko.
The marble rocks of Vihren are beautifully lighted at sunrise and though they are dry and mostly bare, one can see a lot of edelweiss on the rocks of Djamjiev ridge. Still herds of wild goats can be seen roaming the steep and inaccessible slopes at the foot of the mountain.
The South face of Vihren looks down to thelovely Vlahinski Ezera (lakes), the East face dominates above a 1000 m deep valley where Vihren Hut is situated, but most impressive and powerful is the North Face with it’s breathtaking high alpine wall.
Prices
Per person for minimum 3 clients - 130 €
The group is maximum 15 people
The Price Includes
Professional mountain guide;
Transport with car from Sofia to Vihren hut and back.
The Price Does Not Include
Mountain health insurance;
1 night in Vihren hut or hotel in Bansko;
Food.
Itinerary
If we stay for the night in Bansko we will have to leave an hour earlier and go by car to Vihren hut -18 km. The normal path to the peak is steep and the altitude gain is big (950 m from the hut). The path is also called the "royal path". In the beginning it goes through a squat wood, very narrow at times. Then it climbs up to the col of Kabata (2535 m) where the serpentines continue up on the South slope. The climb starting from peak Vihren to Vihren hut can take between 3 and 4 hours.
Personal Equipment
Climbing peak Vihren through the normal tourist route doesn’t require any special alpine skills or equipment, but the following gear is essential for any easy hike or trek: